How to play the Pick 4

With the Grade 3 El Camino Real for 3-year-old colts adding intrigue to Saturday’s card at Golden Gate, here’s a look at the 50-cent late Pick 4 there, as well as a suggested ticket.

Race Six

A maiden claimer going six furlongs, let’s go two deep in the first leg, using Awesome Run (3) and Italian Fling (9). The former, lightly raced and still eligible to improve, owns the top last-race Beyer Speed Figure, a 48, and has twice been third in three starts, while the latter is speedy and just held second at this class level, albeit in a slower race.

Race Seven, the El Camino Real

Besides using the race favorites, Sheer Flattery (5) and Ann Arbor Eddie (3), I feel the need to use a proven synthetic performer in More Power to Him (2), who rates as my top selection when taking into account the value he offers at his 6-1 morning line. His four routes at Golden Gate have been excellent, particularly when he has been rated off the pace. Southern California raiders Sheer Flattery and Ann Arbor Eddie will be tough to beat if they take to the Tapeta surface at Golden Gate, and therefore must be used, but I’ll hope for an upset from More Power to Him to fatten the potential Pick 4 payoff.

Race Eight

Rose Among Thorns (4) is a consistent mare with sharp form on turf and synthetic, going long and sprinting. She rates on top in this allowance, followed by Calm the Sea (5), an invader from Santa Anita who seems the most talented filly and also happens to be making the third start of her current form cycle. That noted, she is an unknown on synthetic.

Race Nine

My Son John (6) is dropped a notch in class and makes his third start off a short hiatus, which should leave him ready for a peak effort. Still, being just 1 for 16, I have to use others, too. They include Star Express (4), second in two consecutive tries at this $4,000 claiming level, and Continental Song (1), who has move-up potential with a cutback in distance and blinkers coming off.