Santa Anita Pick 5's What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Updated: 5 days ago
We’re taking a swing at the early Pick 5, spreading four deep in three legs and hoping to avoid our favorite racing tradition: explaining afterward why the horse we left out was so obvious.
The ticket — 50¢ base:
Race 1: 1, 3, 5, 8
Race 2: 1, 2, 3
Race 3: 1, 4, 6, 7
Race 4: 2, 5, 6
Race 5: 1, 4, 6, 7
Total: $288
We open Race 1 four deep with Letmein (#1), Danzing Wild Cat (#3), Miles Finch (#5), and Luck Lucky (#8). Miles Finch is the obvious centerpiece, comfortably above everyone else, and the morning line has him at even money. Naturally, we’ve purchased three insurance policies because “obvious” has personally cost us plenty. Luck Lucky is the next turf alternative, Letmein brings five career seconds and a concerning familiarity with the bridesmaid position, and Danzing Wild Cat is our price play at 6/1.
In Race 2, Ima Track Star (#3) is the obvious horse, but we’re bringing Chase N Ryan (#1) and Southern Melodee (#2) along in case the favorite didn’t read his own press release. Southern Melodee goes first off the Mullins claim and cuts back to a sprint -enough intrigue to keep him on the payroll.
Race 3 gives us Scene by Me (#4) dropping out of tougher company, with Grey’s Boy (#1), Mo Holland Drive (#6), and Andtheomofthebrave (#7) providing backup. That last name should come with a complimentary breath mint.
We’re taking a stand against morning-line favorite Dottie Hinson (#1) in Race 4, using Baby Needs Shoes (#2), Dorie Miller (#5), and Miss Practical (#6). Miss Practical’s better dirt form fits, Baby Needs Shoes comes off a win, and Dorie Miller has plenty of experience making us think today might finally be the day.
If we survive all that, Race 5 hands the responsibility to Geometry (#1), Caisson (#4), Dairago (#6), and Jimmy Blue Jeans (#7). Geometry returns to turf, Caisson brings a recent win over this kind, and Jimmy Blue Jeans gets a chance to remind everyone he used to know how to do this.
That’s our $288 opinion. Play it, trim it, or watch from a safe distance. Hopefully tomorrow’s recap involves a payout instead of another dental reconstruction.
Santa Anita Late Pick 5 - Steakhouse or Taco Shop? Five Races Will Decide.
We’re back for the late Pick 5 because apparently one $288 ticket wasn’t enough emotional exposure for a Friday. With $576 riding between our two Pick 5s, we’re taking the wife out to dinner afterward. The horses will determine whether we need a reservation or a handful of hot sauce packets.
The ticket — 50¢ base: AAAHHHHHHH! Boom!! Pick 5 Score!!! $1,146.00
Race 5: 1, 4, 6, 7
Race 6: 5, 6, 8
Race 7: 2, 4, 5, 8
Race 8: 2, 7, 9
Race 9: 2, 3, 7, 9
Total: $288
We open in Race 5 with the same four carrying us home on the early ticket: Geometry, Caisson, Dairago, and Jimmy Blue Jeans. If both tickets are still breathing, this race could get loud.
In Race 6, we’ve got Mystic Moses (#5) dropping sharply in class, He’s Got Fire (#6) knocking around this level, and Hungover (#8) coming off consecutive seconds. With names like these, we’ve covered religion, combustion, and Saturday morning.
Race 7 gives us Pentle Bay (#2), Wink and a Grin (#4), Daring Pursuit (#5), and Dea Matrona (#8). Dea Matrona brings a three-race winning streak, Wink and a Grin has been competitive against good company, and Daring Pursuit gets another chance to put that tactical speed to work. Pentle Bay is still a maiden, but apparently we’ve decided winning experience is optional.
Then comes Race 8, where Harkette (#2), Thirsty Caitlin (#7), and Chachacha Ching (#9) are entrusted with our dinner plans. Three selections in a race this unpredictable is a firm opinion—or evidence that we should have eaten before betting.
If we reach Race 9, it’s Royal Rumor (#2), Columnist (#3), Unconventional (#7), and Zakiel (#9). A blinkers-off runner, a long layoff, a first-time starter, and a favorite trying turf for the first time. A perfectly relaxing way to finish the afternoon.
Five winners and we’re discussing the ribeye. One wrong turn and I’m explaining to the wife that the taco shop is actually a very authentic dining experience.