Stakes action highlights the Late Pick 4 Sunday at Golden Gate Fields, and when that happens there’s a good blend of proven local runners as well as shippers coming out of strong events at Santa Anita.

The targeted Pick 4 runs from races 8-11 and includes the Campanile Stakes (ninth race) and the Silky Sullivan Stakes (11th), along with a good claiming race to open in the eighth and an excellent allowance optional claiming race in the 10th.

The suggested ticket amounts to $64, and here’s a look at the horses used in that play:


Race 8 (7:15 p.m. ET, claiming)

SWEET RIVER BAINES closed with a rush for third last out and a clean trip and a good pace is needed.

WHATWASITHINKING has done nothing good lately but has a stellar 6 of 12 record over the Tapeta and isn’t effective elsewhere. Back to where he does his best.

COLORMEMONEY finished boldly in his last two, each at 5.5 furlongs, and should appreciate the extra ground.

PASSIONATE REWARD was third as he lost a photo in the same race as COLORMEMONEY. The winner of that race is also in here but has preferred the shorter distances.


Race 9 (7:45 p.m. ET, stakes)

I’M SO ANNA comes out of the stakes wars at Santa Anita and last year won a mile stakes race over this turf course. Poses a serious threat from the beginning.

SQUARED SHADY finished just ahead of I’M SO ANNA in the G3 Sweet Life at Santa Anita. Can be in the mix from the beginning and has the class to be a strong player. This race lacks runners with late punch, so these looks like the two top contenders.


Race 10 (8:15 p.m. ET, optional claiming)

MECKLENBURG has found a home here with wins in his last two and a third in his only other local start.

KING OF SPEED very competitive in his Golden Gate races and can be effective late in the game.

AMERICAN FARMER was on the board in his last three fits right in. A clean trip could help him get the candy.

STRONGCONSTITUTION has been in the toughest races by far, with appearances in the G2 San Carlos, G2 Mathis Brothers Mile and G1 Hollywood Derby in three of his last four. He hasn’t been a factor in any of those but takes a significant step down in class. Had a good third last October in a mile optional claiming race at Santa Anita and followed that with a two-turn turf win in the Let It Ride at Del Mar. He looks good on paper, but the distance here will be a test and the locals have been in good form.


Race 11 (8:45 p.m. ET, stakes)

NONE ABOVE THE LAW took on the toughs at Santa Anita and was second in the Cal Cup Derby in January. He won a mile optional claiming race there two races back and then didn’t fire in the Echo Eddie last out.

MISTER BOLD won here two races back. Has been competitive against California-breds but also has won two optional claiming races against open company. Makes his first turf start.

POSITIVITY has lost four straight since winning his first two and was fourth in his only turf attempt. Can be expected to a big player in his first one here.

BIG TALKER is a proven late runner and that will come in handy in a race that has no shortage of speed. Has been on the turf in all five starts and is bred to handle longer distances.

My Ticket

Race 8) #1 Sweet River Baines, #3 Whatwasithinking, #6 Colormemoney, #10 Passionate Reward.

Race 9) #1 I’m So Anna, #2 Squared Shady.

Race 10) #4 Mecklenburg, #6 King of Speed, #8 American Farmer, #10 Strongconstitution.

Race 11) #3 None Above the Law, #7 Mister Bold, #10 Positivity, #12 Big Talker.

Total Ticket Cost) 1,3,6,10/1,2/4,6,8,10/3,7,10,12 = $64 for $0.50