Bernier: Santa Anita pick three for Saturday, April 4

Saturday’s card at Santa Anita Park is strong, offering salty fields and solid wagering opportunities. I’ll be looking to play the pick three that is made up of all graded stakes races – the Santa Anita Oaks, Santa Anita Derby, and Providencia (races 7-9).

RACE 7

STELLAR WIND (6) was fantastic in her Southern California debut for trainer John Sadler, and she’ll bring the highest last-out Beyer Speed Figure into the field (91). If there is something to knock about this daughter of Curlin’s last start, it’s that she was a step slow from the starting gate – and there’s no guarantee she’ll be able to get away with a tardy start against this caliber of competition. LUMINANCE (5) was the talk of the Del Mar meeting for trainer Bob Baffert, and she didn’t disappoint in her debut over the Polytrack. Her return effort Feb. 28 was solid, but she did run quite greenly down the lane (looking at the grandstand). She defeated WILD AT HEART (7) in that optional claimer, and while Wild At Heart did nothing wrong in defeat, Luminance is the one who projects to move forward here. I’ve been a huge fan of CURLIN’S FOX (3) since her stylish debut going down the hill Feb. 1, and I’ll be going back to her today in the toughest test of her brief career. Last out, she took the overland route on the far turn before closing furiously, and based on her gallop-out, she’ll relish the added distance. She’s my pick in the Santa Anita Oaks.
A: 3
B: 5,6
C: 7

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RACE 8

DORTMUND (1) enters the Santa Anita Derby undefeated, and the rail draw shouldn’t hinder him too much. He’s done nothing wrong to this point and has shown multiple dimensions. He’s the only “A” I’ll be using. I’m a huge fan of BOLO (4), but I feel that his future will be on grass and going shorter. PROSPECT PARK (5) continues to improve with each start, and a forward move today isn’t out of the question. Should he improve, he’ll prove a formidable foe for Dortmund. The only question is the price. ONE LUCKY DANE (2) was late to get back to the races when making his 3-year-old debut, but he did so in impressive fashion. He’ll likely be forwardly placed, but I’m not sure about his overall ability just yet.
A: 1
B: 4,5
C: 2

RACE 9

The Providencia features a runner who could be a complete standout, ENTRECHAT (4). Not only does she own the highest last-out Beyer in the field, but she’ll also be receiving Lasix for the first time. She was sensational in winning her maiden last out, and even a mild forward move would make her very difficult to deal with here. SPANISH QUEEN (6) performed very nicely in her debut last month for trainer Richard Baltas, and she’ll be the only “B” I’ll use. Defensively, I’ll include MISS BOOM BOOM (3), FROSTY FRIDAY (7), and LADY ZUZU (11). I’m taking a stand against one of the likely favorites, PRIZE EXHIBIT (8). She was good while returning in January, but I hate to see the huge gap in her works between Feb. 13 and March 21. If she beats me, she beats me.
A: 4
B: 6
C: 3,7,11

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