Bernier: How I'll play Santa Anita on Saturday, March 25

The featured event on Saturday’s Santa Anita program is the nightcap, the Grade 2 San Luis Rey. I’m planning on keying in on two separate double sequences – one linking races 4 and 5, and the other races 8 and 9.

RACE 4

A salty group of blue-collar turf milers throw down, and I’ll be looking to escape the first leg of this daily double with nothing more than the two horses who figure to be forwardly placed throughout. HOBBITS HERO (5) may have lost a bit off his fastball, but he’s still capable of firing a big front-running shot. He’ll be making his second start off the claim for Jerry Hollendorfer, and he appears to be the controlling speed. FRITZ JOHANSEN (4) should be sitting just off the pace throughout for Victor Espinoza. In his most recent start March 5, Fritz bobbled out of the gate before taking up his customary position on the track; while he was unable to get the job done, I think a replica of his effort three starts back makes him a major threat.

RACE 5

CIOPPINO PASADINO (3) made a bold middle move in her most recent start Feb. 25, only to flatten out down the lane. The effort was much better than it appears on paper, and there’s a chance she’s capable of making the front against this bunch. She may not be a killer, but she’s run a number of races that are good enough to beat these fillies. She’ll be my key in this midcard double.

THE PLAY: 4,5 / 3

RACE 8

A fair amount of pace appears to be signed on in this one-mile event, and that should play to the advantage of CURLIN ROAD (7). While he may not be the most trustworthy horse (1 for 18 lifetime), he ran deceptively well in his most recent start – his first in the barn of Ron Ellis. After being hung wide throughout, Curlin Road put in a long, sustained bid, finishing with interest. A more favorable pace scenario appears here, and he should be threatening as the field turns for home.

RACE 9 – SAN LUIS REY

ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR (4) is strictly the horse to beat for trainer Peter Eurton; he’s remarkably consistent and has beautiful tactical speed that always puts him in the thick of things. Having said that, I’m hoping ITSINTHEPOST (10) is sent hard from the gate by Tyler Baze in an attempt to clear off to the lead. Ashleyluvssugar hasn’t been seen in roughly two months, and Itsinthepost ran a very strong race when second in the San Marcos here last month. Itsinthepost has the recency edge, and I’m hopeful that’s enough to give him the victory over Ashleyluvssugar.

THE PLAY: 7 / 10