Hammersly: How I'd play Santa Anita on Sunday, May 10
The theme for this day is going with the hot horse. There are three runners on today’s card who come here sharp and seem well positioned to continue their good form, giving you some options for key horses in your in-race and multirace wagers.
Race 2
YES YES BARONESS had blinkers on when she rallied to beat maidens (sprinting) here Feb. 20. In her first try against winners, she was asked to route at this level ($40,000) with blinkers off and was no factor, finishing fifth. Trainer Eric Kruljac took care of a couple of issues for her next start here April 11 – he reapplied blinkers and returned her to sprinting, and voila! She jumped up with another strong, rallying effort to win.
Sprinting is apparently the game she wants, and she wants it with blinkers, too. Now Kruljac gives her a most encouraging two-level class hike back to the $40,000 level. That’s a big thumbs-up from her connections, and with her cozy outside draw, she should get a nice trip, and it’s not the strongest $40,000 field you’ll see.
Race 3
BOBBY Z MAN continues his fine form. He’s won three of his last four and adores this hillside course. All five wins and his two thirds have come in his 11 tries on this layout. Not only were his last two wins nice, but they came vs. some nice dudes. He steps up further for trainer Barry Abrams here, but the way he’s going, he looks ready for such an assignment. He has ample tactical speed and versatility, which give his rider options, too.
Race 5
BLUE HARBOR may have found his calling. He did nothing in his first four starts, a debut on Del Mar’s synthetic track and then three starts on this main track. After a freshening, then-trainer Bob Hess Jr. moved him to turf and in for a tag ($50,000) April 18, and that was just what the doctor ordered. He was slow into stride in the maiden one-mile grass event but swung wide into the lane and powered home to win going away. Not only did he win well, showing he liked the sod, but Mark Casse saw fit to plunk down $50,000 to claim him. It’s his first start against winners, yes, so it’s a tougher spot, but it’s great to see Casse bring him back without a tag attached. And a smart 59.20-second five-furlong work here May 2 says this guy is doing well.