Hammersly: Santa Anita pick three play for Saturday, May 9

Some big fields early on the card give an early pick three (races 2-4) some appeal, particularly because race 5, the Grade 1 Vanity, will apparently be reduced to a field a four. Beholder will reportedly scratch, leaving a very short-priced favorite in Warren’s Veneda. That makes the pick threes involving that race less attractive.

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Race 2

EMYVALE COURT (#7) has run three times on this hillside course, finishing second each time. It looks like her day. Still, it’s not as if she has any room for error, so she isn't an "A" single. ELEMENTAR (#10) flashed ample talent last summer, and tried a stakes here Oct. 5. That didn’t go well, but she's been given time to regroup and is back in vs. maidens. She’s been working wonderfully. MARKETPLACE (#6) has worked well for her bow for a trainer who’s good first out, and she’s bred for the turf. Her only sibling to race is Enterprising, who is a four-time stakes winner on turf. SWEETER THANCANDY (#4) progressed nicely last fall, and her best race came on this hillside course when she closed well. She’s worked very nicely for her first run since.

A’s) 7, 10
B’s) 6
C’s) 4

Race 3

RAMBLING HOUSE (#1) looks like a solid "A." Since putting on blinkers he’s posted two sharp seconds at this level here recently. He looks ready to get his first win over winners. HE’S A REAL KEEPER (#5) didn’t seem to be going anywhere but then in start No. 15 looked like a new horse, blasting home to whip maidens. Could be the light has gone on for him. PEFIOLO (#6) tumbles in class and that may be key. He showed talent when second sprinting against more expensive open foes here earlier this meet.

A’s) 1
B’s) 5
C’s) 6

Race 4

VANLOSE STAIRWAY (#3) won her debut on this hillside course in February 2014. She dueled and gave way Feb. 28 and then was unable to make a dent late March 28, but on both occasions she was facing tougher. She drops and has had four nice works since her last start. Q’ VIVA (#9) is the one to beat. She has four seconds in five tries on this hillside course. It may finally be her day to clear this condition. KRISTINITE (#11) looks on top of her game as she powered home to easily beat maidens on this course last month. CINDYS SECRET (#1) darn near led them all the way in her first try on turf and first try down the hill March 29.

A’s) 3, 9
B’s) 1, 11
C’s) None