JARROD HORAK (Jarrod is a leading handicapper at HorseRacingNation, providing selections, analysis and coverage of horse racing across the country. Jarrod also provides selections and analysis at Pick6Blog as well as TheRunawayHorse. Follow on Twitter @JCHorak)
For access to Jarrod's full card selections and analysis from Santa Anita, click here
For Late Pick Four selections from Woodbine, click here
For Jarrod's best bet from Santa Anita's 7th race, click here
STEVEN BORTSTEIN (7-time sports talk show host of the year as voted by the New Mexico Broadcasters Association. Host of “First Sports” and “The Fast Track” on FOX AM1340/93.9FM & nationally syndicated through I Heart Radio. 10-year voting member of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Freelance national turf writer. Follow on Twitter @Fox1340AM)
SANTA ANITA
Race 5 – (1) AVENGE brings in a super record over the Santa Anita turf course, is unbeaten at the trip and appears to be the controlling speed. She coughed up the lead late at 10 furlongs when last seen in the BC Filly and Mare Turf last November. Mandella has brought her back to the races in workmanlike fashion and she is reunited with her go-to rider on board. (4) GOODYEARFORROSES had a nightmarish trip last out at Keeneland, but was beaten less than two lengths and is back over a course where she posts an unblemished record. (6) LADY ELI may be worth taking a stand against today at what will surely be an unbettable number. She's lost three of her last four starts, all at short prices, and she'll be asked to come from well off the pace in a race that appears devoid of any substantial pace battle. No question she's a very talented racemare, but she offers no value in here and needs things to fall into her favor.
Race 8 – (1) AMERICAN FREEDOM is worth a second look in spite of a terrible effort last out at Churchill Downs. The Baffert trainee raced wide and appeared out of his comfort zone over a sloppy track that favored inside speed. It was a course he didn't particularly care for, and so it can be dismissed. Back over what should be more favorable conditions here, he's drawn inside, gets blinkers re-added and could be tough to run down if allowed to race on or near the lead in just his second start as a 4-year-old. And for added bonus, he actually may be a betting number on the board. (2) FOLLOW ME CREV has been chasing some very nice runners in his most recent couple starts for Cerin. He has a solid record over the course, and while winless at this trip, he does figure to be coming on late once again. (5) MIDNIGHT STORM ran very well two starts back when a tough second to Shaman Ghost in the Big 'Cap earlier this spring. He appears to need things loose and easy on the lead and I don't see him getting that kind of trip today.
"The Fast Track", hosted by Steven Bortstein, is celebrating its 20th year on the air in 2017. The show is presented by SunRay Park and Casino and airs weekend mornings at 10am ET on FOX AM1340/93.9FM and on the I Heart Radio app through our station's website.