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Santa Anita Park presents an exciting nine-race card this Saturday, highlighted by the $100,000 California Flag Handicap in Race 7. The downhill turf stakes race features California-bred horses and promises to be the day’s featured attraction. The card offers a diverse mix of maiden special weights, claiming races, and allowance contests across both dirt and turf surfaces.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Current conditions at Santa Anita are optimal for racing, with fair skies and calm winds at 0 mph. The temperature sits at a comfortable 60°F, providing ideal racing conditions. Track conditions are reported as Fast for the main dirt surface and Firm for the turf course. The rail is positioned at 20 feet for turf races, which should provide fair racing conditions for all participants.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile Turf)

Key Contenders:
Never Ambling (IRE) emerges as the Racing Dudes top selection at 5-2 odds. Trained by Philip D’Amato and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, this Irish-bred colt shows promise in his maiden turf debut. The D’Amato/Rispoli combination has been effective this meet.​

Secondary Choices:
Artic Power (IRE) represents another European import under D’Amato’s care, while Legal Heir brings solid breeding and Richard Mandella’s training expertise to the contest.

Longshots to Consider:
Poor Connection at longer odds could surprise under Mirco Demuro’s guidance for Michael McCarthy.

Pace Analysis:
The mile distance on turf should allow for tactical racing. Look for horses with early pace to control the tempo, setting up for late-running types.

Key Angles:
European imports making debuts on American turf often show improvement. The D’Amato barn has been strong with grass horses.

Selections: Never Ambling (win), Artic Power (place), Legal Heir (show)

Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming (6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt)

Key Contenders:
Miracle Ball stands out as the Racing Dudes selection at 2-1 morning line odds. The four-year-old filly for trainer Librado Barocio and jockey Kazushi Kimura fits the race conditions well.​

Secondary Choices:
Big Celebration brings experience and tactical speed for Jeff Mullins, while Valkyrian (IRE) adds European breeding to the mix.

Pace Analysis:
The sprint distance should produce honest fractions. Look for horses with tactical speed to position well early.

Selections: Miracle Ball (win), Big Celebration (place), Valkyrian (show)

Race 3 – Starter Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs Turf)

Key Contenders:
Thirty Two Chunk gets the nod from Racing Dudes at 3-1 odds. Mark Glatt trains the three-year-old gelding, who gets the services of Kazushi Kimura.​

Secondary Choices:
Bolt Supremacy brings experience and Richard Baltas training, while Potito adds tactical speed for the race shape.

Longshots to Consider:
Smiling Tizzy could offer value at longer odds despite recent form concerns.

Selections: Thirty Two Chunk (win), Bolt Supremacy (place), Potito (show)

Race 4 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile Dirt)

For three-year-olds and upward which have never won $21,000 once other than maiden, claiming, starter, or state bred, or which have never won two races. Claiming price $50,000. Non-winners of a race other than maiden, claiming or starter at a mile or over allowed 2 lbs.

Field Analysis (6 Runners)

Post Position 1 – CLOONEY (5 G, 123 lbs)

• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
• Trainer: Peter Miller
• Morning Line Odds: 7/2​
• Analysis: The Peter Miller-trained gelding brings solid credentials to this spot. Miller has been effective with this type of allowance horse, and the Rispoli connection adds tactical prowess. The five-year-old gelding should appreciate the one-mile distance and has shown versatility across different surfaces.

Post Position 2 – WESTWOOD (3 G, 120 lbs)

• Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
• Trainer: John A. Shirreffs
• Analysis: The John Shirreffs trainee gets the benefit of a two-pound weight allowance as a three-year-old. Shirreffs is known for his patient approach with developing horses, and this Authentic gelding has shown steady improvement. The trainer’s record with allowance horses at Santa Anita makes this one worth serious consideration despite longer odds.​

Post Position 3 – MINING DISTRICT (4 G, 123 lbs)

• Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
• Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill
• Analysis: The Accelerate gelding represents the Doug O’Neill barn, which has been competitive at the current meet. This four-year-old has shown tactical speed in recent outings and should be positioned well early under Kimura’s guidance. The breeding suggests ability at this distance.​

Post Position 4 – DEL MAR JERRY (5 G, 123 lbs)

• Jockey: Edwin A. Maldonado
• Trainer: Steven Miyadi
• Morning Line Odds: 7/5 (Favorite)​
• Analysis: The clear morning line favorite and consensus selection among multiple handicapping sources. This Mastery gelding has shown consistent form and appears to have found his niche at this level. The Steven Miyadi training and Edwin Maldonado riding combination has been clicking, making this the horse to beat in this allowance contest.​

Post Position 5 – HAPPY SPRINTER (4 C, 123 lbs)

• Jockey: Armando Ayuso
• Trainer: Steve R. Knapp
• Analysis: This Runhappy colt brings early speed to the equation. The breeding suggests natural gate speed, which could be valuable in controlling the pace of this one-mile contest. Trainer Steve Knapp has been solid with this type of horse at Santa Anita.​

Post Position 6 – FIRMUS (3 C, 120 lbs)

• Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
• Trainer: Bob Baffert
• Analysis: The Bob Baffert trainee represents significant intrigue in this spot. This Curlin colt gets the two-pound weight allowance and the services of Juan Hernandez, a combination that has been effective. Baffert’s record with allowance horses, particularly three-year-olds stepping up, makes this a serious threat despite limited experience.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with Happy Sprinter likely to show early speed from post 5, while Del Mar Jerry should settle into a stalking position. Mining District has shown tactical ability and could press the early pace. The one-mile distance on Santa Anita’s main track typically favors horses with tactical speed who can position well early and have something left for the stretch drive.​

Projected Early Pace: Moderate to honest, with Happy Sprinter likely setting the tempo, Del Mar Jerry tracking in second or third, and the stretch drive determining the outcome.

Key Angles and Trainer/Jockey Insights

Bob Baffert Factor: Firmus represents significant value as a three-year-old Baffert trainee moving up in class. The Hall of Fame trainer’s record with this demographic at Santa Anita is exceptional.​

John Shirreffs Pattern: Westwood fits the classic Shirreffs pattern of a developing three-year-old getting better with each start. The trainer’s patience often pays dividends in these allowance spots.​

Peter Miller Consistency: Clooney represents the solid, reliable type that Miller excels with in allowance company.

Wagering Analysis

Win Bet Value: Del Mar Jerry at 7/5 offers fair odds for the quality, but limited value for win betting.

Place/Show Strategy: Clooney and Firmus offer better value in the place and show pools, with both having legitimate chances to hit the board.

Exacta Strategy: Key Del Mar Jerry on top with Clooney, Firmus, and Westwood underneath. Alternative: Box the top four choices for broader coverage.

Trifecta Value: The pace setup could create opportunities for longer shots to fill out the trifecta, particularly if the pace becomes contested early.

Selections and Predictions

Win: Del Mar Jerry (4) – The class of the field with proven ability at this level
Place: Clooney (1) – Miller trainee with tactical advantages
Show: Firmus (6) – Baffert three-year-old with upside potential
Fourth: Westwood (2) – Shirreffs development project improving

Exacta: 4-1, 4-6
Trifecta: 4-1-6, 4-6-1, 4-1-2

Race Outcome Prediction

This appears to be Del Mar Jerry’s race to lose, with the favorite showing the most consistent form at this class level. However, the presence of improving three-year-olds Firmus and Westwood, along with the reliable Clooney, creates multiple scenarios for an upset. The pace should develop favorably for closers, making the stretch drive the determining factor in what projects as a competitive allowance contest.​

Race 5 – Maiden Claiming (6 Furlongs Turf)

Key Contenders:
Reno gets Racing Dudes’ backing at 7-5 odds. Peter Eurton trains the five-year-old gelding, who brings experience to this maiden turf sprint.​

Secondary Choices:
Dirty Words represents Doug O’Neill with Tyler Baze aboard, while Golden Surprise adds Mike Smith’s riding skills.

Longshots to Consider:
Burning Rubber could surprise under Juan Hernandez for Sean McCarthy.

Pace Analysis:
The turf sprint should see tactical speed horses gaining early position with closers getting their chance late.

Selections: Reno (win), Dirty Words (place), Golden Surprise (show)

Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight Fillies (1 Mile Dirt)

For maidens, fillies two years old. Weight 122 lbs. Winner receives $37,800, second $12,000, third $6,000, fourth $4,200.

Field Analysis (7 Runners)

Post Position 1 – TOTAL VAL (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Mirco Demuro
• Trainer: Richard E. Mandella
• Breeding: Into Mischief filly out of Orbolution​
• Analysis: The Into Mischief breeding is elite for two-year-old fillies, with the sire being a six-time leading American general sire and particularly strong with juveniles. Richard Mandella’s patient approach with young horses makes this an intriguing debut runner. Into Mischief progeny have shown consistent ability to win first time out, and this filly represents quality breeding connections.​

Post Position 2 – DATS MS. BLAME (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Abel Lezcano
• Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill
• Breeding: Blame filly out of Soliloquy​
• Analysis: This Blame filly brings solid breeding for the distance, with the sire known for stamina and versatility. Doug O’Neill has been competitive with two-year-olds at Santa Anita, and Abel Lezcano provides experienced riding. The filly should handle the one-mile distance well given her pedigree.

Post Position 3 – SOUNDS LUCKY (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
• Trainer: Bob Baffert
• Morning Line: 3-2​
• Breeding: Tiz The Law filly out of Lucky Song​
• Form: Shows a “3” indicating a third-place finish​
• Analysis: One of two Bob Baffert runners in this contest, this Tiz The Law filly has shown competitive ability in her previous start. Juvenile progeny of Tiz The Law have won 17% first time out , and this filly has already shown she belongs at this level. The Baffert/Rispoli combination has been effective, and her previous third-place effort suggests improvement is likely.​

Post Position 4 – SUPER CORREDORA (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
• Trainer: John W. Sadler
• Breeding: Gun Runner filly out of Super Simple​
• Analysis: This Gun Runner filly has been working exceptionally well for John Sadler and represents significant potential. Gun Runner’s two-year-old debut progeny have won at a 19% clip, suggesting strong early ability. The trainer noted she has “shown above-average ability in morning works,” making her a serious threat in this spot. The breeding suggests both speed and stamina for the mile distance.​

Post Position 5 – MISSTRIAL (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
• Trainer: Bob Baffert
• Morning Line: Even money favorite​
• Breeding: Constitution filly out of Blip Says Bye​
• Analysis: The consensus morning line favorite and second Baffert runner in this field. This Constitution filly represents the cream of the crop for Baffert’s two-year-old filly division. The Hall of Fame trainer’s record with maiden winners at Santa Anita is exceptional, and Juan Hernandez getting the mount suggests significant confidence from connections. Her even-money favoritism indicates she has shown the most in morning training.

Post Position 6 – ROCCABELLA (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
• Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
• Breeding: Ghostzapper filly out of Royal Azahar​
• Analysis: This Ghostzapper filly brings solid breeding for the distance, with her sire known for producing versatile runners. Michael McCarthy has been solid with two-year-olds, and Kazushi Kimura provides tactical riding skills. The breeding suggests she should handle the one-mile distance effectively.

Post Position 7 – BANK SHOT (2 F, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Adrian Escobedo
• Trainer: Ryan Hanson
• Breeding: Game Winner filly out of Puskita​
• Analysis: This Game Winner filly represents the longest shot on the morning line but brings breeding that suggests improvement over time. Ryan Hanson has been developing young horses effectively, and the filly could surprise at longer odds if she has been training forwardly.

Pace Analysis

The one-mile distance for two-year-old fillies should produce a moderate early pace, allowing tactical speed horses to position well early. Super Corredora and Sounds Lucky likely have the most natural early speed based on their breeding and training reports. Misstrial should settle into a stalking position with her Constitution breeding favoring tactical speed, while the Into Mischief filly Total Val could provide late kick if she debuts with seasoned fitness.​

Projected Early Pace: Moderate to honest, with Super Corredora and Sounds Lucky likely pressing early, Misstrial tracking in perfect position, and the stretch drive determining the winner.

Key Angles and Trainer/Jockey Insights

Bob Baffert Factor: Having two runners in this maiden race demonstrates the depth of his two-year-old filly division. Misstrial’s even-money favoritism and Sounds Lucky’s previous placing suggest both have shown significant ability in training.​

John Sadler Work Tab Reports: Super Corredora has been working exceptionally well, with specific mention of “above-average ability in morning works”. The Gun Runner breeding adds significant appeal for debut winners.​

Richard Mandella Patience: Total Val represents the classic Mandella approach of bringing a filly along properly. Into Mischief’s stellar record with juveniles makes her a must-use despite being a debut runner.​

Breeding Analysis

Elite Sire Power: Into Mischief (Total Val) and Gun Runner (Super Corredora) represent two of the most successful contemporary sires with juvenile runners. Both sires have strong debut winner percentages.​

Distance Breeding: Constitution (Misstrial) and Ghostzapper (Roccabella) both suggest ability to handle the one-mile distance effectively, while Tiz The Law (Sounds Lucky) adds classic distance pedigree.​

Wagering Analysis

Win Bet Value: Misstrial at even money offers fair odds but limited value. Super Corredora represents the best value play at longer odds given her strong work reports.

Place/Show Strategy: Total Val and Super Corredora offer excellent value in place and show pools, with both having legitimate chances to hit the board at higher odds.

Exacta Strategy: Key Misstrial on top with Super Corredora, Total Val, and Sounds Lucky underneath. Alternative: Box the top four choices including the two Baffert fillies.

Trifecta Value: The breeding depth in this field creates multiple scenarios for longshots to fill out the trifecta, particularly Total Val as a Mandella debut runner.

Selections and Predictions

Win: Misstrial (5) – Even money favorite with Baffert’s confidence and Juan Hernandez mount
Place: Super Corredora (4) – Strong work reports and Gun Runner breeding appeal
Show: Total Val (1) – Into Mischief debut runner for patient Mandella barn
Fourth: Sounds Lucky (3) – Baffert’s second string with previous form showing

Exacta: 5-4, 5-1, 4-5
Trifecta: 5-4-1, 4-5-1, 5-1-4

Race Outcome Prediction

This shapes up as Misstrial’s race to lose, with the Bob Baffert trainee showing enough in the mornings to warrant even-money favoritism. However, Super Corredora presents the most value given her exceptional work reports and Gun Runner breeding that excels with debut juveniles. The presence of quality debut runners Total Val and the experienced Sounds Lucky creates multiple upset scenarios. The pace should develop favorably for tactical runners, making this an ideal setup for the Constitution filly Misstrial to demonstrate her class while providing opportunities for the other well-bred fillies to show their ability in what projects as a quality maiden special weight contest.​

Key Wagering Angles: Focus on the Baffert exacta potential while using Super Corredora and Total Val as value overlay plays in multi-race sequences.

Race 7 – California Flag Handicap Stakes (6 1/2 Furlongs Downhill Turf)

For Golden State Series eligible California bred or California sired three-year-olds and upward. Winner receives $63,000, second $20,000, third $10,000, fourth $7,000.

Field Analysis (8 Runners)

Post Position 1 – SHEA BRENNAN (3 C, 119 lbs)

• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
• Trainer: Philip D’Amato
• Morning Line: 3-1​
• Analysis: This three-year-old California-bred represents the Philip D’Amato barn, which has been exceptional with turf horses this meet. The colt brings tactical speed and the benefit of youth against older rivals. D’Amato’s expertise with the downhill turf course makes this a serious threat despite being lightly raced.​

Post Position 2 – LOVESICK BLUES (7 G, 126 lbs)

• Jockey: Geovanni Franco
• Trainer: Librado Barocio
• Morning Line: 5-2 (Favorite)​
• Form: Coming off Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes victory at Del Mar​
• Analysis: The morning line favorite and defending California Flag winner is using this as an unconventional prep for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on November 1. This Grade 1 winner locked up his Breeders’ Cup bid with a surprising 1 3/4-length victory in the Bing Crosby. While unusual to prep on turf for a dirt sprint, trainer Librado Barocio believes this will be easier than continuing to work him. His record shows 3 wins from 22 turf starts with 5 seconds and 3 thirds, indicating consistent turf form.​​

Post Position 3 – BOOK SMART (6 G, 122 lbs)

• Jockey: Mike E. Smith
• Trainer: Robert B. Hess Jr.
• Analysis: The gray gelding represents the class of this field according to expert analysis. This horse has shown “enormous speed” and in his last 17 races has gone right to the front every time he breaks. Most recently ran in the Green Flash Stakes at Del Mar where he led throughout and was only beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Reef Runner (who was later disqualified). Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith’s presence indicates significant confidence, and the horse has proven he “enjoys the hill”.​

Post Position 4 – SIR ROCKET (4 G, 119 lbs)

• Jockey: Armando Ayuso
• Trainer: Neil D. Drysdale
• Analysis: This four-year-old gelding represents the Neil Drysdale barn and has been working consistently at Santa Anita. The Hall of Fame trainer’s record with stakes horses at all distances makes this a live longshot candidate who could improve significantly in this spot.​

Post Position 5 – CALI CAT (3 R, 117 lbs)

• Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
• Trainer: John W. Sadler
• Analysis: This three-year-old ridgling comes into this race with a significant turn-back in distance from his last start in the Snow Chief Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on May 24. He subsequently made trips to Del Mar at a flat mile, and the return to sprint distance should benefit him. His previous form down the hill includes a strong second-place finish in the John Sher, beaten only half a length. The distance cutback and John Sadler training make this a serious threat.​

Post Position 6 – MAN O ROSE (5 G, 124 lbs)

• Jockey: Edwin A. Maldonado
• Trainer: Jeff Mullins
• Morning Line: 7-2​
• Form: Recent winner of the E.B. Johnston Stakes by 8 lengths​
• Analysis: The Jeff Mullins barn has been “as hot as any barn in California” since the midpoint of the Del Mar meet. This Stanford-bred gelding dominated the E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos, winning by 8 lengths in his two-turn debut. Man O Rose has been “incredibly versatile and successful sprinting, with six wins and two seconds, on turf and dirt” in his first 11 career starts. His recent Beyer Speed Figure of 96 and perfect record at Los Alamitos make him extremely dangerous. The horse has a “really good turf record” but is trying the hill for the first time.​​

Post Position 7 – STAMP MY PASSPORT (6 G, 119 lbs)

• Jockey: Diego A. Herrera
• Trainer: Leonard Powell
• Analysis: This Vancouver gelding brings experience and has shown ability in stakes company. Recently finished second to Man O Rose in the E.B. Johnston Stakes at 8-1 odds, proving he belongs at this level.​

Post Position 8 – FLYOVER (4 C, 118 lbs)

• Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
• Trainer: John W. Sadler
• Morning Line: 9-2​
• Analysis: The second Sadler runner in this field brings tactical speed and has been mentioned as a key horse in vertical wagers. The trainer’s confidence in running two horses in this stakes race suggests both have been training forwardly.​

Pace Analysis

The downhill turf course at Santa Anita is unique and typically produces fast early fractions. Book Smart has shown he goes right to the front in every start and should set the early pace. Man O Rose and Shea Brennan likely possess the tactical speed to press the early leader, while Lovesick Blues should settle into a stalking position given his versatile running style.​​

Projected Early Pace: Fast early fractions due to the downhill configuration, with Book Smart likely leading, Man O Rose and Shea Brennan tracking closely, and a strong stretch drive determining the outcome.

Key Angles and Insights

Breeders’ Cup Connection: Lovesick Blues using this as an unusual prep for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint creates both opportunity and question marks. The surface switch from dirt to turf three weeks before the Sprint is unconventional but may keep him sharper than traditional training.​

Trainer Form: Jeff Mullins’ barn has been exceptional since mid-Del Mar, making Man O Rose extremely dangerous. The recent 8-length stakes victory demonstrates current peak form.​​

Course Specialists: Book Smart has proven he “enjoys the hill” and brings class that won stakes at Del Mar. His front-running style should suit the downhill configuration perfectly.​

California-Bred Restriction: This race is restricted to California-bred or California-sired horses, creating value opportunities as the field quality may be more compressed than typical stakes races.​

Breeding and Class Analysis

Grade 1 Winner: Lovesick Blues brings the highest class having won the Bing Crosby at Grade 1 level. His ability to compete with open company at the highest level makes him the horse to beat despite the surface switch.​

Stakes Winners: Both Man O Rose and Book Smart have recent stakes victories, indicating current form and class.​​

Hall of Fame Connections: Book Smart gets Mike Smith, while Sir Rocket represents Neil Drysdale, adding significant human factor advantages.​

Wagering Analysis

Win Bet Value: Lovesick Blues at 5-2 offers fair odds for the quality but limited value given the surface switch questions.

Value Plays: Man O Rose at 7-2 represents excellent value given his current hot form and trainer’s success. Book Smart could be overlooked despite his class and course suitability.​

Exacta Strategy: Key Man O Rose and Book Smart over Lovesick Blues, with Shea Brennan as a potential upset winner given D’Amato’s turf expertise.

Trifecta Value: The California-bred restriction creates opportunities for longer shots like Sir Rocket and Flyover to fill out the trifecta.

Selections and Predictions

Win: Man O Rose (6) – Hot trainer, recent stakes winner, versatile talent
Place: Book Smart (3) – Proven class, loves the hill, Hall of Fame jockey
Show: Lovesick Blues (2) – Grade 1 class despite surface switch questions
Fourth: Shea Brennan (1) – D’Amato turf specialist with tactical speed

Exacta: 6-3, 6-2, 3-6
Trifecta: 6-3-2, 3-6-1, 6-2-3

Race Outcome Prediction

This shapes up as a fascinating clash between current form (Man O Rose), proven class (Lovesick Blues), and course specialization (Book Smart). Man O Rose appears to offer the best combination of current form and value, coming off a dominant stakes victory for a red-hot barn. Book Smart brings proven ability down the hill and should control the early pace, making him extremely dangerous.​​

Lovesick Blues commands respect as the Grade 1 winner but the unconventional prep strategy creates questions. The downhill turf course should produce honest early fractions, setting up for a competitive stretch drive where class and current form will determine the outcome.​

Key Wagering Strategy: Focus on Man O Rose as a value play while respecting the class of Book Smart and Lovesick Blues in multi-race wagers. The California-bred restriction creates opportunities for upset scenarios in exotic wagering.

Race 8 – Maiden Claiming Fillies (5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt)

Key Contenders:
Blame It On Abby gets Racing Dudes’ backing at 4-1 odds. Peter Miller trains the two-year-old filly, who brings solid recent form to this California-bred contest.​

Secondary Choices:
Kiss Me Coco adds early speed potential, while Imnotvanillasky represents Mark Glatt’s training expertise.​

Pace Analysis:
The sprint distance for two-year-old fillies should produce honest early pace, setting up for a competitive finish.

Selections: Blame It On Abby (win), Kiss Me Coco (place), Imnotvanillasky (show)

Race 9 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 1/8 Miles Turf)

Key Contenders:
Packs a Wahlop gets Racing Dudes’ longshot selection at 8-1 odds. John Sadler trains the five-year-old gelding, who brings distance experience to this turf route.​

Secondary Choices:
Phosphorescence (FR) adds European breeding under Michael McCarthy’s care, while City Exile (GB) brings Philip D’Amato’s turf expertise.

Longshots to Consider:
Maniatic (IRE) could surprise at longer odds for Richard Mandella.

Pace Analysis:
The extended turf distance should allow for tactical racing with a strong stretch drive determining the outcome.

Selections: Packs a Wahlop (win), Phosphorescence (place), City Exile (show)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Umberto Rispoli rides multiple favorites including Never Ambling and Sounds Lucky, showing confidence from connections. His tactical riding style suits both turf and dirt surfaces.

Juan Hernandez gets the call on Baffert’s highly regarded Misstrial, suggesting significant confidence in the filly’s ability.

Kazushi Kimura has multiple live mounts including Miracle Ball and Thirty Two Chunk, indicating strong booking patterns from successful trainers.

Mike Smith brings Hall of Fame experience to Book Smart in the featured California Flag Stakes.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Bob Baffert sends out Misstrial and Sounds Lucky in Race 6, both showing significant potential in their breeding and early training.

Philip D’Amato has strong representation throughout the card, particularly with turf runners Never Ambling and Shea Brennan.

Peter Miller shows confidence with multiple runners including Clooney and Blame It On Abby.

Richard Baltas brings experience with several runners across different race types.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Pick 4 Strategy (Races 6-9): Center around Misstrial in Race 6 and spread in the other legs for coverage.

Daily Double (Races 1-2): Never Ambling to Miracle Ball offers solid value at projected odds.

California Flag Stakes Wagering: Consider exacta and trifecta plays using Shea Brennan with Book Smart and other contenders.

Late Pick 3 (Races 7-9): The stakes race provides an anchor with Shea Brennan, allowing spread in the final two races.

Value Plays: Packs a Wahlop at 8-1 in the finale represents excellent value for the Sadler barn.