img HORSE

SANTA ANITA Race #5

April 16, 2017
img3:10 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (JOHANN'S COMMAND) (4-1) - Long time maiden has been sharp in five straight starts, all at this $20,000 claiming price. Speed/stalker has the rail and is cutting back a bit in distance. The last time he raced at this seven-furlong trip, gelding missed by a length Nov. 12 at Del Mar. Gets a slight edge here.

2nd pick: #7 (Picture Tube) (7-2) - He's another cutting back in distance following a solid 2nd place finish here at this price going a mile April 7. Competitive several times in the past facing tougher, 4yo gelding by 'Malibu Moon' has finished 2nd in both previous starts at this tag.

3rd pick: #2 (The Topester) (5-2) - Very lightly raced 4yo set a pressured pace and held gamely to miss by a 'neck' here at this $20K tag going six furlongs March 24. A career best, it came in his second start back following a year's layoff. An obvious contender at a short price.

4th pick: #5 (Papa Royale) (2-1) - The morning line favorite, he's finished 3rd in two straight here facing tougher. He tends to race evenly, but at this reduced level, he's a threat but no 'lock' at a very short price.

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