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Friday, February 26: Frank Carulli's Stronach 5 Picks

by Frank Carulli

February 25, 2021

LEG A // LAUREL, RACE 9 (4:17PM ET) // OPTIONAL CLAIMING // 6 FURLONGS (DIRT)

VICTIM OF LOVE won a Grade III sprint off a 3-1/2 month layoff, then ran third in the Grade I Ballerina Stakes to eventual Breeders' Cup FM Sprint runner-up Serengeti Empress. She is working bullets for her return from a six-month layoff and will be a popular solo play.

LEG B // SANTA ANITA, RACE 3 (4:35PM ET) // MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT // 1 MILE (TURF)

BIG BEAUTY took money in her 6F turf debut, steadied at the top of the stretch and finished a clear second to Disko Fever, who returned with a sharp 6-1/2F allowance victory in 1:15.3. Her sire, Mr. Big, was a proven router, winning twice in nine career starts. SUNSHINE BABE finished 2-1/2 lengths behind Big Beauty after a troubled start, lacked stretch kick with Lasix in her second go-round and is by Grazen, a top 10 California sire in earnings the last two years.

LEG C // GULFSTREAM, RACE 8 (4:44PM ET) // CLAIMING // 1 MILE (TURF)

Two 3-year-olds arrive off victories, one off a near miss and two others after setting the pace for $50,000. It adds up to an 'ALL' punch on the Stronach 5 ticket.

LEG D // LAUREL, RACE 10 (4:49PM ET) // MAIDEN CLAIMING // 6 FURLONGS (DIRT)

GET LIT class drops out of three races that produced winners, adds blinkers and is best of those that have run. But first-time starters WHITE NITRO (hot barn) and FLASH LIGHTENING (fast works) are worth a second look.

LEG E // GOLDEN GATE, RACE 3 (4:53PM ET) // CLAIMING // 6 FURLONGS (ALL WEATHER)

BIG AWARD, third in her 6F debut versus $50k California breds, dueled with Luxury Liner, who went wire-to-wire in a $32,000 and $25,000 claimer after that win. TAMA'S ARCH rallied at 5-1/2F but was 'fanned' out of the money from the outside post. She draws the rail, should get ample pace flow and offers good value.

SUGGESTED $1 TICKET

Leg A: 3
Leg B: 3, 8
Leg C: ALL
Leg D: 1, 6, 9
Leg E: 1, 3

Cost: $72