HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $17,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Ava G – Been away a year, exited a key race where she ran well; O’Neill was able to move her to Hollywood to keep training.

America’s Friend – A bit long in the tooth with 11 starts, her subtle class drop will help; should be charging late.

Long Shot – Flashy Notorious

Race 2 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $52,000, Allowance, 2-year-olds

Gayego – Smith exits Reflect Times, where he rides first call for Shirreffs, to stick here; tactical speed to sit a trip.

Reflect Times – Just because Smith jumps off for the favorite doesn’t mean this guy can’t upset; nothing wrong with Flores.

Long Shot – Gone Grand

Race 3 – 6 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Claiming $10,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Your Quote – Dropping to a class level where we know she can compete; big rider switch to Gryder for the money shot.

Topango Canyon – Ran miserably in last, like that top jock Tyler Baze is willing to take the call; decent tactical speed.

Long Shot – Apolla

Race 4 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $17,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Fly By – For forgiving handicappers who can look at her race two back as a winning one; offers good value at 9/2 odds.

Peace By Peace – Tepid chalk in a wide open bottom level maiden claimer; did a classic pop and stop in last, will go better.

Long Shot – Smooch

Race 5 – 1 mile (turf) Purse $41,000, Claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

Courtnall – Chance to save all the ground inside and look good doing it; subtle class drop will surely help the cause.

Quasimodo – Getting a good trip in a turf race is all the luck many horses need; Gomez got stuck behind horses last time.

Long Shot – Hajji’s Honor

Race 6 – 6 furlongs, Purse $22,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

The Ivan Show – Ran well in first race ever for a price tag; if he improves one step he’ll be right there at the finish.

Austie – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; been away 10 months, but from the live Ward barn.

Long Shot – Liz’s Pirate

Race 7 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $52,000, Optional claiming $32,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Pocosin’s Game Boy – Consistent sort has been knocking on the door with similar class foes; parking lot post won’t hurt him.

Tribal Chief – Paired nice wins, now steps up in class; hate the rail post, but he figures to take back to mid-pack anyway.

Long Shot – Lead Stealer

Race 8 – 1 mile (turf), Purse $50,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Royal Vision – The toughest race on the card appears as the Super High Five race; like Bejarano on a closer at 8/1 odds.

Warren’s Scooter – Tactical speed to be a pest early, middle and late; he also offers value, with Nakatani, at 8/1 odds.

Long Shot – Jupiter’s Stone

Best Bet – Gayego (race 2)

Santa Anita Wednesday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/3/$22.40; Long Shots, 9/3/$24.80; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals – 17/3/$22.40; Long Shots, 9/3/$24.80; Best Bets, 1/0/$0