Saturday's Best Bet: Nolde's versatility pays off in Twilight Derby

Saturday’s 3rd race from Santa Anita Park is the Grade 2 Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds traveling a mile and an eighth on the turf course (Post Time - 2:17 p.m. ET).

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#3 NOLDE (7-2) has been carefully managed since breaking his maiden in a local 8T affair May 3. Since that race, he won an optional claimer, lost by a nose in the Oceanside, and won the Del Mar Derby (G2). He can stalk or close.

#6 Jais’s Solitude (15-1) is a quality late runner on turf. Irad Ortiz Jr. hops aboard and he should be heard from in the stretch if the pace heats up.

#8 Neptune’s Storm (4-1) is a very consistent early-pressing type on turf. He is 4-for-6 at Santa Anita, 2-for-3 at a mile and an eighth, and his numbers are on the rise. He might get first run if/when #9 Kingly (5-1) tires.

#2 Hackberry (15-1) was right with some of these in the Del Mar Derby (G2), and disappointed in his local 8T prep Sept. 27. I like the rider switch to Flavien Prat and he should save ground stalking the pace.

Wagers: 

#3 to win

Exacta 3/2-6-8

Exacta 2-6-8/3

Recent Best Bet Winners