Merry day after Christmas! Hope Santa filled your stocking with all kinds of goodies. I’ll try to come up with more presents for you with today’s picks, but I think I need to get outta the snow. So I’ll take Bronco up on his invitation to join him in handicapping Santa Anita’s opening day. I could use a little fun in the sun right about now, so here are some Saturday SA picks.

Your BEST BET is 3 DANI REESE in RACE 8 (8/1 ML). Lightly raced filly has won 3 of 4 starts and showed some nice late kick in her last here, which will serve her well today. Been off since October, but she looks ready based on December drills. The presence of Desormeaux adds to her appeal.

Your NEXT BEST BET is 7 SNOWMASTER in RACE 3 (4/1 ML). Colt sure seemed to like the grass based on the late-running place in his turf debut. Fits well at this level. Expect improvement in his second turf start. Pilot Rosario scores at a 22% clip for this barn and was on board for Snowmaster’s last win.

Your VALUE BET is W/P on 3 JAMES PRIOR in RACE 2 (12/1 ML). Gelding scored here in October at this distance. Didn’t look so hot in his last at Hollywood, but he takes a slight drop today and is reunited with Santiago, who guided him to 2 of his 3 wins. Recent works indicate he likes being back at Santa Anita.

Lady Luck