Santa Anita: How to bet the Lazaro Barrera Stakes May 15

The feature of a 10-race card at Santa Anita on Saturday is the $100,000 Lazaro Barrera S. (G3). A compact field of four sophomores will go postward in the 6 1/2-furlong dirt dash, led by what I think are two really nice youngsters who have bright futures. I see it as a two-horse race inside the final furlong, ultimately, with that duo.

Barrera Wagers

• $30 exacta 3 with 2 ($30)

Barrera Contenders

#1 WIPE THE SLATE -- Nyquist sophomore was a fine maiden graduate in December but has failed to impress in a pair of graded stakes races following his victory. One of two in the cast for O’Neill, the chestnut puts the blinkers back on and will also race as a gelding for the first time on Saturday, which could move him forward some. Mario Gutierrez will ride the Kentucky-bred who drilled a sharp five panels in his most recent morning move.

#2 LAUREL RIVER -- Juddmonte homebred looked the part visually off the layoff with a convincing maiden triumph in his second lifetime showing. The son of Into Mischief from the Baffert barn displayed early speed and a closing kick last time out, and he has posted some fine workouts in the interim, as well. Top prospect will have Abel Cedillo in the stirrups.

#3 THE CHOSEN VRON -- California-bred has been sharp from three lifetime tries to date for conditioner Eric Kruljac. By Vronsky, the gelded chestnut overcame some trouble to annex the Echo Eddie S. on the surface in his latest venture and seems poised to make it two straight with a good post draw outside of the expected pacesetter. Umberto Rispoli picks up the mount atop the talented three-year-old.

#4 I’LL STAND TALLER -- Second from the O’Neill shedrow was a smart winner on the oval two back and comes in off of a fourth-place result in the Silky Sullivan S. going long on the synthetic at Golden Gate. The chestnut California-bred has plenty of appeal as a horse to watch going forward, but his future may rest on the lawn, and potentially at longer distances. Juan Hernandez will be in the silks.