Santa Anita: How to bet the 2023 Summertime Oaks

Seven sophomore fillies will go postward in the $200,000 Summertime Oaks (G2) at Santa Anita on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile affair is led by Kentucky Oaks (G1) third #1 The Alys Look (5-2), who will make her West Coast debut in the event, and she looks tough to beat with anything resembling her latest showing. Now in the hands of trainer Christopher Davis, the daughter of Connect has won or placed in six of her seven career tries to date and has picked up both of her lifetime wins at this distance as well.

The Alys Look has some tactical speed but often does her best work from off the pace, and I expect her to save ground from off the early tempo prior to being asked for her run approaching the turn for home. There is some pace signed on for this affair for sure, and things could turn out perfectly for the Kentucky bred with Mike Smith riding for the initial time.

I’ll use a trio of horses beneath the one to beat, including #4 Lily Poo (8-1), for value. Conditioned by Mike McCarthy, this talented daughter of Tapiture impressed when winning her two-turn debut in the California Oaks at Golden Gate most recently, and while she faces much better in this spot, the chestnut might peak in her third run of the season following a trio of strong morning drills in advance of Saturday. Umberto Rispoli will retain the ride atop the intriguing longshot.

Richard Mandella’s #2 Window Shopping (5-1) graduated in easy fashion two back which preceded a third-place finish in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) in her first outing against stakes foes. The $700,000 American Pharoah filly was never getting to the winner in her latest effort, but she proved to be capable of running from off the pace. I like her versatility as well as her post slot near the rail. The chestnut shows a nice string of recent morning moves and will stalk the tempo early on with Hector Berrios in the silks.

And while I’m not fully sold on #7 Anywho (3-1) yet after two solid wins to begin her career, I will surely use the prospect as she might be any kind in her route bow. The Bolt d’Oro bay was a clear winner running seven panels in her first local appearance and has room to move forward second time off the layoff. Joe Bravo will ride the Hronis color bearer.

Summertime Oaks Wagers

• $20 exacta: 1 with 4 ($20)
• $10 exacta: 1 with 2,7 ($20)
• $3 trifecta: key 1 with 2,4,7 ($18)