HORSE RACING
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 12:30 p.m.
Race 1 – 1 1/8th miles (turf), Purse $55,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up
Presidential Cause – Ran a terrible race last time, but has run some back speed figures fast enough to upset; tiny edge in a tough race.
Firebird Sweet – Tepid chalk has been running too little, too late in recent efforts; Solis is culminating a horrendous business meet.
Long Shot – Optimer
Race 2 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $18,000, Claiming $12,500 4-year-olds and up
Spriggzee – Beaten favorite figures to run a lot better race today; had a less than perfect trip in last, back class to rebound nicely.
Runs in the Family – Tepid chalk was claimed from the very successful Sherman barn; Alcala adding blinkers on, might look for speed.
Long Shot – Bullet Train
Race 3 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $50,000, Optional claiming $62,500, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Com Easy – Beaten favorite making her turf debut today; she broke her MSW over Cushion track at Hollywood, thus she may like the grass.
Hello Bolly – Chavez has been the best long shot jockey in the room this meeting; like her parking lot post to rally wide and fast.
Long Shot – Mpumalanga
Race 4 – 7 furlongs, Purse $17,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up
Johnny the Watch – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; also, a big trainer upgrade to Yakteen, expect better.
Swing Out – Was a beaten favorite in last where he didn’t run a step; still he has good prior races and is turning back in distance.
Long Shot – Merger Mania
Race 5 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $38,000, Claiming $40,000, 4-year-olds and up
Yes Master – Exiting a tough allowance condition setting a target for Peace Chant; will enjoy the class relief, chance to wire the field.
Mi Rey – Positive trainer switch to Mullins, who has put some stiff drills into him; has won 5-times and was meant to be a nice horse.
Long Shot – Red Warrior
Race 6 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up
El Sevillano – Not a strong choice for me by any means; was flattered when Mysterious Cat won again next out, has some back class.
Fire Crackle – Would prefer a comebacker like this with some class versus others who have proven they can’t run; will be a square price.
Long Shot – Epic Commander
Race 7 – 1 mile (turf), Purse $27,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 3-year-olds and up
Casual Thunder – De Seroux retired, so Canani takes up the training here; has teased with turf talent, can he teach an 8-YO new tricks.
Prowling Cat – Speedy sort will try and steal the verdict on the front end; third start off a 7-month sabbatical can be his best.
Long Shot – Mrtoyou
Race 8 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $28,000, Claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Sneaky Jack – Did a classic pop and stop last time out; is dropped into a softer spot where she won two races ago, the one to catch.
Bit of Folly – Did not run badly in last and now takes a subtle, but important, drop in class; will hope for a hot pace to close into.
Long Shot – Sizzling Sarah
Race 9 – 1 3/4 miles (turf), $250,000 San Juan Capistrano Handicap, 4-year-olds and up
One Off – Never had a chance to get untracked in the San Luis Obispo; he’ll be a square price and will save all the ground under Blanc.
Sweet Return – Tepid chalk slowed down a step in a winless 2007; this is not a great field, thus he’s favored despite winless ways.
Long Shot – Embossed
Race 10 – 7 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Reckoning Day – FTS from West attracts top bugboy Talamo; this field is so poor, a FTS need not be much to blow them away.
Ruthie’s Girl – Like that Espinoza opted to remain loyal to this bottom level claimer; he should be leading rider of the meet by now.
Long Shot – Bartok’s Bling
Best Bet – Spriggzee (race 2)
Santa Anita Saturday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 18/6/$44.80; Long Shots, 6/1/$10.20; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Santa Anita Totals – 1,396/367/$2,402.60; Long Shots, 695/76/$1,043.80; Best Bets, 80/32/$128.20
