We stay in Southern California for today’s race, and we try to get out of the funk that we are in right now with the Santa Ysabel Stakes. This is a Kentucky Oaks Prep race with 50 points to the winner. We have a field of six fillies going a mile and a sixteenth on the main track.
Santa Anita Race 6 – Santa Ysabel Stakes (Grade 3)
Favored in the field of six here today is the 3 Supa Speed (2/1 ML). She has routing experience, but those mile races have been on the turf. This will be the filly’s first attempt on the main track after five races on the green. She could take to the dirt today, but I am thinking that she might need to prove herself today.
The 2 Howin (7/2 ML) is one of three Bob Baffert trained fillies in the field today. She finished fourth in the Santa Ynez in her first race in three months. She broke here maiden going two turns last October This filly’s sire is Gun Runner, who is a strong route running sire. Don’t be surprised if the improves with this two turn test.
The 4 Cipriani (5/2 ML) finished second to stablemate Tenma in the Las Virgenes Stakes. This Baffert filly only faced two other fillies in that race, so I am not putting too much stock into it. But she did get a two-turn race in here for today.
The 5 Maysam (3/1 ML) is the third Baffert filly in this race and her last race at Sunland Park might be an automatic toss. She was fractious in the gate and might have spent all her energy for the race started. She might be worth another play. I’m not sure if it was unfamiliar surroundings or the elevation or something else, being home might be the best thing for her today.
Joe’s Pick
Bob Baffert had three horses in yesterday’s San Felipe and did not win. He can’t do that two days in a row right? If there is a horse that looks like you just “put a line” through the last race it is Maysam. She wasted all her energy for whatever reason at the start of the race. I’m giving her a chance to bounce back and get some points towards the Oaks.
I’m calling this race 5-4-2-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!