How to bet the Robert J Frankel Stakes

A cast of 10 fillies and mares will travel 9 panels on the Santa Anita lawn in Sunday’s $100,000 Robert J. Frankel (G3).

Robert J Frankel Analysis

The race will be controlled early on by #2 She’s Our Charm (12-1) for conditioner Ron McAnally. Well-bred daughter of Candy Ride has miler speed and got a fine post draw close to the rail. The Kentucky-bred 4-year-old owns a pair of wins from four tries on the Santa Anita green, and I think she rates a major top-three chance at a price on the stretch-out. Juan Hernandez has the assignment.

I am looking forward to seeing #1 Rideforthecause (3-1) make her West Coast debut for trainer Mike McCarthy. By Candy Ride, the filly has really come to hand in the second half of 2020, led by a romp in the Canadian (G2) at Woodbine two prior. The $1 million November purchase will save ground throughout with Rispoli in the controls.

New York invader #4 Miss Teheran (5-1) has run a pair of positive races since arriving from Europe for Chad Brown. Teofilo filly makes her graded debut on Sunday on the class rise, but her turn of foot makes her a logical exotics contender with Rosario up.

Grade 1 queen #10 Mucho Unusual (5-2) is the class of the field but was saddled with the widest post. Mucho Macho Man lass has never missed the board from seven local assignments, but I will limit her inclusion to the exotics with John Velazquez riding. #9 Zee Drop (8-1) ran evenly in an allowance prep most recently, but the chestnut was sharper when runner-up in the Goldikova (G2) on the course two prior. Daughter of Lemon Drop Kid has the fine combination of tactical speed and jockey Flavien Prat.

Robert J Frankel Wager

• 50-cent Superfecta 1,2 with 1,2,4,9,10 with 1,2,4,9,10 with all ($72)