Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita on Saturday, March 21

There are two stakes races at Santa Anita on Saturday, and if you think the two morning-line favorites are vulnerable, you may be able to make a score. I’ll look to play both of those races.

RACE 4

JAZZY JOSH (3) stretches out for the first time for trainer Richard Baltas, and it appears as though he could work out a lovely stalking trip just behind the likely pacesetter, ANYPLACE ANYTIME (9). Should Jazzy Josh not rate comfortably and find himself in a speed duel, I think ERNEST SHACKLETON (6) could sit the dream trip just in behind the front-runners. Accordingly, I’ll use each of them in trifectas.

$1 trifectas:
3,6 / 3,6 / 4,5,7
3,6 / 4,5,7 / 3,6
4,5,7 / 3,6 / 3,6

RACE 8

I’ve never been a fan of FINNEGANS WAKE (8), but even I can’t deny that he’s razor sharp at the moment. That being said, I’m going to take a shot against him on the win side of things – I can’t possibly justify backing a horse who I’ve never thought was all that good at extremely short odds. ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR (9) is the runner in this spot who appears to be sitting on a career effort, and if Gary Stevens can work out a midpack trip and get first run on Finnegans Wake, I think he can win. He’ll be the major key for me in all of my plays. Here’s how I’m looking to play the race:

$5 trifecta:
9 / 8 / 2,4,6
$2 trifecta:
9 / 2,4,6 / 8