Carryover a puzzling chase

ARCADIA, Calif. - Neither time nor money will guarantee victory for horseplayers attacking the pick six races Wednesday at Santa Anita, where a $205,959 carryover is at stake in races 3-8.

In fact, hours of handicapping may lead many to consider Wednesday's pick six virtually unhittable. None of the six races includes a standout, many apparent contenders are flawed, and only one sure-fire way exists to insure a winning ticket.

Unfortunately, most horseplayers are insufficiently capitalized to spend the $866,052 necessary to purchase every combination. The six-race series begins with a bottom-level sprint claimer for for California-bred fillies and mares. None is a win machine.

Race 3 contenders include Nahulalula, Fahana, and Alessandria, who have combined for 106 losses from 117 starts. Nahulalula (2 for 12) is the mare to beat, despite a propensity to fade late. She is racing at the most speed-friendly distance at Santa Anita - 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track. Fahana missed by a length last time, her first in four months. Late-runner Alessandria drops severely, but is compromised by the profile.

Race 4 contenders include class-droppers No Toro and Mikelmagillicutty. The race is at 6 1/2 furlongs for $32,000 maiden-claimers, and both leading contenders have speed.

Race 5, a first-condition allowance for 3-year-old California-bred fillies, is a scramble. Aaron Avenue is the high-figure filly, though wheeling back just 10 days after a maiden win. Cause I'm Tricky cuts back to one turn after a strong runner-up effort at a mile. Nicole's Pursuit and You're on Your Own have enough speed to make themselves known.

Race 6 is a $40,000 claiming route for 3-year-olds; no starter has recently equaled par for the level. It's a race begging for an upset winner, though Sharpster has been facing better. Ft. Washington's four-length maiden win was flattered Sunday when the horse he beat returned to win.

Race 7, a first-condition sprint for fillies and mares at six furlongs, follows the chaotic pattern of the program. Angel Angelique may be favored despite pace figures that do not equal par; Vida Dancer is the speed of the speed in the six-furlong race.

Race 8 is a split of the fourth, a $32,000 maiden-claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs. Leading contenders include second-time starter Blue Warrior, the quickest of the quick; Bet on Brad, who adds blinkers and cuts back to one turn; and first-time starters Mighty Max and Irish King.

Bettors who play the pick six using every horse mentioned in this story are looking at a $768 play.

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