Below is the late Pick 4 ticket for June 2nd, 2018 at Santa Anita Park. As always the ticket is $20 or less.
Race 7
Hardboot (#2, 3-1) has proven form routing on the turf unlike many of his rivals and should be extremely tough while seeking his second win in a row. He was ultra impressive circling the field from dead last to win at Golden Gate and faces a similar group today. That was his first start routing without the blinkers, which may have been the key all along.
Race 8
Lemon Crush (#5, 7-2) showed major improvement off the layoff while making her first start in the Palma barn. She broke slowly from the rail that day and is the filly to beat if she can break with the field from a better post on Saturday.
Paprika (#8, 5-2) has failed to seal the deal in three lifetime starts, but the addition of blinkers may be what she needs to get over the hump and into the Winner’s Circle in her return to the dirt.
Thalia (#1, 6-1) split the field on debut and should improve with that race under her belt. She is a sibling to Enola Gray and should handle either the dirt or the turf just fine.
Magnolia’s Hope (#9, 8-1) ran into some trouble on debut, but should be forwardly placed with the addition of blinkers. She should sit a nice trip outside of the other early speed.
Queen Shelly Ann (#6, 6-1) debuts with decent works for the very capable Peter Eurton barn. She is an interesting fresh face in a race that lacks a standout.
Race 9
Unique Bella (#6, 3-5) needs no introduction and is one of the most talented fillies in the country when she leaves the gate with the rest of the field. She is drawn well and is strictly the horse to beat, but with other talented speed lined up inside of her, it may be wise to include another horse from off the pace in multi-race wagers just in case this race falls apart late.
Mopotism (#2, 15-1) is not in the same class as Unique Bella, Paradise Woods or Vale Dori, but unlike those rivals, she has shown the ability to close from off the pace. Unique Bella should win this race, but if she does not, it will likely be because Paradise Woods and Vale Dori go with her early and they all pay the price late. Mopotism returns to the dirt, comes back in 7 days and is 3 for 4 at one mile. She is the late threat at a big price.
Race 10
Tina’s Exchange (#8, 3-1) is ultra consistent, but he has been a bit camera shy when it comes to winning. He is a solid fit at this level and should work out a better trip this time around while fleeing the rail.
Vending Machine (#1, 8-1) needed his last race and should be more fit second off the layoff for the always dangerous Peter Miller barn. His effort down the hill last July, which he won before being disqualified, is likely good enough to win in this spot.
Hootie (#2, 5-1) shortens from 1 1/4 miles to 6 1/2 furlongs. He has never sprinted, but won his debut going 1 mile. The change in distance could be just what this colt needs to return to his winning ways.
Taste’s Legend (#9, 12-1) is an interesting price play. He made a nice middle move going long and now returns to a sprint over a course that he has already won over.
$0.50 Pick 4 Ticket: 2 – 1,5,6,8,9 – 2,6 – 1,2,8,9 = $20
-Padraic Manocchio
@xbtvpadraic
