Off at odds of 6-1, Exquisite contributed to tough to-have mosaique for Pick Six players, as they took aim at a $87,781 carryover from Wednesday. Nobody correctly tabbed six winners in Oak Tree’s popular exotic wager Thursday either, resulting in a two-day carryover of $278,276 into Friday’s eight-race program. It is expected that Friday’s Pick Six pool could possibly reach $1 million.
Rallying from sixth in Thursday’s field of eight fillies and mares, Exquisite got the jump on her rival, who closed swiftly from a distant last under Rafael Bejarano to gain the place. It was another length back to April Ride in third with David Flores aboard.
Sent off at odds of 6-1, the comebacking Exquisite paid $15, $7.60 and $4. Bel Air Sizzle returned $4.60 and $3.40 while the show price on April Pride was $3.60.
The victory was the second in seven United States starts for the 5-year-old New Zealand import owned by the partnership of David Bienstock, Paul Mandabach and Charles Winner. The winning purse of $28,200 increased her career earnings to $112,807 from an overall record of 4-2-2 in 19 career races.
Oak Tree resumes Santa Anita’s popular “Free Fridays” promotion on Friday when admission is free and hot dogs, beer, sodas, coffee and popcorn may be purchased for $1. First post on Fridays has been moved to 2 p.m.