Handicapping the all-turf stakes Pick 5 at Gulfstream, Santa Anita

Gift List wins the 2021 Edgewood Stakes (Photo by Coady Photography)

March 5th, 2022

A $1 all-stakes Pick 5, encompassing grass fixtures at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita on Saturday, appears on paper to be a challenging sequence. However, bettors across the country should keep it and its corresponding dirt counterpart on their radar as both wagers offer an attractive 12% takeout rate.

Here's how we're attacking the turf option.

Leg 1 -- Gulfstream Park Race 7 -- Palm Beach S.

#4 Main Event (5-1) notably took to the turf well when leading throughout in a one-mile maiden test last time. Despite the significant rise in class, he might be competitive here with the potent Weaver/J. Ortiz combo in his corner. #6 Royal Spirit (5-2) just missed to a favored stablemate in the Kitten's Joy (G3) and should be prominent throughout for the other Ortiz.

Leg 2 -- Gulfstream Park Race 9 -- Honey Fox (G3)

#6 Gift List (4-1) was a commendable fourth in the Jan. 29 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G3) in her first start since early June 2021, and should come on from that run. #9 In Italian (8-1) is a stakes newbie from the Peter Brant and Chad Brown juggernaut. Beat maiden and first-level allowance foes easily enough and could be any kind.

Leg 3 -- Santa Anita Race 5 -- Buena Vista (G2)

#5 Leggs Galore (7-2) should be winging on the front end and will attempt to last as long as she can. Might settle into a good groove, too, as few may be willing to match her early foot. Of the closers, #1 Closing Remarks (8-1) usually tends to be thereabouts when the ground is in her favor. Exits a solid-looking allowance win over the local sod.

Leg 4 -- Gulfstream Park Race 13 -- Herecomesthebride (G3)

We'll be spreading a bit more in this event. #2 Mischievous Kiss (6-1) owns solid form from last year and might prove dangerous in her season debut. #3 Diamond Wow (8-1) just missed winning the Jessamine (G2) last October and is in a better spot here than in the Forward Gal (G3), in which she sat off a hot pace and faded late going one turn on the dirt. #12 Lia Marina (9-2) is also worth a long look as she seeks her third straight win and second stakes of the current meet.

Depending on whether she draws in from the also-eligible list (which will affect ticket cost), #13 Dolce Zel (5-1) is worth a look as well for Chad Brown. After a poor debut in the provinces, she reappeared on the tougher Parisian circuit and upset a maiden at Longchamp at 24-1. The third-place finisher came back to break her maiden at Deauville on Friday on an all-weather surface.

Leg 5 -- Santa Anita Race 10 -- Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1)

#2 Subconscious (5-1) was off awkwardly in the Thunder Road (G3) last out, but recovered sufficiently and missed narrowly to Count Again. Only lackluster run on turf occurred from a wide draw in the Hollywood Derby (G1). #7 Tell Your Daddy (6-1) enjoyed a solid second half of 2021 and has run only one questionable race since being claimed a year ago in January. Although a touch win shy, he reunites with John Velazquez and figures to be within striking range throughout.

Here's the $1 pre-scratch ticket: