Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita on Saturday, Jan. 23
The late double Saturday is comprised of Races 8 and 9 – the Grade 2 Santa Monica and a maiden special weight affair for California-bred 3-year-olds.
RACE 8
The Santa Monica features a contentious field that includes turf horses trying dirt, horses turning back in distance, and horses who simply aren’t fast enough to win. I’ve been a fan of FINEST CITY (9) for quite some time, and I’m going to go back to her again in this spot. Her effort in the Grade 1 La Brea on opening day wasn’t very good, but she was put in a really tough spot from the moment the gates opened. Hung widest of all while pressing the pace, Finest City eventually wilted down the lane to finish an uninspiring sixth. In a race where there doesn’t appear to be a ton of early pace, expect Corey Nakatani to have this filly up on the engine throughout. At 10-1 on the morning line, I’ll be looking to make a win wager on her and key her in the first half of the late daily double.
RACE 9
I’ll use two in this spot. SUDDEN SAM (7) is a first-time starter for trainer Phil D’Amato, whose numbers over the past 90 days have been strong, according to DRF Formulator (27 for 118, $2.35 ROI). Flavien Prat takes the mount for the debut effort, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him ready to fire at first asking. The other runner I’ll use is drawn to the outside, TRUE BRILLIANCE (12). Tyler Baze retains the mount for trainer Robertino Diodoro, and if you believe he’s ready to take a step forward in his second start off the long layoff, he’s a major player. The early foot he possesses makes him a legit threat to graduate here.
THE PLAYS
RACE 8: WIN wager on 9 – FINEST CITY; DOUBLE – 9 / 7, 12