Free: Santa Anita pick three for Sunday, June 7
ARCADIA, Calif. – Triple Crown hangover? You’re not alone. Here’s a small pick three play for Sunday at Santa Anita. In this game, the gambling never ends.
The $1 bet ($27 total) covers races 2-4. If it hits, it probably won’t pay much. After all, the slam-dunk single in the middle leg is likely to start at odds-on.
Race 2
JAN’S SPIRIT (3) is the controlling speed in this claiming sprint for 3-year-old fillies. However, 6 1/2 furlongs is a long way, and 9-5 is a short price. SWEET SILVER (4) would get first run if the top-choice favorite falters, while closer MIZ PENELOPE (6) will roll late. Jan’s Spirit and Miz Penelope are trained by Richard Baltas, who is 11 for 20 over the past three weeks (into Saturday).
Use: 3, 4, 6
Race 3
Had a nice Thursday visit with PROSPECT PARK (5) at the Santa Anita stable of trainer Cliff Sise. Based on Prospect Park’s playful behavior (bucking, squealing), his dappled coat, and solid workouts, it will be a surprise if the Grade 2-placed colt loses his comeback in the Grade 3 Affirmed Stakes. Listed at 6-5 on the early line, he could go odds-on. He’s a single.
Use: 5
Race 4
This turf sprint for maiden fillies and mares is a puzzle. It’s because there is no speed, and the favorite is a comeback closer whose best races are routes. MARGARET REAY (5) is an Empire Maker filly owned by Zayat Stables. She was good enough last year to finish second in a Grade 3 won by Lady Eli. But does she have to win first start back? Nope.
HARD DAY’S NIGHT (8) will try turf for the first time in California; GENTLE HUMOR (9) ran well in her debut and should improve. I don’t trust any, so I’ll take the easy way out and use “all” in the nine-runner field.
Use: all 9 starters.