How to bet the Santa Anita Oaks

A compact, but talented, field of four sophomore filly prospects will contest Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G2). 

Santa Anita Oaks Analysis

The early action in the affair will be controlled by #2 Merneith, who I will tab to lead every step of the way.

Santa Anita Oaks Contenders

#1 SWISS SKYDIVER (6-5) -- Peaking Daredevil filly rolls in off of two superb graded wins. Bargain $35,000 purchase ventures west for the initial time in sublime form as the one to beat from the rail. Mike Smith inherits the mount atop the McPeek starlet.

#2 MERNEITH (2-1) -- $600,000 American Pharoah filly ran a lifetime best when decimating allowance foes in a sprint at Oaklawn Park last time out. Bay Kentucky-bred was second in both tries on the course, and the Baffert pupil looks like the controlling speed in the field. Drayden Van Dyke has the call.

#3 SPEECH (8-5) -- Talented McCarthy trainee was a fine second to a good one at Oaklawn last time. Mr. Speaker filly was runner-up in her two previous assignments on the oval and seems poised for a positive result on Saturday. Flavien Prat will be in the silks.

#5 REGAL BEAUTY (10-1) -- Second from the Baffert barn, chestnut led throughout on a moderate pace in a facile maiden conquer following a short layoff. Daughter of Malibu Moon has yet to run fast enough to be a major player against this kind, but she has room for development and could earn a share with improvement.

Santa Anita Oaks Wagers

• $20 Exacta: 2 with 1 ($20)
• $20 Trifecta: 2 with 1 with 3 ($20)