This week at Picks and Ponderings, Paul Mazur and I take a look at the stakes action on Saturday’s card at Santa Anita Park. Paul takes on the big race of the day — the San Pasqual Stakes (GII), with the return of California Chrome. I, on the other hand, take on the Sham Stakes (GIII). The Sham is a dirt mile for three-year-olds, the first Kentucky Derby points race in Santa Anita’s three-year-old series. The field drew a complex mix of dirt horses trying to prove themselves, and turf horses trying their skills on the main track. It looks like the sort of race ripe for a price.
Head over to Picks and Ponderings, and get ready for the first West Coast Derby prep of the new year — and, the return of California Chrome!