Sunday is a big one at 1/ST Racing where there are not only mandatory payouts in all wagers on closing day at Santa Anita Park, but also a force-out in Gulfstream Park’s Rainbow 6. After Saturday, that carryover stands at $129,340.

Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.


Race 4:
Grade: C+
Main Ticket: 3 Kansai; 5 Brisa Veloz
Backups: None

Forecast: A challenging MSW event at 5-furlongs over the grass kicks things off where #5 Brisa Veloz is the one with experience that makes the most sense. The Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee did not run well after a slow start in her lone try sprinting over the lawn in February, but rebounded with a narrow miss over the all-weather against similar in late May. A repeat of that makes her tough to beat. I will use her as well as first-time starter #3 Kansai. The Michael Yates trainee has some precocity in the blood being the full younger sister to debut winner Bouncer, who ended up 6 for 21 overall. She will probably not have to be all that much to win at first asking.


Race 5:
Grade: B-
Main Ticket: 5 Rough Draft; 6 Mr Narcissistic; 1 Adios Now
Backups: None

Forecast: There is no doubt that 7-5- ML favorite #6 Mr Narcissitic is the clear one to beat in this optional claimer over the all-weather. The 7YO drew favorably to the outside after an easy win against similar on May 17. There is a lot of speed though to his inside, so perhaps he gets a little leg weary over the final half furlong. If so, #1 Adios Now is the likeliest to run by her, but do not discount the chances of #5 Rough Draft. The NY-bred was claimed out of his last race by trainer Carlos Narvaez. Narvaez has proven strong first off the claim through a limited sample size and there is no doubt this son of Editorial has some races to go back to. His 12-1-ML price is more than appealing.


Race 6:
Grade: B-
Main Ticket: 2 Hot Cargo
Backups: None
Forecast: I am willing to live and die with 8-5-ML favorite #2 Hot Cargo in this first-level allowance at 5-furlongs over the grass. The Silent Name mare was claimed by Saffie Joseph Jr. in January and has rattled off two consecutive wins over this turf course. She draws inside and should get another favorable forward trip with Rajiv Maragh back in the saddle.



Race 7:
Grade: B-
Main Ticket: 1 Major King
Backups: 6 Zozan

Forecast: The pace is likely to be contentious in this $6250 open claimer over Gulfstream Park’s one-turn dirt mile configuration. This bodes well for #1 Major King. The California Chrome gelding makes his second start off the claim for trainer Amador Sanchez after an easy win against similar on May 24. The rail draw is not ideal in these mile races, but he relaxed kindly along the inside in his victory last month and should benefit if the field separates like they often do when races have quick early paces. If he has traffic issues, #6 Kozan is the one that makes the most sense to take advantage. He clearly has soundness issues, but his last couple of races against conditional claimers fit well against these. He also should benefit from the probable race shape.



Race 8:
Grade: B
Main Ticket: 4 Beach Gold
Backups: None

Forecast: I am not all that creative with my single in this second-level allowance at two-turns over the lawn, but #4 Beach Gold appears to be a bit of a standout. The Omaha Beach colt was competitive at Keeneland in April and then put forth a career best effort in his easy win over this course last month. Jockey Jonathan Ocasio should be able to work out another perfect stalking trip, which is likely to lead to this one’s third lifetime win.


Race 9:
Grade: C+
Main Ticket: 5 Artemus Wizard; 2 Milazzo
Backups: 11 Just Buu

Forecast: 7-2-ML favorite #6 Live to Ride is a runner I am willing to take a stand against in the final leg of the Rainbow 6. The Kingman gelding will seal the deal someday, but it has already been 10 starts without a win, including four losses at 2-1 odds or lower. He is by far the likeliest to hit the board, but I will bank on at least one being better than him again in the Sunday finale.

#5 Artemus Wizard gets major class relief and has the most upside still, but is not easy to fully trust. #2 Milazzo has had plenty of chances like the favorite, but his 12-1 price makes him worth including. Lightly-raced #11 Just Buu gets blinkers for the first time for trainer David Fawkes. He should appreciate the drop to the lowest level of his young career.