In New York, the Pick 6 carryover hits the 100G mark once in a blue moon. In southern California, it seems they have a hundred-grand pool at least once a week.
That’s the case again today at Santa Anita, which offers a $153,455 carryover on Races 3-8. By the time betting closes a few minutes before the scheduled 5:03 p.m. (eastern) post for the third race, the pool should be pushing a half-million or more. With rain yesterday in L.A. expected to continue as scattered showers through this morning, the track figures to be off, which gives the speed horses an edge.
Here’s our ticket for today’s Santa Anita Pick 6, which comes in at $32 ($2x4x1x2x2x1x1):
THIRD RACE: Westward Star set the pace to the stretch in his last two starts and drops back into a maiden claimer. Macho Image also has speed, returns to the claiming ranks and is bred to like a wet track. Ulloa missed by a neck two starts back in the mud at Golden Gate. Cornicopia has speed, goes first time for a tag and is coupled with first-time starter Heroic Firefighter.
FOURTH RACE: Single Prime Step, who steps up after being claimed, likes this track and distance, and might shake loose early. Broodmare sire Temperence Hill won Belmont Stakes in the slop.
FIFTH RACE: J.Cash finished second for a higher claiming price last out and just missed over a wet-fast track at Hollywood two races back. Kalookan Star drops to lowest level ever and comes from mud-loving sire line (Bertrando, Skywalker, Relaunch).
SIXTH RACE: Sunny Snowbound was bet down to 6-1 for debut, showed speed, took lead in deep stretch, held for second; primed to graduate. Ruth’s Match Trick faded as 9-5 favorite in return from long layoff, was claimed, has worked well since, drops.
SEVENTH RACE: On turf, Janeian has been facing graded stakes company, meets allowance foes today. If race is switched to dirt, Canta Bonita has won over the main track.
EIGHTH RACE: Runbeforethewind battled for lead last out, held well down the stretch, won’t look back today with switch to P Val.