Santa Anita: How to bet the $6,425 Super High 5 carryover

Rainy weather in California prompted Santa Anita to cancel Saturday and Monday racing. But Sunday’s card is a go, and it kicks off with a $6,425 carryover up for grabs in the $1 Super High 5.

By “kicks off,” we literally mean the carryover is on the table in Race 1, a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight for three-year-olds. Seven horses have been entered, and we’re keen to key morning line favorite #1 Hejazi (4-5) on top of our tickets.

Hejazi might be an 0-for-3 maiden, but he’s held his own against tough competition. In his debut dashing 5 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar last summer, Hejazi ran second behind future Eddie Logan S. winner Classical Cat. Over the same track and distance three weeks later, Hejazi again finished second, beaten only 1 1/4 lengths while the victorious Speed Boat Beach (a future two-time stakes winner) prevailed in track-record time.

Most recently, Hejazi stepped up in class and distance for the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah (G1) at Santa Anita, running third behind Cave Rock and National Treasure. Those two returned to finish second and third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

Hejazi has trained strongly in preparation for his three-year-old debut and should find the competition easier on Sunday. He owns by far the two highest Brisnet Speed ratings in the field and looks like a standout favorite.

Underneath, we have to emphasize #4 Worcester (4-1) and #6 Sully (4-1). Worcester rallied belatedly to finish fourth in his debut sprinting six furlongs over this track and class level on Dec. 26, while Sully finished fourth by only 1 1/4 lengths after carving out the pace in a six-furlong maiden special weight at Del Mar two months ago.

We also have to consider the first-time starters #2 I Don’t Get It (4-1) and #7 Tiz Tok (15-1), both conditioned by two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O’Neill. Of the pair, I Don’t Get It looks more formidable after cranking out several quick workouts highlighted by a bullet five furlongs in :58 4/5.

Here’s how we’ll bet the Super High 5:

• $1 Super High 5: 1 with 2,4,6 with 2,4,6 with 2,4,5,6,7 with 2,4,5,6,7 ($36)

Good luck!