We stay at Santa Anita for today’s race, and we will take a look at the seventh race on their nine-race card. The race is the Robert J. Frankel Stakes, and we have fillies and mares going a mile and an eighth on the turf course.
Santa Anita Race 7 – Robert J. Frankel Stakes
We have a field of seven entered for today’s featured race, but only a maximum of six horses will run. We have two horses who were cross entered into the American Oaks, which was the finale of yesterday’s opening day card.
The 4 Rashmi will be scratched. She ran yesterday finishing fourth. However, the 4 Omaha Girl (15/1 ML) scratched from yesterday’s American Oaks to run today. She has been near the front in her races but would face in the final portions of her races since making California her home.
Favored in this race is the 7 Hang the Moon (9/5 ML). She comes in after showing nothing in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She returns to Santa Anita where she is 2 for 2 lifetime. She is a closer and expect her to make her move on that final turn today.
The 2 Yerwanthere (6/1 ML) stretches out after winning an optional claiming race at Del Mar last month. She has closed well in her last five races and I expect her to be closing as well.
The 3 Mrs. Astor (9/2 ML) has improved over her last three starts and won the Grade 3 Red Carpet last time out at Del Mar. She gets another chance to show her stuff in California in a race that is mostly closers.
The 6 Mouffy (7/2 ML) may be a little closer to the pace than the other horses in the field. She will probably be near Omaha Girl who I expect to be on the lead here today.
Joe’s Pick
There is almost no speed in this race. It looks like Omaha Girl will go for the lead here. This will turn into a three-eighths to half mile sprint to the finish with the four closers, including Mahina (#1, 8/1 ML) who didn’t show much in the Red Carpet but does have a good closing kick as well.
Hang the Moon may also be closer to the pace here since there isn’t that much speed up front today. She is the best horse here, and I’ll gladly eat chalk here for the winner of this race. I’ll go 7-3-6-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!