Return to Santa Anita this week

We head back to Santa Anita this week for the San Marco Stakes (GII).

The race shapes up with a soft pace up front, where Masterly (#4) figures to set most of the fractions. Niagara Causeway (#2) will likely be placed just off his shoulder. Neither will be pressing too much, as their only hope to hang on in this 1 1/4 mile turf route will be to lead the field on the merry-go-round all the way to the wire.

That won't happen. Champs Elysees (#6) stands well above the rest in this heat. Normally, the Frugal Capper doesn't touch a 6/5 morning line that will likely be bet down to 2/5 by the time the gates open. We'll spread a little to allow for a mild upset, but we're not counting on it. Champs will be our heavy play on top.

Should he get another bad trip, similar to his 2nd place finish in the Hollywood Turf Cup, look for Decado (#5) to steal this race at a decent price. Medici Code (#7) and Obrigado (#8) will be involved late, just not enough to get past Champs Elysees.

The play, centered around a Champs Elysees - Decado exacta and enough spread to allow for some variance.

$.10 Super 5-6/5-6-7-8/5-6-7-8/All $6
$.10 Super 6/5-7-8/ALL/ALL $9
$.10 Super 6/5/7-8/ALL $1
$.10 Super 5/6/7-8/ALL $1
$1 Exacta Key 6/5-7-8 $3

Total Investment: $20