How to bet the Santa Anita all-stakes Pick 3

A trio of graded stakes races will highlight the Saturday card at Santa Anita. The first two legs of the all-stakes Pick-3 appear to be quite logical, but the closing race is a wide-open event that could yield an upset.

Here is how I am attacking the Pick 3:

Race 6 -- Robert B. Lewis (G3)

Trainer Bob Baffert has two formidable foes in Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) winner #2 Thousand Words (4-5) and Bob Hope (G3) victor #5 High Velocity (3-1). I think the race will go through the duo every step of the way, and I have confidence going two-deep to start things off.

Race 7 -- San Marcos (G2)

Seven will travel 10 furlongs on the lawn, and the grassy contest has the look of a three-horse race. #2 Cleopatra’s Strike (3-1) is a Grade 2 winner on the course and at the distance for d’Amato. Smart Strike gelding exits a big second in the San Gabriel (G2) in his 2020 debut.

Breeders’ Cup Turf (G2) runner-up #4 United (8-5) has never been better and was a bit unlucky when second in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at Del Mar to cap his 5-year-old season. Richard Mandella charge rates as a must use.

The same can be said for #7 Oscar Dominguez (5-2), who has thrived since being claimed by Richard Baltas in the spring. Son of Zoffany picks up Joel Rosario for the voyage.

Race 8 -- San Pasqual (G2)

The 9-furlong dirt event is where I will get value to conclude the sequence. #3 Restrainedvengence (4-1) finished off 2019 with five excellent efforts in succession for Val Brinkerhoff. Hold Me Back gelding shows four promising drills in the interim, and he lures Adel Cedillo from another rival.

The pace in the San Pasqual is expected to be contested and swift, and #7 California Street (12-1) will be a live off-the-pace threat at a big number. Paddy Gallagher pupil has solid current form, fast recent drills, and he also receives a rider change to Mike Smith for his third run off the bench. The 6-year-old is definitely worth a play.

All-stakes Pick 3 wager (races 6-8)

• $2 Pick 3: 2,5 with 2,4,7 with 3,7 ($24)

Good Luck!