img HORSE

SANTA ANITA Race #1

December 30, 2017
img12:30 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (HIMMAH) (7-2) - Irish import makes her No. American debut and does so for a new trainer (Mark Glatt). Filly went 4-0-3-1 in four starts in her native land going 7 furlongs, so this 6.5 furlong 'down the hill' trip isn't a problem. Lasix, which is banned everywhere but in No. America is administered for this attempt. Ready to win.

2nd pick: #3 (Sustro) (5-1) - She sold for $170,000 as a 2-year-old in training this past May and raced evenly in a strong field when debuting on the Del Mar dirt Nov. 26. Filly showed good early speed that afternoon, is bred for the infield, and trainer Mike McCarthy wins at a 22% rate second time out.

3rd pick: #1 (Bella Be Ready) (8-1) - Filly moves to the grass following a pace-pressing third place finish at this level sprinting on the Los Alamitos dirt Dec 1. She's by 'More Than Ready' and that's where most fathered by him find success.

4th pick: #5 (Proud Heroine) (5-1) - Very fast from the gate, she's another trying the grass for the first time. She set a quick pace before weakening to finish a distant 3rd here at this trip on the dirt Oct. 15. Working steadily, she runs with blinkers off and Irad Ortiz Jr on.

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