Juvenile race is key in pick six with $64K carryover
ARCADIA, Calif. – A pick-six carryover and the debut of a hotshot 2-year-old spice up an otherwise-modest card Thursday at Santa Anita.
The $64,204 carryover is likely to generate more than $250,000 in new money; the sequence on races 3-8 begins with a maiden sprint for 2-year-old fillies that might be the best race on the card. It definitely includes the best pedigree.
Unique Bella will be well backed when she debuts for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in race 3. Sired by Tapit, she is the first runner produced by 2010 Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Unrivaled Belle. In morning works, Unique Bella has done everything right.
“We’re thinking that she’s got some quality to her, and she’s been doing very well,” Hollendorfer said. “Let’s just say she looks like she’s one that could develop fairly early.”
Mike Smith is the filly’s regular work rider; he and Unique Bella will be forwardly placed in the five-furlong race. Hollendorfer said she is quick from the gate. “She’s been working very well, and we like her,” he said.
That does not mean Unique Bella is a lock, only that expectations are high. Bettors also will give consideration to You Missed It, a runner-up in her debut and the only filly with racing experience. Chalon debuts with fast workouts at San Luis Rey Downs.
Unique Bella, You Missed It, and Chalon should provide safe cover in the opening leg of the pick six. The remaining fields are small, with one standout, if that is possible with a 6-year-old maiden making her ninth start. Below is a look at races 4-8.
◗ Race 4: Turf Club Queen, 6, figures to win this $20,000 maiden-claiming sprint at a short price. A runner-up twice since adding blinkers, Turf Club Queen ran super last out. She steadied and lost position at the three-eighths and then rerallied for second. A fast work last week indicates that she remains sharp.
◗ Race 5: Larocco has made 29 starts but never has gone two turns on dirt. A gate-to-wire winner at seven furlongs last out, she could be loose on the lead in this one-mile race for $8,000 claiming fillies and mares. Individual Design drops, while Chia Love will grind away late. She has won 2 of 5 at Santa Anita.
◗ Race 6: There is much uncertainty in this $10,000 claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs. Born to Serve was claimed from a sixth-place finish for $16,000 and drops immediately to the bottom. Trainer Eddie Truman has won with three of his last four, including one at Los Alamitos. Brother Solider is a front-runner who prefers shorter than 6 1/2 furlongs.
Magna Warrior drops following a respectable comeback, I B Mike won a $12,500 claiming sprint last out and will be among the deserving favorites, and Giant Ego plummets in class. It is a spread race.
◗ Race 7: J Serino has one win from 25 starts, yet he is the pick in this starter-allowance mile. His main rival is Dirt in Your Face, a runner-up in two straight at the level. Broken Up, Armored Car, and Tomasino all stretch out from sprints.
◗ Race 8: This inscrutable $20,000 maiden-claiming sprint is a split of race 4. No singles here. Warren’s Honey Bee, a three-time runner-up at this level, is the choice over first-time-dirt Truly Ponti. Patience Lady and Mum’s Forest have speed.