Horse Racing: Today at Santa Anita, Dec. 26, 2011

By Richard Eng

Post Time noon

Race 1 – 7 furlongs, $100,000 California Breeders’ Champion, Cal-breds, Fillies, 2-year-olds

2 Almost a Lady – Stole a maiden claiming win for $40K, then won right back; has conditions left and a high ceiling.

6 Ismene – Logical chalk is also undefeated; like the parking lot post in this elongated sprint, stalks and finishes.

Long Shot – 3 Willa B Awesome

Race 2 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Maiden claiming $20,000, 3-year-olds and up

6 Street Titan – Mike Mitchell exits a trainer title at Hollywood; class relief can get this one’s photo taken.

5 What a Rush – Beaten favorite the last two outs; moves from parking lot post 11 to 5, tactical speed to sit a trip.

Long Shot – 4 Zapeye

Race 3 – 6 furlongs, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

5 Midnight Transfer – Big rider switch to Joel Rosario for the money shot; your edge is the tote action on the many FTS.

8 Bernster – Bob Baffert has an uncoupled entry and both are capable here; tiny edge to this one with Rafael Bejarano.

Long Shot – 2 Lasso

Race 4 – 1 mile (turf), Purse $30,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

1 Uzziah – Lost all chance in last when the jock lost his irons; blinkers off and good post for a mile, saves ground.

7 Sanibel Sid – Logical chalk has improved going around 2-turns; Ron Ellis completed a strong Hollywood meet.

Long Shot – 3 Myhorseofcourse

Race 5 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up

6 Fiarano – Was flattered when The Director won next out; he looks ready to finally put it all together.

10 Doubledown On Ten – Reunited with Rafael Bejarano; beaten favorite ran last time like he needed the race.

Long Shot – 8 Randazo

Race 6 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $32,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

5 Mr. Bossy Pants – Big class drop and returns to a turf course he likes; another turning back in distance.

3 Achak – Like the turn back in distance; has a solid record at today’s distance and won the hillside turf course.

Long Shot – 11 Kelly Leak

Race 7 – 7 furlongs, $100,000 California Breeders’ Champion, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

5 Motown Men – Was rushed into a very fast pace in the Generous last out; suspect Rafael Bejarano will be more patient.

7 Stoney Fleece – Perfect trip winner of the Genarous; figure the pace to be slower than it was that day.

Long Shot – 4 Johnny Be Mine

Race 8 – 1 mile (turf), $150,000 Sir Beaufort, 3-year-olds

4 Mr. Commons – Tough trip in the BC Mile; especially in the lane when Goldikova knocked over her rivals like bowling pins.

2 Venomous – Lost his late punch when stretched out a marathon distance; one mile may be his best distance regardless.

Long Shot – 8 Ultimate Eagle

Race 9 – 7 furlongs, $300,000 Malibu, 3-year-olds

8 Smash – Bob Baffert has 4 in here all uncoupled; this gal figures to be stretched out in distance with her pedigree.

11 The Factor – Draw a mile thru the BC Mile and he’s a stone cold sprinter; not concerned with a parking lot post.

Long Shot – 2 Centralinteligence

Best Bet – 4 Mr. Commons (race 8)

Hollywood Park Sunday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 19/5/$33.60; Long Shots, 9/2/$33.20; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Hollywood Park Final Totals – 429/121/$703.40; Long Shots, 211/31/$395.00; Best Bets, 26/12/$50.60

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #9 Crown Me Wicked (5/2) in race 7 at Gulfstream Park. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Sunday, Island Bound ran out at Gulfstream Park. Final 2011 Stats – 193/123/$968.40; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick