HORSE RACING

​Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday 6/5/20

With most of the sports world on pause, it's a great time to dive into horse racing, and FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to do just that.

Starting at 3:30 p.m. EST, we have eight races at Santa Anita. Using our numberFire projections as a guide, here are some of the best bets.

As always, keep an eye out for scratches and changes.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions).

Friday’s card is not very good, so tread lightly heading into Saturday’s sensational day of racing at Santa Anita with seven stakes including the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) and Santa Anita Oaks (G2).

Rogallo, Race 3

FD Odds: 5/2

One of six claiming races on the card and this one carries a $25K tag going 1-mile to open the Rainbow Pick Six Jackpot. Justin’s Quest (9/5) will be a popular pick as the favorite, but let’s try to beat him after he finished 7th at long odds against better three weeks ago. He still posted a solid 98 Equibase speed figure, and should be controlling speed. Note pace setters are 8-for-13 in 1-mile races since Santa Anita resumed racing.

Rogallo (5/2) drops in class and stretches out for trainer John Sadler. He posted a pair of 100-plus speed figures over this surface later last year. Gelded and freshened since his last race in February, Rogallo should run well and with confidence against this weaker group. We agree with numberFire projection as top pick with place bets and exacta inclusions. Claim of Passion (6/1) for EPO trainer Phil D’Amato drops in class and consistent work tab in return of layoff against better in January.

Dia de Pago (3/1) will try to pick up the pieces as a late closer but the pace is not projected as too fast.

Contagion, Race 8

FD Odds: 5/2

A claiming race to finish the day at The Great Race Place with eight runners going 1-mile on the turf. Single in here for late Pick 3 players and bettors trying the $5 Golden Hour Late Double. Contagion (5/2) may go off closer to 7/5 at post, but he’s freshened at a better level to have success by trainer Doug O’Neill. He’ll take his last 98 speed figure last race and press the pace before galloping home a winner. FanDuel Racing agrees.