Michael Hammersly's mandatory-payout pick six play for June 18, 2023, at Santa Anita
RACE 7: HOTITUDE (#9) drops and has a bullet work. SQUARED SHADY (#5) beat the top pick in a race like this here April 30. (2)
RACE 8: Trainer Bob Baffert has three big players. ELWOOD BLUES (#3) was a solid second in his Oct. 9 debut behind a top-class stablemate who is now a Grade 1 winner. FIFTH STREET (#10) cost $950K and has worked smartly for this first run. EXTORTION (#9) cost $1 million and was an okay fourth in his debut here May 29. MOHAWK SUN (#2) could spoil Baffert’s fun as the $500K colt was a solid third in his debut here May 5. (4)
RACE 9: MAGIC GAME (#8) has done her best work sprinting on turf. RUFF RIDE (#6) handled turf well here May 28. That was her first start in nine months, so she can improve. IDESSIA (#2) looks headed the right way. (3)
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RACE 10: FLYING THUNDER (#3) just missed in a spot like this here May 27, his first start in 17 months. He can certainly move forward with that run under his belt. MANITOWISH (#8) continues his sharp form, and his last two Beyers are the best of his life. (2)
RACE 11: ITZEL (#4) was a sharp second in a race like this here May 6. That was her first start in a few months. SPICYBUG (#7) looked good beating maidens on this course at this trip May 21. PROCRASTINATION (#6) was far from disgraced in a Grade 3 turf sprint here May 6. (3)
RACE 12: YELLOW BRICK (#13), an also-eligible, just missed in his first turf try here last time out May 29 and looms a major player if he goes. QUALITY WINS (#10) showed talent with two good turf tries here a few months ago. DEFENSOR FORTIS (#5) just missed in a strong turf sprint debut here May 19 and may enjoy the added ground. PRECISION STRIKE (#4) failed as the favorite in a race like this last time out here May 12 but could make amends. MYSTIFICATION (#8) showed talent in his first two starts and is bred for turf. (5)
THE PLAY: 5, 9 / 2, 3, 9, 10/ 2, 6, 8 / 3, 8 / 4, 6, 7 / 4, 5, 8, 10, 13 = $144 ticket
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