Check out my Monday (5-26-25) Santa Anita Park Race 8 analysis below.
SA 8 (G2 Hollywood Gold Cup, 10f) – Post Time 7:38 PM ET
Primary – #4 EXTENSIVE, #5 Skippylongstocking
Secondary – #1 Tarantino, #2 Packs a Wahlop
Horse Comments:
#4 Extensive (3-1) is on the upswing for Michael McCarthy and looks like the only runner with a chance to upend the favorite. He stretched back out and easily won a flat mile MSW dirt race March 16, and was even more impressive in an optional-claiming affair at 1 1/16 miles April 6. Flavien Prat is his new rider and he figures to work out a stalking trip in his longest and toughest career test.
#5 Skippylongstocking (1-1) is by far the class of the field, but the 1 1/8 miles specialist is 0-for-2 at a mile and a quarter. He is not quite as fast as he used to be but is more than capable of winning this race under Irad Ortiz, Jr. He won’t be too far from the early lead and could not have found an easier stakes spot.
#1 Tarantino (4-1) was terrible in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap last time. He never got involved in a throwout race. The 7-year-old gelding hit the board in four straight graded dirt routes prior to his last and might be the target under his new rider Juan Hernandez.
#2 Packs a Wahlop (20-1) is worth a look underneath due to his ability to handle a mile and a quarter. He just missed in the G2 Whittingham at 10T last time. For those thinking that he can upset the applecart, note that he has not won a race since 2022.
Wagers:
#4 to win
Exacta box 4-5
Trifecta 4-5/1-2-4-5/1-2-4-5
Recent Bettor Bet$ Free Pick Winners
May 1 – Brilliant Berti ($5.74), Exacta ($19.66), Trifecta ($61.00)
May 2 – Raging Sea ($10.08)
May 5 – Moreau/Eddie M Exacta ($14.20)
May 7 – Adeleke/No Easy Days Exacta ($14.00), Trifecta ($43.40)
May 8 – Twenty Four Mamba ($11.00)
May 10 – Kentucky Outlaw ($5.60)
May 11 – Takethemoneyhoney ($6.00)
May 17 – Reagan’s Wit ($3.00)
May 23 – Favor to You ($4.20), Exacta ($7.40), Trifecta ($25.40)
May 24 – Sneaker ($6.60)
May 25 – Catch the Breeze ($9.00), Exacta ($30.40), Trifecta ($80.00)
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