Hammersly: Santa Anita pick three for Sunday, Dec. 28

Some deep, tough races in the middle of the card make races 4-6 attractive for a pick three play. The difficult races likely will add up to a hefty payout.

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Race 4

KOOL KAT (#8) has been knocking on the door. Her maiden win came on this course at this trip. MANGITA (#7) tried dirt and a graded-stakes-caliber field last time. That didn‘t go well but she‘s been freshened, drops and is back on turf, her forte. HIJRA (#11) came from France and immediately made a good impression. She was then in too tough in a Grade 3 at Del Mar Nov. 22 but is better situated here. SHYSHEISNOT (#10) and sharp she is, having won 3 of her last 4. She won on this course at this trip Oct. 17. MAGIC SPOT (#9) was very sharp earlier this year (won 4 of 5) before finding stakes foes far too tough at Del Mar Aug. 17. She‘s been freshened and drops, and that may get her back on track.

A’s) 7, 8
B’s) 10, 11
C’s) 9

Race 5

LITTLE CURLIN (#7) has been knocking on the door this year. He was only a half-length behind NOWALKING at Del Mar last time Nov. 27 but may be better on dirt and may have more speed. NOWALKING (#5) may be ready to break through. He rallied for third and second in his last two starts and figures to be finishing. A super bullet six-furlong work (1:11.80) here Dec. 15 encourages. J SERINO (#1) was no factor on turf last time out at Del Mar but he‘s shown dirt ability over this track.

A’s) 5, 7
B’s) 1
C’s) None

Race 6

PEPNIC (#11) is proven on turf and has a touch of class as he‘s run in a few stakes. A strong training track work here Dec. 20 (five furlongs in 59.80) hints he‘s primed. LUCKARACK (#6) is a tough customer (you don‘t win 13 times by accident). He‘s proven on the hill, is fresh and has run well off a layoff. NO JET LAG (#3) was good enough last year to face the likes of Wise Dan. Things haven‘t gone well since but a big drop may snap him back to life. SNOWDAY (#4) can really motor early and it‘s encouraging Hollendorfer saw fit to plunk down $40K to claim him last time. FIGHTING ON (#2) has speed and versatility and has handled the hill well. He may be a nice claim. HOME SCHOOL (#1) drops and gets back to sprinting. He‘s run well on the hill. U.S. CITIZEN (#7) comes here sharp, has versatility and has handled the hill. SOMETHINGS UNUSUAL (#8) has run well down the hill against some real tough customers, and while he hasn’t run in over 11 months he can fire fresh and has worked well.

A’s) 6, 11
B’s) 2, 3, 4
C’s) 1, 7, 8