Hammersly: Santa Anita pick three for Sunday, June 28
Some competitive races toward the back of this closing-day program give a late pick three some appeal.
Race 6
PRETENTIOUS (#7) flew home to be fourth on this course at this trip March 28. That earned him a shot at the La Puente Stakes, but that was biting off too much as he ran fifth. He moved back in vs. maidens, added blinkers and again rallied strongly to be second, beaten just a half-length. He looks ready to turn the corner. PAYTHEBANK (#2) posted his two best finishes, seconds, the last two times he ran on this course at this distance, so he's a proven good fit. AIR POCKET (#8) was a good third, just behind PRETENTIOUS, in that May 24 race on this course at this distance. That was his first turf start, so he can improve, and he's got the tactical speed to be involved from the start. BLUE LAW (#5) was a good second on this course at this trip Jan. 31. He then dueled early Feb. 28 and gave way badly to finish 10th. He hasn't run since but returns as a first-time gelding. If he can get back to that Jan. 31 performance level, he's a threat. FISHEL (#10) has worked well and is bred for this. He's by sharp young turf sire Temple City (sire of top-class turfer Bolo, who runs for these same connections).
A’s) 2, 7
B’s) 5, 8
C’s) 10
Race 7
HI FEVER (#5) blew the start in her debut at this level here June 7 but kept to her task nicely to finish fourth. With a better start, she can be in a better spot early. She has a nice work since. CATTLE QUEEN (#7) was slow into stride in her debut at this level here May 16 and made a nice move into the lane to get into third and then was one-paced to the wire. She can improve. DESIGNATED ROYALTY (#1) kept to her task well to finish third, just ahead of HI FEVER. That was her debut as well, so she has a right to move forward. TAKE IT EASYPLEASE (#2) has yet to really be a factor in four starts, but all her work came vs. tougher straight maidens, so today's drop may be key.
A’s) 5, 7
B’s) 1, 2
C’s) None
Race 8
FRIENDSWITH K MILL (#3) hasn't won in more than a year, but the gelding has shown turf talent and goes first time off the claim for Richard Baltas, who is having a terrific meet. It's most encouraging that off the claim Baltas puts him where he can't lose him via another claim and moves him to turf. PERSUASIVE PAUL (#6) is on top of his game, having won two straight. BIG JOHN B. (#2) was the best turf-distance horse on this circuit last spring/summer but then found the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf waters too deep. Then came a layoff and a dull return here April 25. Trainer Phil D'Amato has given him time and a class drop, and maybe that combination can get him back on track. HUNTSVILLE (#8) was a good fifth (beaten just a length) for $25,000 here April 17 and was claimed. He wasn't seen for two months, but when he came back, he did so up in price ($28,000), stalked the pace and finished a solid third. He can improve off that outing, and it's nice to see trainer Glatt does not risk losing him via another claim.
A’s) 3, 6
B’s) 2
C’s) 8
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