American Pharoah clinched Horse of the Year honors the moment he crossed the finish line first in the Belmont Stakes. That we all know. But when was the last time the sport’s biggest year-end honor was settled so early, with half the season still remaining?
Two small pick three wagers are the plays Sunday at Santa Anita. The initial wager (races 1-3) will single chalk and is a small $6 play. The next wager (races 6-8) singles a price horse and will cost $15.
The Sunday card at Belmont is in danger of being greatly altered by the weather as heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the region Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Incredibly, we haven’t lost a single turf race to wet weather since the meet began April 29, or one Triple Crown winner ago. That streak is likely to come to an end Father’s Day as the forecast says rain is just about a sure thing with a good chance for some significant thunderstorms.
It’s not often that there’s one horse on the card on which to key your day. Usually there are a couple runners that pique your interest, but Sunday’s Santa Anita card presents such a scenario where one horse can make or break your strategy.
Trainer Malcolm Pierce saddles Finn's Jewel (#3, ML 8-5) in Saturday's eighth race at Woodbine, a 1 1/8-mile allowance optional claimer on turf. Since Jan. 1, 2014, Pierce is winning at a 30 percent clip in allowances, for a return on investment of $2.73.
BLUE VIOLET (#4, 6-1) missed second by a couple of necks when fourth in a tougher Grade 3 last time; back at her home track for Saturday's eighth race at Delaware Park, the Grade 3 Obeah Stakes.
Download DRF Plus handicapping reports for Saturday's races, including DRF Bets GamePlan, the Positive ROI Report, and Key Race Report.
Saturday’s card at Belmont features the Grade 3 Bed o’ Roses Handicap for fillies and mares traveling seven furlongs.
DRF handicapper Michael Hammersly provides his analysis for a pick three play on Saturday's card at Santa Anita.
