How to Bet the Pasadena Stakes

A field of nine 3-year-olds will contest the grassy $100,000 Pasadena S. at Santa Anita on Saturday. The one-mile feature attracted a well-matched cast in what is an interesting betting endeavor.

Pasadena Analysis

The pace of the Pasadena could be a lively one, which will give the late runners every chance in the stretch. #1 Governance has speed and the rail, and the Richard Baltas charge will be put into the race from the break.

#6 Smooth Like Strait does his best work when on the lead and will be forcing the action early on. #7 Ra’ad moves to the turf after three dirt sprints, and the Baffert trainee will also be in close attendance into the first turn.

Pasadena Contenders

• #1 GOVERNANCE (10-1) -- Baltas pupil graduated on the course most recently and draws the rail for his first with winners. Fed Biz gelding zipped a bullet four panels in advance of his stakes debut, and the sophomore could be a contender with a forward move second off the bench.
• #2 LAST OPPORTUNITY (4-1) -- Team Valor color bearer was Grade 3-placed in his initial stateside assignment in December. Drysdale charge has trained well in the interim, and the colt will be doing his best work from off the pace beneath Mario Gutierrez.
• #3 RAGER (12-1) -- Into Mischief colt has run well in both lifetime races on the green, including a runner-up performance in the Baffle S. last out. Lerner trainee took a nice step forward with the removal of blinkers in his latest, and the bay will get a healthy pace to run into late on the stretch out. Upset appeal at a nice number.
• #4 CLUB ASPEN (12-1) -- King Glorious S. victor was unplaced in his lone run on the sod to date for Craig Lewis. Clubhouse Ride colt lacks consistency and remains a wildcard on the green.
• #5 LIAR LIAR (6-1) -- Second of two from the Baltas shedrow was a maiden winner on this strip and comes off a solid third-place showing in the Eddie Logan S. Irish-bred has won or placed in all three tries on the Santa Anita lawn in preparation of the Pasadena. Ruben Fuentes rides.
• #6 SMOOTH LIKE STRAIT (3-1) -- Talented son of Midnight Lute rates as the one to beat with his best for Mike McCarthy. Grade 3 victor didn’t handle the good turf in the Eddie Logan most recently, but he comes in fresh and draws well for his seasonal debut today. Geo Franco will guide the dangerous colt.
• #7 RA’AD (12-1) -- $500,000 juvenile purchase was outrun sprinting in the San Vicente (G2) most recently and tries grass in this spot. Baffert pupil has room for improvement making his route debut, and the Twirling Candy colt has the early presence to be in range from the break. Victor Espinoza will be in the stirrups.
• #8 GOLIAD (5-1) -- Mandella-trained son of War Front was headstrong before tiring in the Eddie Logan, but he will receive a better voyage in the Pasadena. Homebred won on debut on the course in 2019, and he will track a solid pace with clear sailing in the lane. Abel Cedillo will be in the controls.
• #9 HARIBOUX (7-2) -- Euro import has been a tricky read since arriving in the states, running well on two occasions but faltering in his other pair of outings. Havana Gold gelding thrived on the good turf most recently, but he draws widest of all and doesn’t have great value attached to him. I will side against the Eddie Logan runner-up.

Pasadena Wagers

• $2 Exacta Box: 2,3,6,8 ($24)
• $1 Trifecta Box: 2,3,6,8 ($24)