ARCADIA, Calif. – Santa Anita will be dry Saturday, the first Saturday card in three weeks to be run under fast and firm conditions. Early fields are small; later races include bigger fields with potential value. The play is a $1 pick three on races 6-8. Two tickets for a total cost of $24.
Race 6
Race 6:
Stretch's Stone (#9)
Possesses considerably more early speed than any of his rivals; should control the early pace.
Finished well after surviving a fast pace in his maiden victory.
Should get enough stamina pedigree from his dam.
7-2 on ML
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Race 7:
Just Got Out (#8)
Although the Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star Stakes is the richest and most noteworthy of the six stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday, the race is a pass for this horseplayer. The horses with the best chances are the likely favorites.
The three graded races that precede the Risen Star are more attractive from a wagering standpoint, with the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra holding the most appeal, followed closely by the Mineshaft and the Fair Grounds Handicap. So, let’s take a look at those races.
Rachel Alexandra
Shotgun Kowboy
Trainer: C.R. Trout
Last race: Feb. 20, 8th
Finish: 1st by 3 3/4
Beyer: 95
Grade 3 winner might be sitting on his best season ever at 5. He’s won both of his starts at the meet – one off a layoff of more than five months. His latest score came in an optional $80,000 claiming route in which he defeated a field that included Grade 3 winners Carve and Suddenbreakingnews as well as stakes winners like Rocket Time.
DIG CHARLIE DIG
TRAINER: Gregory Foley
LAST RACE: Jan. 16, 7TH
FINISH: 2nd, beaten 1 1/2 lengths
BEYER: 70
Third-time starter making his second turf run in his first race since September got off on the wrong foot when bumped out of the gate. Wound up near back of the 10-horse field, was wide on the turn, and even wider into stretch, but came with strong finish while showing turf appears to be his thing. Should graduate next time.
Harveson
Trainer: Randy Rarick
Last race: Feb. 11, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 9
Beyer: 50
Made his first start in just about a full year here and though he was off the board it was a deceptively good effort, as he was behind a controlled pace, which resulted in a two-speed exacta; better setup can make all the difference for him next time.
Mill Hill Prince
NOWALKING
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Feb. 16, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 2 3/4
Beyer: 94
Off nearly two years, returning as first-time gelding, this veteran stormed home to win highly rated $35,000 claiming (N3L) sprint. Sprint or route, 6-year-old should have a big year.
Each week, TimeformUS Chief Figure Maker Craig Milkowski takes a look back at the weekend’s graded stakes and releases the TimeformUS Speed Figures for these races.
TimeformUS Speed Figure Report
Stakes Races for week ending 2-20-2017
Oaklawn
Grade 3 Razorback Handicap
1/2 127
3/4 125
Fin 133
Top 3: Gun Runner 130, Hawaakom 124, Domain’s Rap 120
Aqueduct | Race 2 | Post Time 1:20 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up
