Upon examining the past performances of Saturday’s Grade 3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park, I initially turned my attention away from Jensen and toward other horses, knowing that many winners of this race have been either proven turf or synthetic performers. Jensen has made all four of his starts on dirt.
Then trainer Larry Jones talked me into supporting him. Well, not literally, but by his decision to run him there.
SOCIALIZED, by City Zip
Trainer: John Brocklebank
Last race: March 24, 5th
Finish: 9th by 11 3/4
Beyer: 61
This need-the-lead turf filly had no shot after being outrun for the lead. Claimed for $40,000 by Brocklebank from Cliff Sise, she can wire a similar turf route if she makes the lead.
DARK AS MIDNIGHT
Trainer: Jim Ryerson
Last race: March 26, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/2
Beyer: 70
This 3-year-old colt by Midnight Lute was bet down to favoritism for his debut and chased wide throughout while continuing on with good courage through the stretch.
COMMENT: S’marvelous rode a stalking trip to a 20-1 upset here. He went right out to dog pacesetter Coup de Grace, took over from that tiring rival into the lane, opened up a clear lead and had little trouble maintaining his advantage to the wire. This was a nice show of versatility as he came from well off the pace in his optional-claiming win here March 3. The 6-year-old was claimed for $32,000 last summer at Belmont.
Grade 2, $2 million United Arab Emirates Derby; 1,900 meters (approximately 1 3/16 miles); Meydan; March 26, 2016
(100 Derby qualifying points for a win, 40 for second, 20 for third, 10 for fourth)
Winner: Lani
Trainer: Mikio Matsunaga
Jockey: Yutaka Take
Owner: Yoko Maeda
Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby; 1 1/8 miles; Fair Grounds; March 26, 2016
(100 Derby qualifying points for a win, 40 for second, 20 for third, 10 for fourth)
Winner: Gun Runner, by Candy Ride
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Three Chimneys Farm
Beyer Speed Figure: 91
Here are a few horses to consider on Sunday’s card at Santa Anita.
• The featured ninth race is the $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at one mile on turf. The top contenders have many questions to answer regarding surface, distance, class, and current form, so it might be wise to take a crack at a longer-priced option.
Trainer Richard Baltas saddles one-third of the entrants, and I’ll take the one who offers the highest morning-line odds.
Race 7
The horse to beat in this maiden special weight race for 3-year-old fillies on turf is Akron Gold (#3). She has run well in both of her starts while coming up short at the end, and this field may have a tough time beating her. There are a couple of other runners of interest in this race, but Akron Gold is a must use.
On Saturday, there is a mandatory payout of Gulfstream Park's Rainbow 6 pool, which could reach more than $10 million. Here's one look at how to hit the bet, using a bankroll of less than $300, which is within the reach of many small syndicates:
Short fields make it difficult to take too much of a stand early on Saturday's 11-race card at Santa Anita. The second half of the card, however, sees some big fields, and you may have a few opportunities to get that price. Here are a few runners who could be key for your wagers.
