In the world of horse racing, strategic betting can make all the difference. With two Grade 1 races on the horizon, the Malibu and La Brea, many bettors are looking for underdog opportunities. However, I believe in placing a confident wager on the clear favorite to close out the multi-race wagers. She Feels Pretty stands out as the most probable winner of both the American Oaks (G1) and the opening day at Santa Anita. Despite my skepticism about her odds being even money, I remain hopeful for a fair chance of 4-5 in this turf race for 3-year-old fillies. The key lies in whether she can match or surpass her outstanding performance in the Queen Elizabeth II (G1) back in October at Keeneland. If she does, victory is almost guaranteed. Even if she doesn't perform as well, she still has a strong chance of winning.
The success of She Feels Pretty hinges on her ability to replicate or improve upon her previous top-tier performance. Her showing in the Queen Elizabeth II (G1) was nothing short of impressive, and if she can maintain that level of excellence, she should win this race with ease. A repeat performance would likely result in a win more than half the time. Should she surpass her previous effort, the likelihood of victory becomes even more certain. Even a slight regression might not be enough to prevent her from taking the crown. This suggests that her performance in October was truly exceptional, and she is expected to be a formidable competitor against older horses in 2025.
To further elaborate, She Feels Pretty’s previous performance sets a high benchmark. Her run in the Queen Elizabeth II (G1) demonstrated her potential and reliability. If she can reproduce that form, she will be a dominant force in the American Oaks. The race field includes twelve other entrants, making it competitive, but her track record suggests she can handle the pressure. Her consistency and quality suggest that she is not only a favorite but also a safe bet. For those considering multi-race wagers, including her in the lineup seems like a prudent choice. The challenge lies in predicting how the other horses will perform, especially given the uncertainty surrounding their odds when a strong favorite is present.
Beyond She Feels Pretty, there are other contenders worth noting. One such horse is Strutting, who showed promise in her North American debut at Del Mar. Despite facing tough competition in a mile race, she nearly pulled off an upset by closing strongly. Her European running style indicates she may have an edge in pacing, and now that she has a race under her belt, expectations are high for her performance. While She Feels Pretty remains the primary focus for multi-race wagers, keeping an eye on Strutting could provide additional betting opportunities.
Strutting’s introduction to North American racing was challenging, yet she managed to nearly upset the favorites. Her experience in Europe, where she demonstrated a tendency to stay close to the pace, positions her as a potentially strong contender. Now that she has adapted to the local racing scene, her chances of performing well have increased. In a field where one horse is likely to attract significant betting interest, the prices for others become unpredictable. Therefore, identifying undervalued horses like Strutting can offer valuable insights for bettors looking to diversify their strategies. While She Feels Pretty remains the central figure, exploring options like Strutting adds depth to the betting strategy, enhancing the overall chances of success in multi-race wagers.