Handicapping the San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita

The Sham (G3) isn’t the only graded stakes race taking place on Saturday at Santa Anita. The San Gabriel (G2) is also on the agenda, and from a betting perspective, it looks like the better race.

Held over 1 1/8 miles on turf, the San Gabriel drew seven entries, including four horses exiting the Nov. 28 Seabiscuit H. (G2) at Del Mar. The deep-closing winner #5 Count Again (2-1) will be joined by 3-4-5 finishers #2 Next Shares (4-1), #6 Anothertwistafate (5-2), and #7 Bowies Hero (6-1).

If forced to choose between the Seabiscuit representatives, I would be tempted to take a chance with Anothertwistafate. Winner of the Longacres Mile H. (G3) on dirt, Anothertwistafate endured a tricky journey in the Seabiscuit, vying for the early lead before taking back when longshot Blitzkrieg made a premature rally to the front.

Anothertwistafate tried his best to reengage down the lane, but couldn’t quite hang on in a race dominated by deep closers. Beaten just 2 1/2 lengths at the wire, Anothertwistafate was the only speed horse to finish in the front half of the field.

There isn’t much speed in the San Gabriel field, so Anothertwistafate should enjoy a more relaxed journey on Saturday. But a slow pace would also benefit #3 Bob and Jackie (4-1), who skipped the Seabiscuit after facing tough competition during the summer and fall.

A talented but somewhat delicate three-time stakes winner, Bob and Jackie was last seen firing off a gutsy effort in the Oct. 3 City of Hope Mile (G2) at Santa Anita. After tracking fast fractions of :22.58, :45.61, and 1:08.76, Bob and Jackie settled for third behind Mo Forza and Sharp Samurai, who have combined to win nine graded stakes during their decorated careers.

This fine bit of form suggests Bob and Jackie will be dangerous while facing easier company in the San Gabriel. Stretching out over 1 1/8 miles is a question mark as Bob and Jackie has never run farther than a mile, but his pedigree hints the added distance won’t be an issue, and the prospect of a slow tempo means he’ll have every chance to secure a favorable trip setting or stalking the pace.

Let’s key Bob and Jackie and Anothertwistafate in the trifecta, requiring both to finish third or better in order to cash. For the remaining slot, we’ll use the rest of the Native Diver brigade.

$2.50 trifecta: 3,6 with 3,6 with 2,5,7 ($15)
$2.50 trifecta: 3,6 with 2,5,7 with 3,6 ($15)
Total: $30

Good luck!