Hammersly: Santa Anita pick three for Sunday, March 22

There aren’t too many good-sized fields on this card, making putting together a multi-race wager a bit tricky. But the one fully subscribed race (race 4) down the hill gives you some options kicking off a mid-card pick three.

Race 4

HAZARDOUS DREAMS (#1) had a troubled start but ran on well for third down the hill Feb. 16. He’s best as a closer but doesn’t have to come from miles out of it. The pace should play well for him. THE CUSTODIAN (#11) is another closer for whom the race shape may play favorably. HYE I’M JACK (#8) dueled before fading to fifth behind some of these here Feb. 16, but that was his first start in over 13 months. He figures fitter and tougher. The blinks come off. SEEDSANDSTEMSAGAIN (#2) was a big second at 48-1 on this course Feb. 16. He moves back to turf after fading on dirt. STYLISTIC (#10) is a mare facing the boys but she showed talent last summer and comes into this off two bullet works for a trainer who can fire off the bench, though it is her first time on turf.

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A’s) 1, 11
B’s) 2, 8
C’s) 10

Race 5

PRACTICAL (#4) faded to sixth at this level here Feb. 16, but that was his first start in 10 months. He can improve off that run, and trainer Michael Pender does well second time off a long layoff like that (2 for last 6, 33 percent). SENOR PEGASUS (#5) has been knocking on the door and figures to bust through one of these days. WIN WISH (#8) has speed and can hold on better than his last indicates, particularly as he goes inside to outside. TESTER (#6) drops a bunch for his first start in five months. He’s worked well for a trainer who does well off the bench.

A’s) 4, 5
B’s) 8
C’s) 6

Race 6

KERRILYNN (#6) likely needed her March 5 dirt sprint here at this level when third, as it was her first start in 10 months. She can benefit from that and a return to the hill. She’s won before on the hill and leading rider Rafael Bejarano takes the call. NERO’S PLEASURE (#1) ran on nicely for third in a tough $32,000 turf route here. She drops and moves back to sprinting, which may be her best game. PILLOW (#10) came from Ireland a year ago and was pitched right into a tough race and was no factor. She was gone another five months, was still facing toughies at Del Mar last Sept. 3 and was again no factor. She’s been gone yet again but tumbles in class and has been working along nicely for a trainer who does well off a long layoff like this (4 for 14, 29 percent). ALWAYS A CHANCE (#4) had a miserable trip last time. She’s due for some luck and has run well down the hill.

A’s) 6
B’s) 1, 10
C’s) 4