Turf routes give bettors 4 shots at score

ARCADIA, Calif. – Just one of the four turf routes Friday at Santa Anita includes a reliable favorite at low odds, while three other turf routes offer more uncertainty and greater wagering appeal.

The standout is in race 6. Extreme Heat drops from a starter allowance to a $25,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two in his first start since he was sold and transferred to owner-trainer Ed Freeman.

Extreme Heat’s three turf starts in spring and summer against better company are fast enough. He is further complimented by a perhaps random statistic: one-mile turf races here in October have been highly predictable – favorites have won 9 of 17 through Sunday.

For handicappers, the decision Friday boils down to a choice between Extreme Heat and Gray Admiral, convincing winner last out at the same level, distance, and course before he was disqualified for interference.

The three other turf races Friday might offer value, including races 1 and 3, split divisions of a mile race for maiden fillies and mares. Race 8, the final race on the card, is a second-level allowance at 1 1/4 miles that pits front-runner Well Developed and late-runner Oscar Dominguez.

In race 1, the pace is likely to be set by Magical Gray. However, the Santa Anita turf has not been carrying speed at one mile. Only three of the 20 mile races this fall on firm turf have been won by the pacesetter; more than half were won from the middle or back of the field.

Screenshot is poised for an upset in race 1. She finished well in all three of her turf sprints, is bred to run long, and should offer attractive odds. That is because last time out she finished behind three rivals she meets again Friday – Magical Gray, She Be Striking, and Stradella Road.

Race 3 is led by the seemingly vulnerable Dearborn. She lost the lead late in both of her turf routes this summer at Del Mar, then subsequently ran well finishing third in a turf sprint at Santa Anita. Her main rival is Sutro, a deep closer who finished second in her most recent start two months ago.

The field for race 3 includes first-time starter Miss Voluptuous, a full sister to likely race 8 pacesetter Well Developed. The 10-furlong trip in race 8 is a long way for Well Developed, but he looks like the lone speed. He finished second last out racing 1 1/16 miles at Golden Gate.

Oscar Dominguez uncorked an impressive 34.51-second final three furlongs last out to win a $50,000 claiming race in his first start off the claim by Peter Miller. Oscar Dominguez would be tough to beat if he runs two alike. Any Questions also will rally late.