Handicapper's Corner: Triple Bend S. (G1)

Looking at Longshots in the Triple Bend Stakes

By: Robert Marks, They're In The Gate (and on Twitter, @theyreinthegate)

On Saturday, March 10, 2018, Santa Anita will be host the Grade One Triple Bend Stakes for 4-year-olds and upward. The purse is $400,000 and it on the dirt going 7 furlongs.

Here are the participants listed by Post Positions, Horse, Jockey, Trainer and odds:

Here are the horses we will focus on:

Giant Expectations - This 5 year old is cross entered in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap (aka the Big Cap). As of this writing no decision has been made but we expect him to run in the Big Cap and we will not focus on him in our handicapping. Should he decide to stay in the Triple Bend, he is a must use based on his experience and speed. (SCRATCHED).  

Bobby Abu Dhabi - This lightly raced 4 year old with 3 wins out of 6 starts last raced on 12/31/17 in an allowance race at Santa Anita over 6 furlongs drawing clear for the win. Of his 3 wins, 2 are on this track. He seems to like plenty of time between starts which he gets here with a 11-week rest. Out of Macho Uno he certainly has the class to win and we like the juicy 8-1 odds.

City of Light - City of Light comes off a nice looking front-running score in the Malibu Stakes (G1) Dec. 26. His sire is Quality Road colt and he looks to make his 4-year-old debut in the Triple Bend, at the same seven-furlong distance, a winning one. Likes the track and distance and will probably be the post time favorite.

Captain Scotty - Beam me up folks, this is a lightly raced fast 4-year-old horse who has done nothing but win with 2 wins in 2 starts. Making a big step up to a Grade 1 in only his 3rd start. Love the fact that Javier Castellano takes the reins. He will have to break cleanly out of the gate to be a factor.

Selections

We will box Bobby Abu Dhabi, City of Light and Captain Scotty in a trifecta box and a lesser exacta box bet on Bobby Abu Dhabi and City of Light. Should Bobby Abu Dhabi or Captain Scotty come out on top, the payout will be nice.

Wagering/Betting Handigambling Bankroll: Here is our $100 worth of betting for the race:

Trifecta ($10 Box for $60 Total)

4,5,6

Exacta Box: $10 Exacta Box ($40)

4,5

As always, watch the Board and if at the track watch how the horses look in the Paddock and adjust your bets accordingly. Good Luck!