Santa Anita: How to bet the 2022 Sensational Star Stakes

Eight turf sprinters bred in the Golden State will run 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill at Santa Anita in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star S. The grassy dash lacks a standout and could go to any of the contenders signed on for the tilt, although I will focus on the ones coming from off of the pace for the most part.

I expect the pace to be wicked early on, and #1 Indian Peak will benefit most of all in the field for conditioner Ruben Alvarado. Gelded son of Comic Strip owns four lifetime top-two finishes on the surface, which includes a strong runner-up performance in the San Simeon S. (G3) last time out.

The dark bay California-bred is a stakes winner at the distance after taking the California Flag S. in October, and a repeat of that showing will make him very tough on Sunday. John Velazquez picks up the ride atop the five-year-old and will take him back early on before asking him for his best approaching the turn for home.

#8 Fashionably Fast dons the pedigree and running style to contend for a piece of the pie for Dean Pedersen. By Lucky Pulpit, the seven-year-old has yet to win on grass, but he has some class to him as a multiple stakes victor, and the chestnut has room to improve in his second assignment of 2022, as well. I envision him tracking the pace from the second flight prior to getting first run on the deeper closing types in the stretch.

I will also include the consistent #5 Riding With Dino to grab a share for conditioner Bob Hess. The Vronsky gelding has won or placed in at least 10 consecutive outings, which includes three on this course, of which one was going down the hill. The lightly raced bay possesses tactical speed, but in this spot, the five-year-old will be running from well back early on. Flavien Prat will take the reins atop the top-three contender.

Sensational Star Wagers

• $20 exacta 1 with 8 ($20)
• $10 exacta 1 with 5 ($10)
• $5 trifecta key 1 with 5,8 ($10)