Bernier: Los Alamitos pick three play for Saturday, July 11

RACE 7

WATDIFRENZDZITMAKE (8) switches back from the turf to the dirt today and catches a rather weak group. There appears to be a fair amount of speed signed on here, and this Phil D’Amato trainee should be rolling down the long stretch of Los Alamitos. I’ll also use FEEL THE CHARGE (2) (broke maiden going two turns last out at SA), MY SWEET AFLEET (6) (defeated Feel the Charge three back, switches back to dirt today), and IVANA BEAT YABAD (7) (possesses legitimate early speed and should be leading as the field turns for home).
A: 8
B: 2,6,7
C: NONE

:: Build your pick three ticket with DRF TicketMaker

RACE 8

The Great Lady M. Stakes is a fascinating race for multiple reasons. Not only does it feature quality fillies and mares, but the race shape is one that could result in many of the contenders being compromised early. SUNDAY RULES (5) looks the part of a superstar, and while she’ll need to work harder than she ever has in this spot, I think she’s capable of getting the job done. WARREN’S VENEDA (7) is cutting back in distance in a major way, going from the 8.5-furlong Adoration at Santa Anita last out to today’s 6.5-furlong sprint. Her company lines alone make her a player in this spot, but I do question if she’ll have enough time to get her engines revved up and rolling to win. CLEARLY CONFUSED (2) looks overmatched on paper, but if the pace ends up being lively I think she could come rolling late. The long stretch at Los Al will work in her favor and she could provide enormous value in any multi-race sequence should she win. Others I’ll also use in this race include FANTASTIC STYLE (6) and LEGACY (9).
A: 2,5,7
B: 6,9
C: NONE

RACE 9

Saturday’s finale seems pretty straightforward to me – we have horses that don’t like to pass other horses, and there are two horses that figure to be forwardly placed during the running. When you factor in that those two horses are the most talented on paper, it becomes a pretty clear situation. NOT ENOUGH EDDIE (4) figures to be forwardly placed throughout, and the turn-back from six to five furlongs should do wonders for him. He is trained by Doug O’Neill, who is red hot right now, and you’d be foolish to throw any of his runners out. PAX TECUM (7) is the other that appears to be headed to the front in this race. He aired in his most recent start here on July 2 only to be disqualified and placed fifth. If he replicates that effort he’ll be very tough.
A: 4,7
B: NONE
C: NONE