HORSE RACING

​Santa Anita Park Horse Racing Picks for Sunday 3/14/21

Jay Ginsbach  —  @FairwayJay Mar 14th, 2021

It's a great time to dive into horse racing, and FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to do just that.

Starting at 3:30 p.m. EST, we have eight races at Santa Anita Park. Using numberFire’s projections as a guide, here are some of the best bets.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, and check the weather and track conditions.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions.)

Starship Chewbacca, Race 2

FanDuel Racing Odds: 1/1

Race 2 is a Maiden Claiming Race for state breds sprinting 6 furlongs. numberfire’s data has favorite Starship Chewbacca (1/1) beating Fly Buddy Fly (9/5). There is value on the heavy favorite, whose speed figures tower over his weaker rivals. Fly Buddy Fly drops down in class but goes from route to sprint and turf to dirt.

Rocktillyoudrop, Race 4

FanDuel Racing Odds: 4/1

Race 4 is an Optional Claimer for state breds sprinting 6 furlongs on the turf. The numberFire algorithm projects heavy favorite Found My Ball (4/5) to finish runner-up to longshot Hot Box (12/1).

Found My Ball debuts for a new trainer and barn and has the top speed in the race, according to Daily Horse Picks (DHP). But DHP data projects the pace scenario to favor Rocktillyoudrop (4/1) for EPO trainer Peter Miller, who also enters Theluteismine (5/1). Top jockey and red-hot rider Flavien Prat rides Rocktillyoudrop, who is treated with first time Lasix and should improve off his two-year-old form.

Sadie Bluegrass and Pulpit Rider, Race 6

FanDuel Racing Odds: 4/1 and 6/1

Race 6 is the $100K Irish O’Brien Stakes for older state-bred fillies and mares sprinting 6 furlongs on the turf. The favorite and top pick of numberFire and DHP is Leggs Galore (2/1) from the outside No. 8 post for EPO trainer Phil D’Amato. He has the top speed figures, along with Pulpit Rider (6/1), according to DHP.

Flavien Prat rides numberFire’s second choice, Bella Vita (3/1), who looked good in winning her comeback in a Cal-bred stakes race on dirt and looked promising in her first two turf starts here last winter. Sadie Bluegrass (4/1) can set the pace and pull the upset, as she’s 7-for-11, while Sapphire Kid (5/1) should be rolling late and is seeking her third straight win.