Hammersly: Santa Anita pick five play for Saturday, March 17, 2018

A filly who seems to be blossoming into a hillside specialist may prove your linchpin in Saturday’s early pick five (races 1-5) at Santa Anita

Race 1

MAJESTIC EAGLE (#3) has looked like a new horse since adding blinkers and moving to turf with a couple nice seconds. It may be his day to break through and get his diploma. JUNGLE WARFARE (#6) finished just a neck behind ‘EAGLE when third on turf here Feb. 10, so he obviously fits. ‘WARFARE ran third again since in a race that’s been flattered (two next-out winners) and resurfaces as a first-time gelding. NOIVO (#8) is an interesting new face from Ireland where he showed talent.

A’s) 3, 6
B’s) 8
C’s) None

Race 2

GO GIRL GONE (#8) is really the only one in here who’s shown significant talent. She’s run just once (third) and can benefit from that outing. MI PAJARITO (#7) did make a decent midrace move last out and stayed for third, so she may be getting things figured out.

A’s) 8
B’s) 7
C’s) None

Race 3

HOW ABOUT ZERO (#5) looked super beating some of these in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint on this hillside course Jan. 27. Her two efforts on this hillside course have been terrific as she easily won both. MISS SUNSET (#4) can flat sizzle, so she’s an interesting theft possibility if you’re looking for a price, something you won’t get with ‘ZERO. BARBARA BEATRICE (#1) ran on well for second to ‘ZERO in that aforementioned Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, so she handles the hill and comes here sharp.

A’s) 5
B’s) 4
C’s) 1

Race 4

CHROMIUM (#5) dueled and paid the price in a sprint at this level here Feb. 24, though he deserves considerable credit for hanging on for second. It looks as though trainer Mark Glatt made a good claim and top rider Roman stays. HERE AND THERE (#4) finished third just a half-length behind CHROMIUM, so obviously he fits. OMDURMAN (#8) found tougher on turf too much to handle last time out here Jan. 27 but he’s been freshened, returns to dirt, and takes a considerable drop.

A’s) 4, 5
B’s) 8
C’s) None

Race 5

DARK ENERGY (#2) was freshened, dropped to this level here Feb. 16, and responded with one of his best efforts, finishing well for second. Could be he’s found his proper level. BACOLI (#5) comes off a couple of dull outings but is capable of better. Trainer Mick Ruis adds blinkers and there’s a super work since here on March 5. RUN LIKE RHETT (#1) finished decently to be third behind DARK ENERGY in that aforementioned Feb. 16 race, a sign he may be rounding back to form. LAUREN’S LADD (#10) stalked the pace, loomed a big threat vs. tougher here Feb. 23 but flattened out, ending up fourth. Today’s drop may be key.

A’s) 2, 5
B’s) 1
C’s) 10