Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita for Saturday, March 12
The 79th edition of the Santa Anita Handicap is the featured event on a tremendous card Saturday at Santa Anita, and there will be plenty of strong wagering opportunities to be had during the course of the day. Here are a few of the plays I’ll be looking to key in on:
Race 6 – Kilroe Mile
Although my pick in the race is BAL A BALI (3), I’m interested in potentially wagering on WHAT A VIEW (2) at what should be a reasonable price. After prevailing in the Cal Cup Turf Classic on Jan. 30, this son of Vronsky steps up to face graded stakes competition for the first time in his career. While he’s catching a very salty group of turf milers, it must be noted that he has had success on a less-than-firm turf course in the past – something that can’t be said for some of his main competition. If What a View goes off at or above 6-1, he’ll be worth a win wager.
Race 9 – San Carlos Stakes
The San Carlos features a field of eight, and it will be the kickoff leg of a variety of wagers for me. From a win standpoint, I think CAUTIOUS GIANT (5) could be very enticing at what should be a solid number. On the heels of a solid third-place finish in his most recent effort, this Kristin Mulhall trainee figures to be forwardly placed throughout – if not outright on the lead. The seven furlongs could prove to be testing for him, but his speed makes him a major threat. At odds of 6-1 or greater, he’s playable.
As far as multi-race wagers are concerned, I’ll look to play doubles from the San Carlos into the Santa Anita Handicap as follows:
CALCULATOR (1) / DONWORTH (3) at $32 or greater (however unlikely that may be)
CAUTIOUS GIANT (5) / DONWORTH (3) $48 or greater
You can take a look at the pick four I constructed with Dan Illman in the video section of DRF.com.