Carryover adds intrigue to pick six sequence

CYPRESS, Calif. – An appealing allowance sprint carries added significance Thursday at Los Alamitos, where a $44,133 pick six carryover includes a potential single in the race 7 feature.

The well-bred Seventh Street, up in class following a highly rated maiden win, enters as the horse to beat in the entry-level allowance. Jerry Hollendorfer trains the 3-year-old full brother to the multiple stakes-winning filly Reneesgotzip.

Seventh Street, however, faces a deep field in the six-furlong race. His rivals include American Pride, a two-time winner at the level who is entered for the optional $40,000 claim tag; Justin Squared, making his first start since a dominating maiden win last summer at age 2; and Mrazek, another comebacker who won a California-bred stakes last summer.

Eleven entered the featured race, which is part of a challenging pick six on races 3-8. The pool Thursday should approach $200,000. Below is a look at the sequence.

Race 3

Pacesetters were 0 for 9 in route races during opening week, a profile that will not help Moonlight Meeting. The stretch-out sprinter is likely to set the pace in this $8,000 claiming race at one mile. Moonlight Meeting could be pressured by the class-dropping comebacker Better Bet, in which case the race might fall apart to the benefit of Black Tie.

Race 4

Five of the six entrants have a shot in this $50,000 maiden-claiming sprint for 3-year-old fillies. C W Road, whose trainer, Peter Eurton, won 3 of 6 during opening week, drops following an okay comeback; La Galy likes the track; Jeana Baby and Cecile’s Diamond both have speed; and Midnight Swinger can improve second out. The only toss is the 0 for 15 Just a Gem.

Race 5

There are three key contenders in this $8,000 claiming sprint for non-winners of two races lifetime. They are Templar, shortening from a mile to five furlongs; Outthink’em, 1 for 32 but with good form at Los Alamitos; and Ebony Gold, back from a one-year layoff with a decent work pattern and speed figures that make him a contender.

Race 6

Only six fillies and mares entered this maiden special weight at one mile, and there is not a throw-out in the bunch. Goodlookinwife, a full sister to the multiple stakes winner Class Included, switches surfaces with an upset chance for trainer Phil D’Amato.

The five others also are qualified – the stretching-out Lily, eight-start maiden Caradini, second-time starters Crayon and Holiday Movie, and potential pacesetter Gust.

Race 7

Seventh Street added blinkers his second start at Santa Anita and led gate to wire in a fast-paced maiden special weight at 6 1/2 furlongs. Though he faces plenty of heat in this six-furlong sprint, he might be the quickest of the quick. Kent Desormeaux, who went 5 for 11 during opening week, rides him back.

Just Squared wired 2-year-old maidens in September at Del Mar and has posted a series of fast works for his return. He is trained by Bob Baffert, whose second entrant, American Pride, will rally from off the pace.

Mrazek makes his first start since August; he won his debut and later defeated subsequent Grade 1 winner Ralis in a minor stakes. Mrazek’s jockey is Mario Gutierrez, the top rider during opening week after going 6 for 11. Skelton Pass has worked well for his return; his maiden smasher last summer earned a 97 Beyer Speed Figure.

Race 8

Jonny’s Choice and Tripski are the principals in this restricted $10,000 claiming sprint at 5 1/2 furlongs.