20:30 Bench Judge @ 8/1
This is the opening race on the card and it’s a good opportunity to get off to a flying start in this 5f sprint. Top Trainer John Sadler is working off a 25% strike rate in last two weeks and also had five horses placed, so stable in fine form. This three-year-old had a belated debut, so obviously the trainer thinks a bit of him and the fact BENCH JUDGE won on debut over course and distance was very impressive. Bred to stay further, he will only improve on that performance and don’t be surprised if he has too much class for this field. Jetovator was very good when winning over the distance two starts ago and was unlucky in running his latest, finishing third and he looks an obvious danger.
21:36 Hydrogen @ 13/2
Formerly trained by Bob Baffert, HYDROGEN now switches from William Morley to Jeff Bonde and makes his debut for new connections. As a winner of his last two starts at Mahoning Valley, he is a very interesting runner. A gelding operation has been the making of him and there is no doubting his ability. He has also settled so much better in his recent races. The hat-trick mission is a strong possibility. Foreign Protocol is very consistent and has won on three occasions from 5f to 6h. He has something in common with his main rival in that he also has had the operation. This is his first run since being gelded and if it brings the smallest of improvement he is the main danger.
22:07 Resarcio @ 13/2
RESARCIO was unlucky in her latest when going down by a neck and renews her rivalry with Dipping In once again. Lightly-raced with just the two starts, she is open to any amount of improvement. Trainer John Shirreff’s yard are in flying form and his latest runner Lambeau was very well supported when winning at Santa Anita on the May 18. It will be certainly worth keeping an eye on any market moves here. In any case she can certainly reverse the placing with Dipping In. Zest is a likely favourite and appears to be the main danger, but this is her first race since June 2019. It’s a big ask for her to win and she may be in need of the run.
22:39 Sky Jumper (NAP) @ 8/11
SKY JUMPER was hugely impressive when winning over 6f back in February. It’s not often his trainer Bob Baffert gets things wrong, but didn’t see out the trip in his latest when pushed up to a mile. This is a welcome return back to preferred distance here and he is the standout bet on the card. Heavily supported on a couple of occasions, his trainer is known to think a bit of him and he is well placed here to get back to winning ways. Cryin Chuck and Fellow Citizen both won their latest and represent top yards, so they’re obvious dangers. However, they will need to improve further to get the better of Sky Jumper. Get on it folks.
23:12 Avalanche @ 3/1
AVALANCHE really caught the eye latest when returning after a year break and only went down by two lengths. One suspects his trainer John Sadler will have been delighted with that performance. A winner over 1m on firm ground, tonight’s conditions will be perfect. Obviously, he will come on a ton for his return to action and this is an easier race. With a bit of luck in running here, he should go close and it’s hard to see him out of the frame. Fivestar Lynch won well here back in February and a repeat of that performance would put him bang there on his first start since. While jockey booking is also worth noting with Flavien Prat in the saddle.
Santa Anita tips summary:
20:30 Bench Judge @ 8/1
21:36 Hydrogen @ 13/2
22:07 Resarcio @ 13/2
22:39 Sky Jumper (NAP) @ 8/11
23:12 Avalanche @ 3/1
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* All odds correct at time of posting and are subject to change.
