Moon Over Paris, Divina Comedia key to pick six
ARCADIA, Calif. – The 4-year-old turf filly Moon Over Paris and the 5-year-old dirt mare Divina Comedia share little in common other than a disinclination to run two races alike.
But on Thursday at Santa Anita, pick six bettors might rely on both to reproduce their most recent efforts when they start as likely favorites in two optional-claiming races for older fillies and mares on a card that includes a carryover of $80,136.
Race 4 is a first-level optional-claiming race at 1 1/4 miles on turf. Moon Over Paris is expected to start favored following an improved runner-up finish last out in her first start with Lasix and her first time on the Santa Anita turf.
Seven fillies and mares entered race 4, including seven-time winner Agustina de Aragon, Shysheisnot, Artisticdifference, Hiking, Cornish Path, and Holograeme.
Race 7 is a second-level optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on dirt. Divina Comedia is the horse to beat following an improved runner-up finish when she returned to her preferred footing, the Santa Anita main track.
Six fillies and mares entered race 7, including the pace presser Lucy in Diamonds and her stretch-running stablemate, All Star Bub, along with Tiz Ladys Legs, Backintheacademy, and Show Stealer.
The pick six sequence on races 3-8 includes a maiden event, race 6, in which second-time starter Ready to Hula Lula could be tough to catch.
KEY CONTENDERS
OPTIONAL CLAIMER (RACE 4)
Moon Over Paris, by Blame
Last 3 Beyers: 80-64-67
◗ Graham Motion trains Moon Over Paris, whose first-time-Lasix runner-up finish last out was the best of her career. Moon Over Paris is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Bauble Queen.
◗ A tepid pace scenario Thursday benefits Moon Over Paris, who should be forwardly placed under Flavien Prat, the meet’s leading turf rider (13 for 67).
Agustina de Aragon, by Political Force
Last 3 Beyers: 80-60-81
◗ The 1 1/4-mile distance is a challenge for a mare who has not raced beyond 1 1/16 miles.
◗ Doug O’Neill trains Agustina de Aragon, a runner-up last out in a $40,000 claiming race. Her rider is meet leader Rafael Bejarano.
Shysheisnot, by Tribal Rule
Last 3 Beyers: 73-71-53
◗ Distance is not an issue for the 3-for-15 Shysheisnot, whose most recent win was at 1 3/8 miles. Shysheisnot was claimed from a third-place finish last out for $25,000 by Mike Machowsky. Edwin Maldonado will ride.
OPTIONAL CLAIMER (RACE 7)
Divina Comedia, by Footstepsinthesand
Last 3 Beyers: 79-78-66
◗ Her improved runner-up effort last out coincides with a return to the Santa Anita main track, where in June she won a first-level optional claimer by 4 3/4 lengths.
◗ Simon Callaghan trains Divina Comedia, and Joe Talamo rides.
Lucy in Diamonds, by Rock Hard Ten
Last 3 Beyers: 50-78-78
◗ Jerry Hollendorfer trains Lucy in Diamonds, who switches to dirt after pressing the pace and tiring to finish last in her comeback on turf. Martin Garcia rides.
All Star Bub, by Midshipman
Last 3 Beyers: 77-80-80
◗ Also trained by Hollendorfer, she is reunited with Rafael Bejarano, who rode her to both of her wins. Last time out, All Star Bub finished third behind runner-up Divina Comedia.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 2 Tiz Ladys Legs. Trainer Neil Drysdale is 17-4-1-3 with a $4.76 ROI over the past five years going sprint to route on dirt. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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