Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Sunday 6/14/20
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 4:00 p.m. EST, we have nine 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.
Dupioni, Race 1
FD Odds: 4/1
We have another day with too many races of just six and seven entries. It starts with a one-mile turf test for fillies and mares. Race 1 odds show Dupioni (4/1) moving up in class for her third straight start at The Great Race Place after coming over from Europe. The Irish-bred rallied and won a month ago with an off-the-pace effort and huge turn of speed and closing kick to beat the favorite while posting a 99 speed figure. Another similar and sharp run could prove tough.
Colonial Creed (5/1) is a decent pick. Leading rider at Santa Anita this year Flavien Prat should have CC sitting off the flank of the pace setter, and EPO trainer Richard Baltas has this one ready to carry out stronger down the stretch after leading through three quarters his last turf race here in March, posting a 96 speed figure.
Miss Hot Legs (7/2) stretches to a route for the first time and likely leads from the gate. Maxim Rate (7/2) makes her 2020 debut and gets the edge over the favorite at numberFire. Her two wins have both been on the turf at Santa Anita last year.
The favorite Zee Drop (5/2) is dangerous with EPO trainer Peter Miller feeding her a healthy dose and working well for her 2020 debut. Miller leads Santa Anita trainers this year with 32 wins and a 27% win rate, and Zee Drop is the top choice at Daily Horse Picks.
Hollywoodhellraisr and Lemonade Stand, Race 5
FD Odds: 3/1 and 12/1
Race 5 is a Maiden Special Weight on the turf. This 5 1/2-furlong race drew 10 runners, and Absolute Unit (5/2) with leading rider Flavien Prat will take some money. The favorite is the top pick at numberFire and is given a 29% chance to win by the odds at FanDuel Racing. His career-best performance was his only sprint on this course, a runner-up outing in January with a 95 speed figure.
Hollywoodhellraisr (8/1) makes his debut and is one of two in here for EPO trainer Phil D’Amato. A solid work tab and this one is likely 'juiced’ for his career bow. Mario Gutierrez is an underrated rider with a patient style; a solid fit for young runners.
Solo Animo (3/1) finished third in his debut three weeks ago, passing seven horses with speed -- including Inch (10/1), who also closed well to finish fifth in his debut. Both can improve, especially with D’Amato giving Solo Animo a little extra in his feed bucket. numberFire has Solo Animo hitting the board.
Long shot Lemonade Stand (12/1) has value and a shot to surprise. He made his debut a month ago, going a mile and sitting mid-pack through fast fractions and six furlongs before fading. A good test and now cuts back to a sprint with new rider Tim Yakteen.
Dogtag, Race 9
FD Odds: 5/2
The $75K Possibly Perfect is a minor stakes race on the downhill turf course to conclude the day. Dogtag (5/2) is the favorite of seven, going a classic 1 1/4-mile distance. He strings races together off a on-mile win last month, racing along the front and finishing with a 104 speed figure. Jockey switch to leading rider Prat is a positive, as is going longer to accentuate his good form, which trainer Richard Mandella is best at.
Desert Oasis (3/1) was runner-up to Dogtag in that last May 16 race, and rider Victor Espinoza should have her relaxed and settled for a run looking to reverse the fortunes.
Strike at Dawn (4/1) has to be considered going a route distance for EPO trainer Baltas and is the top choice at numberFire.
