Thursday Racing Picks: Santa Anita

After a brief two-day hiatus, we are back on the West Coast at Santa Anita Park for a $55,000 maiden special weight for 3-year-old state-breds over 6 ½ furlongs on the dirt. The field of 8 will go to gate for the final race of the day, race 7 on the 7-race card with an approximate post time of 7:02 p.m. ET.

#3, Tallemark, Mike Smith, 5-1

Tallemark will be making his first career start for trainer Bruce Headley and will have veteran Mike Smith aboard. Tallemark’s last two workouts: five furlongs, 1:02, Jan. 19 and three furlongs, 37.00, Jan. 26. Intrigued with Smith aboard, taking a shot. The pick.

#5, Fantasy Game, Abel Cedillo, 4-1

Fantasy Game had one runner-up finish in seven starts last year. He is coming off a sixth-place finish in his first start of the year here in a maiden special weight race on Jan. 12. This will be his fourth start here in his last five races for trainer Steven Miyadi and has Abel Cedillo aboard. Runner-up.

#4, Stir the Pot, Joel Rosario, 5-1

Stir the Pot also will be making his first start for trainer Steve Knapp and will have Joel Rosario in the irons. His last two workouts, both at five furlongs here, posted times of 1:01.40 on Jan. 19 and 1:01.80 on Jan. 25. Contender.

#8, Lightning Fast, Agapito Delgadillo, 5-2

With the most experience amongst my four selections, Lightning Fast has posted two third-place finishes in three career starts, including here in a maiden special weight race on Oct. 5. In his last start, he finished ninth in a maiden special weight race at Del Mar on Nov. 14. Agapito Delgadillo is in the saddle for trainer William Spawr. Let’s see how he bounces back from that ninth-place finish. In the mix.

PICKS: 3-5-4-8

By Lou Monaco