Hammersly: Santa Anita pick three play for Saturday, March 28

Some big, competitive fields give the day’s final pick three (races 7-9) some appeal.

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Race 7

GRANDIOSE TACTICS (#8) comes off a strong second on dirt, 4 1/4 lengths clear of the others, and was claimed by trainer John Sadler for $62,500. Not only is that outlay encouraging but he wheels her back in eight days and moves her to turf, which she’s handled well. HANDFULL (#4) is the highweight and one to beat as she ships in from Northern California having won 4 of her last 5. Only one of those came on turf, yes, but she’s 4 for 9 on grass so today’s footing is no issue. BORESCA (#1) came from Europe and was no factor in her first six U.S. starts, but then came a rallying third here Jan. 23 and rallying win here March 13, so she’s apparently acclimated to her new surroundings. JADE WITH ENVY (#2) was a sharp third in a $25,000 turf sprint here Feb. 5. Not only did trainer Richard Baltas, who’s having a super meet, see fit to claim her, but he brings her back without a tag attached, which is most encouraging.

A’s) 4, 8
B’s) 1
C’s) 2

Race 8

SKY KINGDOM (#8) is proven effective at this long game. While his last two here in the fall weren’t much, they came vs. tougher. He’s been freshened since with plenty of strong works in tow, indicating he’s ready to go. BRONZO (#4) found the top-rated Shared Belief too much to handle when fourth to him in the Grade 2 San Antonio and fifth to him in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap. He doesn’t face anyone like that here and today’s long trip may be to his liking. He won a Group 1 in Chile at 1 3/8 miles last May, so this game should suit. ROUSING SERMON (#3) was Grade 1-placed as a 2-year-old and has had a terrific career. He comes here off a win here last month, and while it’s uncharted waters distance-wise, he’s been adaptable and able to handle most any game. Leading rider Bejarano takes the call in a race where it appears he had options. ARLINGTON HOUSE (#5) has come in to his own. After failing to threaten in his first three starts he easily won here Jan. 16 and won here Feb. 22. It’s a hefty step up in class and a new distance, but he may have figured things out, and a bullet 58 five-furlong work here March 19 says he holds his edge.

A’s) 4, 8
B’s) 3
C’s) 5

Race 9

PRETENTIOUS (#10) was a very nice third in his first turf try here Oct. 23. His next two, both on turf, were ugly, but he had excuses for each. He’s been laid off, and it’s nice to see no drop in class. While he’s stuck way outside he gets maybe the best turf rider in the game in Mike Smith. Also, his closing style may play well here in a race that seems to have ample speed. NAKAMOTO (#2) was third when saddled with post 10 here Feb. 28. He moves inside, and with his tactical speed should be in line for a nice stalking trip. It may be his day to shine. SELECTION (#9) was no factor in his only turf try, which came at Del Mar Nov. 7, and comes off two dull dirt outings here. He was claimed for $50,000 last time, and comes back without a tag attached, with an encouraging class hike, with the leading rider, and with three strong works (including a bullet) since. Oh, he gets blinkers, too. ROCKIN ROBIN (#3) wasn’t disgraced when fourth routing on this course Feb. 28. He has ample speed and has worked twice since. SOLOMON NORTHUP (#11), an also-eligible, ran on strongly for second here Feb. 28.

A’s) 2, 10
B’s) 3, 9, 11
C’s) None