King: How I'll play Santa Anita for Saturday, Nov. 5
A $500,000-guaranteed pool for the opening pick five on Breeders’ Cup Saturday wakes up bettors. So here is a look at the sequence and my Ticketmaker Play
Race 1
Up first is the Juvenile Turf Sprint at 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill. I prefer a couple late-running horses cutting back in distance: Harbour Master (4) and Kitten’s Cat (10) – both “A” plays in Ticketmaker. Although their lack of speed is a disadvantage, they simply look classier than the rest.
The speedy Red Lodge (9) is a backup “B” play just in case one of the top two can’t get in gear in time.
Race 2
The Golden State Juvenile looks like one of the least competitive races on the day – so only going two-deep in here, using California Diamond (4) as an “A” and Sizzling Square (2) as a “B.” California Diamond is the obvious class and should win, while Sizzling Square is an improving sort and offers more value.
Race 3
Concerned by how Lady Shipman (13) ran on this course last time, so the Sen. Ken Maddy for fillies and mares going down the hill seems best played using a number of horses. I will use Lady Shipman as an “A,” respecting her outstanding record vs. females, and also have Fair Point (12) as an “A.” Fair Point is my top selection.
Backup “B” plays are Acapulco (2) and Mehronissa (8). Both are classy sprinters.
Race 4
Now we come to the first Breeders’ Cup race of the day, the Juvenile Fillies: Yellow Agate (4) is my selection, followed by With Honors (2) and Union Strike (9). I will use all three as “A” runners.
Daddy’s Lil Darling (11), a wide second in the Alcibiades, and 2-for-2 American Gal (12) are my backup “B” runners.
Race 5
I see two fillies as being the class of the Filly and Mare Turf: European invader Seventh Heaven (3) and Lady Eli (8). I will go just two deep in this leg, using them both as “A” horses.
The Play
Plugging these horses into Ticketmaker, for $156 an all “A” ticket can be played for $1.50; tickets with four “A’s” and one “B” for $1; and tickets with four “A’s” and two “B’s” for 50 cents.
:: See Byron Kings pick five play in DRF TicketMaker and bet it with DRF Bets