December racing in Southern California takes a ton of detours: a start in Del Mar, a move to Cypress, and a banging conclusion at Santa Anita.
The Grade 2 Starlet is today at Los Alamitos, the all-dirt track in Cypress. It gives Santa Anita and Del Mar a break - and the Oaks and Derby trails both make a quick stop at the track, as well. The Starlet awards 10 points to the winner on the road to the Kentucky Oaks - the most prestigious race for 3-year-old fillies.
Trainer Bob Baffert has won 8 straight Starlets, and has a trio of solid runners ready for today. Let’s meet the field, determine if we think Baffert has another one, and put together our weekly wager. If you’re wagering in Southern California, check out our partners at AmWager! They have a 100% deposit match up to $150 for new customers right now.
Let’s meet the field, and put together our wager.
Grade 2 Starlet. 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt. 2-year-old fillies. $200,000.
1. Himika. 5/2. Jockey: Tyler Baze. Trainer: Bob Baffert.
Himika has been super active this year, coming in having run 6 times. She’s been very effective in one turn races; her one attempt at 2 turns in the Oak Leaf was a disaster. Until she shows me otherwise, I’ll toss her in longer races.
Comment: distance limited; toss.
2. Cashed. 8/1. Jockey: Tiago Pereira. Trainer: Doug O’Neill.
Cashed is the Cal-bred in the field, a daughter of Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another. She’s yet to try 2 turns, but her breeding suggests she’s more than ready. Trainer Doug O’Neill tried this one in state-bred stakes company last out, and she ran a decent 2nd. The stretch out is a question mark based on experience; look for her to hit the board.
Comment: can hit the board.
3. Consequent. 3/1. Jockey: Kazushi Kimura. Trainer: Bob Baffert.
Consequent is the 2nd of the Baffert trio, having debuted and one going 2 turns at Del Mar. Baffert is tipping his hand, however, by assigning jockey Kazushi Kimura to ride instead of Hernandez. Can she win? Absolutely. But she’s 2nd choice, even in her own barn.
Comment: 2nd choice.
4. Cosmic Heat. 8/1. Jockey: Armando Ayuso. Trainer: Doug O’Neill.
Another O’Neill trainee, Cosmic Heat broke his maiden in claiming company at Santa Anita. Cosmic Heat finished behind Himika last out, trying stakes company for the 1st time. She passed half the field in that race, giving us hope for another solid effort today. Her breeding - Maxfield sire and a Quality Road dam - suggests she can get 2 turns. Can she today? Major wildcard.
Comment: can hit the board.
5. Jewlz. 20/1. Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez. Trainer: Peter Miller.
Jewlz put it together last out, finally breaking her maiden in her 5th try. She’s up against it today as far as class; if she hits the board, it’ll spice things up for risk-taking bettors.
Comment: first toss.
6. Nimah. 6/5. Jockey: Juan Hernandez. Trainer: Bob Baffert.
Nimah is the latest Baffert potential star, winning with ease on debut and showing a willingness to get a lead and keep it. She’ll try to do that again today, and give Baffert a 9th straight Starlet win. I think she gets it done.
Comment: most likely winner.
Sporting Tribune Wager:
$4 Late Pick 3, starts race 7 ($48): 4,5,8 / 6 / 5,6,7,9. Good luck!