Bernier: How I'll play Santa Anita for Sunday, May 29

Sunday’s card at Santa Anita is highlighted by the Grade 2 Charlie Whittingham, and I’ll look to play a late pick three, with the middle leg being the Whittingham.

Race 7: The main track at Santa Anita generally favors early foot, and I’ll use three horses that all figure to be forwardly placed. MOTORING AROUND (3) appears as a first-time gelding, and he figures to be sent hard from the gate. While he’s light on Beyer Speed Figures, it’s worth noting that he’ll be taking a sneaky class drop. This will be the first time this George Papaprodromou trainee runs in a conditioned claiming event, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him jump up against softer company. LAMU (4) has the highest last-out Beyer in the field (71) and just missed here on May 7, finishing second at odds of 33-1. He’ll be a much shorter price now, but his early foot should allow him to work out a good trip against this group.

Race 8: A RED TIE DAY (3) ran a credible race in the Elkhorn at Keeneland on April 23, and the turn back from 12 furlongs to 10 here could be the difference maker. In a field that lacks much early zip, look for Mario Gutierrez to have this Richard Baltas trainee forwardly placed throughout. If he’s able to obtain the lead turning for home, he’ll be dangerous.

Race 9: CARULLI (7) stretches out to a route of ground for the first time under Rafael Bejarano, and if he can successfully navigate the added distance of this trip, he’ll be a handful. He figures to be forwardly placed throughout and figures to be a major player. BIG DISCOVERY (9) halves in price for Alfredo Marquez, and while he may very well prove to be a career maiden, I have to give him another shot in this spot. He didn’t get the greatest of rides from Santiago Gonzalez on May 14, and the race shape didn’t particularly help his cause. The post is no bargain, but with a bit of a better trip this time around, Big Discovery will play.

The Play: $5 Pick Three – 3,4 / 3 / 7,9 = $20