4/17/21 Golden Gate Fields Late Pick Four - Preview

“Impossible is just an opinion.” - Paulo Coelho

The featured race at Santa Anita Saturday is the Grade 2 Californian, which drew a total of five entrants.  The race preceding the Californian on the Arcadia card could only get manage a field of six.  So, facing the prospect of handicapping two tiny fields in a four race sequence, I decided instead this weekend to move my action to the northern section of the state of California.  So with that let's get to it, as I take a run at The Late Pick Four at The Bay's Best Bet.

RACE 6 - Alw 50000s N2L - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Alvaaro (Morning Line 7-5)

B’s

# 2 Galloping Mischief (ML 8-1)

# 4 Dub Town (ML 7-2)

C's

# 3 K P D Day (ML 4-1)

# 5 Rouen (ML 12-1)

# 6 Counting Cards (ML 5-1)

# 7 Brazilian Summer (ML 12-1)

Note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have not won two races in their career; with one exception: one win, and only one win, for $20k or less will not be considered when determining eligibility.  For the record, Alvaaro and Dub Town are the only two runners in this field who have visited the Winner's Circle more than once.

Alvaaro has taken the Place in each of his last two starts, both at this class level.  Alvaaro looks much the best here, and Alvaaro certainly deserves strong consideration as a big ticket single.  The problem is that Alvaaro has disappointed as the Post Time Favorite in four of his last five starts, suggesting that being the most talented runner in the field often isn't enough to get Alvaaro into the winner's circle.

Galloping Mischief and Dub Town are the only two runners in this field who have won on the grass.  Galloping Mischief should appreciate the class relief that he is receiving by shipping in from downstate.  Dub Town projects to be forwardly placed.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 7 - Alw 50000s N2L - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 3 Palaleo (ML 5-2)

B’s

# 5 R M C Hook'em (ML 2-1)

C's

# 1 Night Gig (ML 3-1)

# 2 Hawk Hill (ML 20-1)

# 4 No Parking Here (ML 12-1)

# 6 Our Expectation (ML 10-1)

# 7 Should Be Illegal (ML 9-2)

# 8 Awesome Dude (ML 50-1)

As with Race 6 above, note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have not won two races in their career; with one exception: one win, and only one win, for $20k or less will not be considered when determining eligibility.  For the record, No Parking Here, R M C Hook'em, and Should Be Illegal are the three runners in this field who have visited the Winner's Circle twice.

Palaleo took the Show against classier stock last time out, albeit on the turf.  R M C Hook'em missed victory by just a neck at this class level last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 8 - OC 25k/N1X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 5 Claim of Passion ML 5-2)

B’s

# 2 Union Dance (ML 8-1)

# 3 Descartes (ML 10-1)
# 4 More Power to Him (ML 3-1)

C's

# 1 Shadrack (ML 7-2)

# 6 Respect the Hustle (ML 15-1)

# 7 Ready Say Go (ML 8-1)

# 8 Seeking Refuge (ML 6-1)

For those who note such things, there are two entrants here running with the $25k price tag on their head: More Power to Him and Respect the Hustle.

Claim of Passion took the Place at this class level last time out while disappointing as the Post Time Favorite.  Union Dance was a daylight winner in each of his last two races, and Union Dance should be able to handle the move up the class ladder.

Descartes could be quickest here, and Descartes may be the one that they'll have to catch in order to win.  More Power to Him goes first off the claim for Trainer Jonathan Wong, who tends to do well with such.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 9 - (F) Clm $20k N2X - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 7 Dee Gee (ML 7-2)

B’s

# 2 Maycee Jo (ML 4-1)

# 3 Friend of Autism (ML 6-1)

# 8 Smokin Hot Bobbie (ML 7-2)

C's

# 1 Midnight Flower (ML 5-1)

# 4 Persuasive Lips (ML 5-1)

# 5 Envy (ML 10-1)
# 6 Illapawnie (ML 9-2)

Just for the record, note that Illapawnie runs without fear of being claimed in this race, as Illapawnie is returning from a six month layoff.  Note also that the price tag on Maycee Jo is only $18k, as Maycee Jo's connections have opted to trade $2k on the claim price in exchange for a two pound weight allowance.

Dee Gee and Somkin Hot Bobbie filled out the bottom two rungs of the Trifecta at this class level last time out.  Maycee Jo seems qualified to make this move up the class ladder after having won two of her last three contests by decisive margins.

Friend of Autism could be the one running best late.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 1 with 3 with 5 with 7 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 1,2,4 with 3,5 with 2,3,4,5 with 2,3,7,8 $48.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 3,5,6,7 with 3 with 5 with 7 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 1,2,4,6,7,8 with 5 with 7 $3.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 3 with 1,6,7,8 with 7 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 3 with 5 with 1,4,5,6 $2.00

Total: $58.00

Post Time for Race 6 is 7:02 EDT / 4:02 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo