Santa Anita Park Picks: Grade 1 Shoe Mile for BC entry on Memorial Day

It is time for "The Great Race Place" to clean-up on this holiday weekend ... They have a 10-race card that includes 3 Grade 1s, which is always impressive. In particular, the Shoemaker Mile S., a turf event, is officially the first of many Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races .. "Win and You're In!" A ticket to the Fan Duel Mile at Keeneland is on the line. 

Bettors will want to delve into some Pick 4s and Pick 5s, both early and late ... Nothing like the beauty and history of Santa Anita! Let's get racing ...

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Monday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

---------------------------------------------

MEMORIAL DAY ALL-STAKES GRADE 1 PREVIEW

(Race 4: Dirt, 1¼, Hollywood Gold Cup S. (G1), $400k, 3+)

With a short field of 5, this still is a “Gold Cup” that should be pretty intriguing to witness. It is a good bet that Dick Mandella’s Royal Ship (BRZ) #2 or Ed Moger’s Stilleto Boy #5 will vie for favoritism on the board. I am not so sure that the former is the same horse that he was last year, and it is not assured that he wins this prize. Sure, having a HOF rider like Mike Smith in the irons helps, but we will see just how ready this son of Midshipman is when it is time to get down to routing. As for Moger’s son of Shackleford, this gelding was awfully tough in the Californian S. (G2) at the end of April at Santa Anita. He clearly likes the front, and Juan Hernandez was able to strike that, seemingly with ease. There is something uninspiring about this runner, and it starts with his perceived price … 7/5 … not that inviting. When it comes to a top selection, I am going all in on the former Bob Baffert would-be “ex-Derby Trailer” from last year. Spielberg #3 still has ability, and he is much better than that result from the Californian S. (3rd-24 lengths back). I like the addition of Flavien Prat, and maybe his aggressive style can spur this one on as the top of the lane arrives. Sean McCarthy, his new trainer as of that last race, could use a big score. Here it comes …

Selections: 3/2/5

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 3 w 2/5

(Race 5: Turf, 1 Mile, Shoemaker Mile S. (G1), $500k, 3+)

First Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” stateside race of the season is upon us … the winner here gets an all-expense-paid ticket to the Fan Duel Mile (G1) at Keeneland in November. I think it is safe to say, and most ‘cappers would agree, that this is a 2-horse race between Phil D’Amato’s Count Again #2 and Mike McCarthy’s Smooth Like Strait #5. Either of these entries has the ability to score, and it is interesting that 2 of the best U.S. turf jockeys come to play. Irad Ortiz on the former … while Flavien Prat takes the latter. The last time we saw D’Amato’s gelding by Awesome Again, it was against his rival in the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) at Keeneland. He ended 6th, which was a poor ending, but he did launch a furious rally down the lane. His record at this distance and at Santa Anita (winner last time in the Kilroe Mile) is stout, and look for this seasoned runner to be ready. As for Prat, he takes over for Umberto Rispoli, and that tells me that McCarthy and Cannon Thoroughbreds, are ready to visit the winner’s circle. As the defending champ, it is time to defend the turf. Looking to get back to the Breeders’ Cup is definitely on the agenda. Instead of just picking one of these milers, I am going to play D’Amato’s other half of the uncoupled entry—Masteroffoxhounds #1. The 5-yr-old son of War Front is no slouch, as he comes over from the embattled Baltas Barn. Maybe the new ken will be just what is needed … The riding ability of Juan Hernandez can be inspiring, and here is his chance to take on the best in the lawn business. Maybe getting loose up front, controlling those times, and being on the lead, will be just the ticket … hope so …

Selections: 1/5/2

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 1 w 2/5

(Race 10: Turf, 1 1/8th, Gamely S. (G1), $400k, F&M 3+)

The finale on this holiday card is what looks to be a easy race to handicap … pick Phil D’Amato’s Going Global #6, a turf router that will be guided by Flavien Prat, and is a filly that is 5/5 on the SA Turf Course. But wait … Henry Higgins and all that … While this daughter of Mehmas (IRE) does have a devastating late leg kick, there are several others drawn-in here that can rival her power. Going 1 1/8th has its challenges. I much prefer the style and the price of Mike Puype’s Canoodling #2. This daughter of Pioneerof the Nile, owned by B4 Farms, was in the care of Todd Fincher before she was sent to her trainer in SoCal. When she switched to the grass and was 23/1 in the Megahertz (G3) it was thought that she had little chance against such a group. Her jockey, Roimos Chirinos, put her on the engine, outlasting them all. He is not in-town this time of year because he is up at Canterbury in Minnesota, but last out, Juan Hernandez took over, winning the Wilshire S. (G3) with the same tactics. I realize that the pace is going to be extremely contentious, but you never know when it comes to turf races. The distance test is a concern, but if her jockey can get her to break quickly, she has a legitimate shot of making the lead. Her fitness is without question coming into this race, and maybe she will end up at the wire … a nose in front of her short-priced rival … my prediction …

Selection: 2

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 2 w 6

-------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy another fab Memorial Day, trackside at “The Great Race Place!” Best of luck on another run at Santa Anita Park