Santa Anita Park Picks & Late Pick 4 Analysis for May 30

As Gold Cup Weekend continues apace, our turf-man has you covered once again at glorious Santa Anita Park with all of his selections, and an analysis of the Pick 4.

This time around, in order to maximize profits, he is taking another swing at the late one (Races 6-9). It should be a rousing good time, and the chance to enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday!

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country on Sunday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

LATE PICK 4…

LEG 1: (Race 6: Dirt, 6½F, MClm20k, F&M 3+)

The start of this Late Pick 4 sequence finds us in the middle of a giant nexus of MC choices. I am tempted to hit the “All” button and move on, but that is not good money management. I have found over the years that in MC events like this one, you want to find entries that are lightly-raced, but who also have some board-hitting ability. The favorite will probably end up being Brian Koriner’s Sweet Sonny #9. The filly out of Twirling Candy is fit enough, is seasoned with 10 starts already to her name, and certainly has the ability to celebrate breaking her maiden. Let’s use the Jessica Pyfer mount, but also include several others, just in case the pair cannot seal the deal. I also like My Tigress #4 from the Sierra Barn, Bill Spawr’s Misericors #8, and finally, Mamma Rama #10 by way of Andrew Lerner. Each of these has limited experience, and that bodes well. I think I have struck an elegant balance to kick off this ticket. Let’s roll …

Selections: 4/8/9/10 (4-Deep)

LEG 2: (Race 7: Turf, 1 Mile, St.Opt.Clm50k, F&M 3+)

The 2nd Leg presents us with a turf edition that is pure “train wreck” TV. This is an extremely difficult race that could be won by anyone. For my money, I like a long shot in here named Let’s Go Now #4 because I am not convinced that the mare’s last race was as poor as one might think. In an OC50k on 24 April, the daughter Tiznow led for most of the race, which was impressive. Everything started to unravel as the closers, well, closed. Fractionally speaking, it was too hot a pace, and that is why everything went to pieces. With Tyler Baze back in the saddle, maybe he can modulate and govern the engine. If he can, it might be the price of the century at double-digit odds. I am not so bullish that a “Single” is in order, so there are a couple of others worth tossing in. Flavien Prat and Umberto Rispoli are on another level when it comes to grass navigation, and their rides, Deise Delight #2 and Unbreakable #7, appear sound. I think they could easily win. For good measure, let’s also not leave out JJ Hernandez’s Goodtingscominpink #6. At the OC-levels, this mare out of Clubhouse Ride can handle the turf, and I am convinced that 3rd off-the-claim is a major coup. Angles … good angles, across … That should help us get to the “feature.”

Selections: 2/4/6/7 (4-Deep)

LEG 3: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Summertime Oaks (G2), $200k, 3F)

We are headed into the highlight race on the card, and it is pretty much a match race, as far as I am concerned. On the one hand, we have Phoenix Thoroughbreds and their filly out of Liam’s Map, Crazy Beautiful. Trained by the excellent Kenny McPeek, this runner garnered major attention during the run-up to the Kentucky Oaks, when the story broke that the ownership group was being investigated for a myriad of crimes. Things continue to move on, and McPeek is hoping to get her back on track with Mike Smith aboard in this spot. Opposing her, will be the champ from the Santa Anita Oaks (G2), Soothsay #4. Richard Mandella has this nicely-bred filly out of Distorted Humor pointed in the right direction after a pair of opening career wins. The Oaks score was truly an impressive win, even though she drifted a bit. Her professionalism is still in development, but having Flavien Prat is the lynchpin. If she is able to capitalize on what she has already accomplished, then this should be yet another win. It is a “Single” for me …

Selection: 4 (Single)

LEG 4: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, AOC20k, 3+)

Running this gauntlet has been a test of wills. I am not sure that I can get to the finale, but I sure hope I do! Confidence mixed with a good dose of humility are some good traits to have when it comes to playing these horizontal wagers. I am thinking that I am sitting on a winning ticket, so I want to spend a little more money than usual, in order to cash this one! My top selection is the Nick Alexander homebred, George Herman Ruth #1. I like his stock, and the names … soft spot. Last time, at this level on the turf, this Grazen gelding was 2nd. He just did not have enough towards the wire, but I think he can rectify that, 3rd off-the-bench. Getting Umberto Rispoli is a plus, and he should be able to guide this one home. Others excite too, and I have room for 6 other entries. Those include … Foothill #2, Beaudacious #4, Fly to Mars #5, Carmelita’s Man #6, Mr. Brownstone #7, and Table for Ten #11. Any of these runners have the turf ability to win this last race on the card. Don’t forget to include each and every one of them. Should be a typical Sunday Santa Anita finish!

Selections: (7-Deep)

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$1.00 LP4 TICKET COST: $112.00

“The Great Race Place” is where it’s at this Saturday! Enjoy some SoCal racing at its finest!