Santa Anita Park Picks: 3 graded stakes on May 29

It is time for "The Great Race Place" to get moving on this holiday weekend ... They have a 9-race card that includes 3 "graded stakes" contests, and that should add some value. Bettors will want to delve into some Pick 4s and Pick 5s ... Nothing like the beauty and history of Santa Anita! Let's get racing ...

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 4: Brickyard Ride #4, 4/5):

Turfwriter extraordinaire Jay Hovedy penned a fascinating piece about the great Triple Bend, the sprinter that this race is named after. If you are looking for as sure a bet as possible on Sunday, then Craig Lewis’ son of Clubhouse Ride is the play. With 4 wins in-a-row, he has the early gears to get loose on the lead, and wire almost any field. Going 7 furlongs should not be an issue, nor should the class hike … it is a Grade 2. Expert rider, JJ Hernandez in the saddle, I don’t think there is anyone in here that can catch this barnstorming sprinter.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Kanderel #6, 4/1):

HOF trainer Dick Mandella has this gelding by Candy Ride (ARG) in a unique position. He is going to be up against some serious “chalk” going down the famous Santa Anita Hillside Course. That can play into the hands of bettors that are willing to look for value elsewhere. I have always believed that horses drawn towards the inside are at a disadvantage because they do not get to establish early position. The angle down the grade favors those that break well from the outside. Mandella’s runner has experienced running in spots like this, and should be rested and ready. He made his ’22 debut last month in a “Non-G.” It didn’t go well … however, that doesn’t mean he cannot rebound in this G3. The best news of all … Umberto Rispoli has returned from a brief sojourn in Kentucky when he was contemplating a permanent move away from SoCal. The plan for the experienced turf jockey … break well … save energy … and make a push once the dirt crossing arrives.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, Honeymoon S. (G3), $100k, 3F):

One of 3 “stakes” races on the Sunday card at Santa Anita, this deeper turf route brings together a solid group of 7. This is one of those classic betting races where most bettors will misinterpret the form, and simply back Bob Hess’ Cairo Memories #5. There is no question that the 3-yr-old filly is talented, and has some class to her credit. Getting back on the green after a brief “try” on the Oaks Trail, she won the Providencia S. (G3) by 4+ lengths. That might seem impressive (and it is), but I think she had her way with that 5-horse field. She and HOF rider Mike Smith, might be able to replicate that effort, but it will not be easy. Instead of taking a price like 6/5 (which would be an underlay), why not go with a longer shot, which has a good chance to “win.” If you have followed SOCal racing news lately, then you know the travails of one Richard Baltas. The conditioner’s owners were forced to shift their stock to another barn when Baltas was banned from running in the state. Sterling Crest #6 looks to be coming into this spot with much to like. Now in the midst of solid form cycle, the filly piqued my interest because her sire is No Nay Never … a proven produced of sodbusters. George Papaprodromou is steering things, and stretching out after running 2nd in the Senorita (G3) looks to be within range. Here is a superb opportunity for Ramon Vazquez to prove that he can take his Oaklawn experience on the “road.” A rematch with Island Love #1 looks to be in the cards. I want to use that runner in a Trifecta Box, so it looks like this ticket is writing itself. This contest should be another great race ... at “The Great Race Place.”

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/5/6

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