Hammersly: Santa Anita pick five play for Saturday, March 3, 2018
Santa Anita’s early pick five (races 1-5) Saturday involves some short fields, but with three of the races for maidens, there may be some options to snag a price or two.
Race 1
COOL YOUR JETS (#4) was slow into stride in his debut on this hillside course Feb. 17 but ran on well for fourth. He ran as if this longer trip will suit and might be set now. MINISTER’S GLORY (#1) is headed the right way, as he ran on decently for second in a race just like this here last time out Jan. 27. SMART KNOWS SMART (#7) was an excellent second in a race like this at Del Mar Nov. 18. His two starts since, both here in January, weren’t nearly as good, but that Del Mar race shows he’s got the necessary oomph.
A’s) 1, 4
B’s) 7
C’s) None
Race 2
JIMMY CHILA (#5) and HEARTFULLOFSTARS (#3) just ran third and fourth in a strong route at this level here Feb. 2. The former was routing for the first time, has speed and may be ready to move forward, while the latter was making his first start on the West Coast after racing back East and could improve with that race over the track.
A’s) 3, 5
B’s) None
C’s) None
Race 3
ROMAN TIZZY (#2) is a tough old warrior. He continues his solid form, and is proven on this track and at this type of trip. He gets a class hike and shows a smart recent work. LEWIS VALE (#4) looked good winning a longer route at this level here last time out Feb. 2. That was his first try on this main track so he’s eligible to do even better. His speed will have him prominent from the bell. MATRICULATE (#1) wasn’t beaten far at all when sixth vs. more expensive sprinting here Jan. 27. The class may help and he’s proven effective routing.
A’s) 2
B’s) 1, 4
C’s) None
Race 4
FAST AS CASS (#6) ran on nicely for second in his first try on turf, a sprint, here Feb. 17. He was no match for a big winner but showed he handles this footing. That was also his first start in six months so he can improve. READY EDDIE (#5) was away slowly and left with too much to do in a race like this last time out Jan. 27. He can be more effective with a better start. JERSEY’S HEAT (#1) ran on for third in a race like this here Jan. 27. He wasn’t as effective sprinting last time, so the return to this longer trip may suit. ENGLISH INVESTOR (#8) is interesting. He invades from Golden Gate where he showed ability on the synthetic main track. He’s bred to love turf (by crack turf sire and turf champion English Channel) so he may relish this ground. He gets blinkers and hails from a hot barn.
A’s) 6
B’s) 1, 5
C’s) 8
Race 5
LOOKIE LOO (#6) is an up-and-comer for Bob Baffert. After 10 months off he blasted maidens here Jan. 21 and was then a sharp second in his first try vs. winners here Feb. 17. He should handle this longer trip. DONWORTH (#3) is the proven commodity. The one-time graded stakes performer may not be that horse any longer, but his last few show he’s still got gas in the tank.
A’s) 6
B’s) 3
C’s) None