Thursday's 5th race (3:06pm PT) from Santa Anita Park is a $40,000 claiming event for 3-year-olds dashing six and one-half furlongs on the turf course.
#10 Ribat (4-1) is back at his claimed level for sharp low profile conditioner Melody Conlon. The 3yo gelding won Starter Allowance affair down the dip Nov 3 and was last seen landing the place in a minor Stakes route at Turf Paradise Nov 19. The versatile sort reunites with winning pilot Vergara and barn excels route/sprint.
#8 Palio Prince (4-1) pressed the pace and earned a decent number in a $40,000 claiming synthetic sprint at Hollywood Dec 1. He won a local Starter Allowance turf sprint in April and projects a tactical trip under Sutherland.
#1 Metropolitan Man (7-2) owns dangerous early foot and is capable of firing a fresh shot. The rail is not the best post in downhill sprints and Bejarano might have to use valuable early energy if #2 Mint Humor pushes hard from the outset. He has never raced this low.
#3 Stone Hot (6-1) graduated at this course/distance for the productive Berrios/Jones team. The sustained runner would appreciate contested early splits.
The Plays:
$18 to win #10
$1 Trifecta Key 10/1-3-8 ($6)
$1 Trifecta 1-3-8/10/1-3-8 ($6)
analysis by Jarrod Horak For daily information on Santa Anita Park's Pick 6 races, please check out Pick 6 blog for free selections
and tickets.