HORSE RACING

By Richard Eng

Post Time Noon

Race 1 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $25,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds and up

Phil the Usher – Baffert underachiever joining cull status running first time for a claiming tag; he adds blinkers on for more speed.

James The Third – A bit long in the tooth, winless among 13 starts, but he’s running first time for a claiming price; will be grinding late.

Long Shot – Parthenon Charm

Race 2 – 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $36,000, Claiming $40,000, 4-year-olds and up

Cervelo – You must be a forgiving handicapper to like a horse like this; was pulled up, vanned off and the favorite last time out.

Agent Hanratty – Ran miserably against NoCal allowance foes in last; Sadler puts them where they can win, in this case with claimers.

Long Shot – Luckyandsmart

Race 3 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $46,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up

I’m All Out – Like the turn back in distance from a 2-turn mile to this elongated sprint; bugboy Talamo taking over for the money shot.

Hewitts – Favorite figures to be a very short price, and is vulnerable; when they run that large first time, who knows if he’ll improve.

Long Shot – Worthy Son

Race 4 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $27,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds

Holy Lark – Won with something left last time, suspect a repeat effort is probable; key will be if there is enough pace to do his best.

Love That Gin – NoCal shipper for Hollendorfer is taking advantage of this soft spot; was outmanned in an allowance, fits better today.

Long Shot – Jack the Duffer

Race 5 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $27,000, Claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up

John Hennessy – Have to be impressed with the Koriner stock; speedy colt may have some company early, but can still get the job done.

Oceanus – Dead late closer returning from a 10-month sabbatical; leap of faith that he’s ready to fire, getting big time class relief.

Long Shot – Clan Chief

Race 6 – 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Just Knock – Frankel filly has been unlucky not to win either of her first two starts; she figures to improve, not regress, today.

Sydney’s Secret – Square price from the top Canani barn; woke up on turf going down the hill in last, now switching to Talamo.

Long Shot – Charming Legacy

Race 7 – 6 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

Pressthepace – Speedball may be able to clear and leave jet fumes behind him; third start off a 5-month hiatus could be his best.

Code Amour – Pupye taking the blinkers off for this one; Valdivia figures to be patient, hope for a fast pace, and grind it out late.

Long Shot – Twin Turbo

Race 8 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $49,000, Allowance, 3-year-olds and up

Only One Way – Claimed from Mullins, he has won 5-of-11 career starts, good stuff; proven he can succeed without getting the lead.

Gold Maker – Been away 9-months since an overpowering MSW win at Del Mar; like that Baffert has latched on to Talamo for live mounts.

Long Shot – Miracle Hill

Race 9 – 1 1/8th miles (turf), Purse $51,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Angel Craft – Drysdale filly won with aplomb in her return off a 2-month hiatus; she is bred to be any kind and has much room to grow.

Branca Como Neve – Big trainer change to O’Neill could spark some major improvement; beaten favorite in last, can be taken to atone.

Long Shot – Burst of Light

Race 10 – 1 1/16th miles, $150,000 Mervyn LeRoy Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

Molengao – This horse has the edge of recentcy, and good races too in the San Antonio and Big Cap; should see plenty of pace to chase.

Buzzards Bay – May be the fastest horse in the field, but has been away 11-months; very short odds on a horse aiming for bigger fish.

Long Shot – Wanna Runner

Race 11 – 7 1/2 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

Behind the Magic – Exiting a MSW race to face bottom level claimers today; tactical speed to sit a perfect trip, the one to beat.

Big Gulch – Appears to be rounding into good form where a big effort is likely; like the turn back in distance, good for conditioning.

Long Shot – Front Runner

Best Bet – Holy Lark (race 4)

Hollywood Thursday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/3/$34.40; Long Shots, 8/1/$6.00; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Hollywood Totals – 132/31/$225.00; Long Shots, 64/5/$107.00; Best Bets, 8/2/$10.00