Friday, March 17, 2017

Handicapper's Corner: Santa Margarita Stakes (G1)

Looking for a Show Stealer in Santa Margarita Stakes

By: Dylan Jarmulowicz, Wire-Players.com

 
Santa Margarita Stakes
Santa Anita Race 9 – Grade I 1 1/8 Mile - Post Time – 7:30pm (Eastern)
Advance Weather: Sunny, 70s

This year’s edition of the Santa Margarita Invitational Stakes may appear to be a two horse race looking quickly and at the morning line odds. Horse racing is never that simple and we could have a show stealer!


Let’s start with the two favorites #3 FINEST CITY (8/5) and #2 VALE DORI (9/5). 


They are both quick horses and will likely duel for the lead. FINEST CITY is a nice horse but she has so many breaks in her running lines its hard to be confident. She has raced just three times in the last seven months and while I’m a fan of the five and six furlong workouts this is a tough spot to make a return to the races. She may need a race to get back to prime form. 


VALE DORI has two very consistent traits, gunning to the lead and being heavily bet. She has won her last four races while being odds on every time and she will likely be heavily bet again in this spot. 


There is other speed in this race including FINEST CITY and #6 PERFECT PIC (5-1) so it may not be as easy at the previous races and at a short price it is worth trying to find some value.


That leads to my top play #4 SHOW STEALER (6-1). She is trained by Art Sherman and will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux for the first time. She has that stalker running style that is so perfect for these mile plus races. The only thing is she does not exactly like to win, she might have a case of second-itus but at a square price and with race dynamics in her favor she’s worth taking a shot on.


My Plays:
Win:  #4
Exacta: 4/2,3,6
Trifecta: 4/2,3,6/2,3,6
Good Luck!
 

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