How to bet the Eddie D Stakes

The $200,000 Eddie D (G2) is one of two graded stakes races to be contested on the Friday card at Santa Anita.

Eddie D Analysis

The speed will come from the inside in the 5 1/2-furlongs turf dash. #1 Wildman Jack, #2 Give me the Lute, and #3 Mr Vargas will all be in the hunt from the break. #7 Big Runnuer will never be far back while prompting the tempo from the outset.

Eddie D Contenders

#1 WILDMAN JACK -- O’Neill trainee captured the Daytona (G3) on the course in May at the distance and drew inside for this tussle. Goldencents 4-year-old exits a big try on the dirt when a close fourth in the Bing Crosby (G1), and his best gives him an obvious chance with Cedillo in the silks.

#2 GIVE ME THE LUTE -- Dark bay gelding has run off a pair of wins in succession against allowance foes, but he faces a tall task on a big class rise Friday. Mathis pupil would be a surprise under Van Dyke.

#3 MR VARGAS -- Upset contender was a smart winner of the Green Flash (G3) at Del Mar last summer and will make his first run off the long break for Koriner. Speedy Midshipman chestnut has been training in sharp fashion in preparation of his return, and I expect the 6-year-old to be prominent from the start in the Eddie D. Tyler Baze has the call.

#4 GRIT AND CURIOSITY -- Talented son of Macho Uno reeled off two fine tallies on the dirt at Oaklawn Park to commence 2020 for conditioner Peter Miller. The 4-year-old shows just two lifetime tries on the green, but he could be a danger on the surface change while in a fine form cycle on Friday. Luis Saez will guide the stalker.

#5 SPARKY VILLE -- Inconsistent son of Candy Ride has never won on the surface, but he has run well at Santa Anita in the past for Bonde. Daytona runner-up comes off an even showing in the Green Flash (G3) at Del Mar, and his best will make him a top-three presence with Mike Smith retaining the ride.

#6 EL TIGRE TERRIBLE -- Second from the Miller shedrow was a facile stakes winner on the dirt at Del Mar in his most recent performance. Smiling Tiger sophomore is a stakes hero on the local lawn, and he figures to be a dangerous player inside the final furlong with his best while facing elders for the initial time. Flavien Prat adds to the appeal.

#7 BIG RUNNUER -- One to beat led at every call in the Siren Lure S. last time out for Garcia. Lightly raced 5-year-old draws an ideal outside post for his graded bow, and anything like his last makes the bay an obvious win threat on Friday. Likely favorite is training swiftly in preparation of the Eddie D, as well.

Eddie D Wagers

• $5 Trifecta: 7 with 1,3 with all ($50)