How to bet the Rodeo Drive Stakes

An automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) is on the line in Saturday’s $300,000 Rodeo Drive (G1) at Santa Anita. The grassy test attracted seven contenders for the “Win and You’re In” affair.

Rodeo Drive Analysis

The pace will be controlled by #1 Tonahutu, who has been forwardly placed at shorter trips as of late. I envision a soft early tempo in the 1 1/4-mile Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive Contenders

#1 TONAHUTU (5-1) -- Yellow Ribbon (G2) runner-up has been sharp in three tries for O’Neill since being claimed. Sir Prancealot mare was a nice allowance winner at Del Mar in her most recent outing, and the 6-year-old could be dangerous as lone speed in the 10-furlong event. Abel Cedillo has the assignment.

#2 MAXIM RATE (4-1) -- Exchange Rate filly has never been better with a close second and two victories in her last three outings. Simon Callaghan pupil sports a 5-2-2-0 local line with a graded tally to her credit, and she is an obvious top-three contender while in fine current form.

#3 BODHICITTA (5-2) -- Chestnut filly by Showcasing is peaking for Baltas in advance of the Rodeo Drive. The 4-year-old has won three of her last four, led by a game score in the Yellow Ribbon (G2), and she is also a three-time winner from five tries on the Santa Anita lawn. Flavien Prat will be in the stirrups atop my selection.

#4 MUCHO UNUSUAL (5-1) -- Consistent late runner is far from a win machine, but the Grade 2 heroine is often in the mix late as a prime exotics threat. Yakteen trainee was a Grade 1 second on the course and at the trip in her 2019 finale, and the California-bred should benefit from stretching back out after a shorter recent prep endeavor.

#5 PRETTY POINT (12-1) -- Longshot in the cast is still eligible for a second-level allowance race for Gallagher, and she didn’t show much in her latest voyage. Mike Smith will be in the silks, but I can’t endorse the Point of Entry lass in this spot.

#6 LADY PRANCEALOT (2-1) -- Second from the Baltas barn is a Grade 1 vixen going 1 1/4 miles on the Santa Anita turf oval. Irish-bred 4-year-old was a narrow runner-up in the John C. Mabee (G2) last time out and could peak in her third off the short layoff on Saturday. The one-run closer will have Rispoli in the silks.

#7 CATCH THE EYE (12-1) -- Quality Road filly gave a good account of herself in her graded debut when rallying for third in the Mabee (G2). Hoffmans charge loves to run long on the lawn, and she could challenge for a placing if she stays within range to the top of the stretch. Victor Espinoza inherits the ride.

Rodeo Drive Wagers

• $1 Superfecta: 3 with 1,6 with all with all ($40)