SANTA ANITA - Sunday, October 28, 2012

Tough day yesterday.  Only one winner on top.  Good Luck today!

Race 1

#2 - FIFTYSHADESOFHAY - 3rd in last start, good works, sent out by Bejarano/Baffert combination: #4, #1.

Race 2

#3 - SO BRILLIANT - Baffert trained runner with good works to prepare.  Other contenders: #4, #1.

Race 3

#6 - TIZ LIBERTY - Won last and can repeat for Cerin, best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #1, #3.

Race 4

#5 - MAYBE TUESDAY - Dropped in class by trainer McCarthy, 4/5 on the turf.  Other contenders: #7, #6.

Race 5

#4 - BIG VARIETY - Live longshot runs for a tag for the first time.  Other contenders: #5, #1.

Race 6

#6 - JOLLY JOSEPH - This maiden is 2/4 in the money on the grass for trainer Mark Glatt, should break today.  Other contenders: #2, #3.

Race 7

#6 - MAKER OR BREAKER - Just missed in last, good works, handled by Bejarano/Baffert combination.  Other contenders: #1, #2.

Race 8

#2 - RYEHILL DREAMER - G2 try in last with best speed figure, Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #5, #6.

Race 9

#10 - HARLINGTON NIGHT - Dropped in class by trainer Vladimer Cerin.  Other contenders: #2, #7.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, October 27, 2012

Four winners on top yesterday.  Good Luck today!

Race 1

#4 - REMARKABLE MOON - Hit the board in last, Gomez rides.  Other contenders: #5, #2.

Race 2

#4 - CABALLO DEL CIELO - G1 try in last, sharp works for Nakatani/Asmussen combination.  Other contenders: #5, #1.

Race 3

#1 - ARABIAN STORM - Drops in class and claimed in last, best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #3, #2.

Race 4

#6 - UNUSUAL HOTTIE - Drops in class, sharp works, best speed figure in last. Gomez rides.  Other contenders: #1, #7.

Race 5

#8 - STREET CONSENSUS - Drops in class, from hot Carla Gaines barn.  Other contenders: #9, #7.

Race 6

#4 - WINDS OF DUBAI - Competitive speed figure in last, Gomez rides.  Other contenders: #5, #7.

Race 7

#7 - VAADKA LOGIC - Drops in class and has competitive speed figure.  Other contenders: #8, #12.

Race 8 Autumn Miss G3

#9 - BEST PRESENT EVER - Competitive speed figure, good works, Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #6, #11.

Race 9

#8 - DEBITS AND CREDITS - This live longshot drops to bottom level with Talamo aboard.  Other contenders: #1, #9.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, October 26, 2012

Three short priced winners yesterday.  Good Luck today!

Race 1

#3 - CODE WEST - 3/3 on the board for this maiden, sent out by Baffert.  Other contenders: #5, #6.

Race 2

#2 - ROMAN CHARITY - Drops in class after finishing 2nd in last, this Glatt trained runner has best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #3, #1.

Race 3

#6 - OFF THE WALL - Drops in class, competitive speed figure in last, good works, Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #1, #3.

Race 4

#3 - MR. WHY WHY - Drops in class, competitive speed figure in last, good works to prepare.  Other contenders: #6, #4.

Race 5

#10 - EILEEN’S DREAM - Good early speed and good works for this maiden.  Other contenders: #9, #3.

Race 6

#2 - TWEEBSTER - Drops in class, good works for this Baffert trainee. Other contenders: #3, #5.

Race 7

#4 - METAXA - Shows good early speed and good works.  Other contenders: #6, #10

Race 8

#2 - MISS COMMUNICATION - Drops to bottom level, Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #6, #7.

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, October 25, 2012

Tough day on Sunday with only one short priced winner.  Good Luck today!

Race 1

#4 - STANWYCK - 3/3 in the money for trainer John Shirreffs due to break maiden.  Other contenders: #2, #5.

Race 2

#2 - ZOOM BAG - Competitive speed figure from hot Jack Carava barn.  Other contenders: #1, #3.

Race 3

#4 - MR T BIRD - Finished 3rd in last, good works to prepare, Nakatani rides.  Other contenders: #5, #7.

Race 4

#9 - STARS AND MOONS - Finished 2nd in last, Joe Talamo aboard.  Other contenders: #5, #3.

Race 5

#6 - WARREN’S PASSION - Big maiden claiming in last, due to repeat off sharp works.  Other contenders: #8, #3.

Race 6

#8 - HE MAKES IT RAIN - Drops to bottom level for Gomez/Gaines combination.  Other contenders: #9, #1.

Race 7

#6 - SWEET SWAP - Won last on hillside, shows good works.  Other contenders: #4, #1.

Race 8

#4 - R DOUBLEDAY - 3/3 on the board, drops to bottom level, good works and Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #10, #7.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, October 21, 2012

Profitable day yesterday with four winners on top.  Good Luck today!

Race 1

#3 - MAX COOPER - Finished second in last, good works, Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #2, #1.

Race 2

#4 - RESISTING ARREST - Finished second in last, good works, Bejarano up.  Other contenders: #5, #7.

Race 3

#2 - JAYCITO - Drops from G1 try for Baffert/Talamo combination.  Other contenders: #3, #4.

Race 4

#1 - MEGASTAR - Won last at one level higher, should repeat.  Other contenders: #7, #6.

Race 5

#6 - DYNAVIXEN - Finished 3rd in last, drops in class and shows good works.  Other contenders: #5, #7.

Race 6

#11 - BWANADADA - Second time starter, hit the board in first start, Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #7, #6.

Race 7

#4 - LADY ROSAMOND - First time starter with solid works, sent out by Baffert/Bejarano combination.  Other contenders: #11, #10.

Race 8

#4 - ROBBIE THE CAT - Finished 2nd in stakes last, starts today for Talamo/Mandella team.  Other contenders: #6, #5.

Race 9

#14 - AWKWARD MONDAYS - 3rd in last start with best speed figure, Carla Gaines and Joe Talamo team up.  Other contenders: #10, #8.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, October 20, 2012

Only one winner out of seven races played yesterday.  Exotics were excellent with two nice exactas and two trifectas including one in Race 4 that paid $473.60.  Good Luck today!

Race 1

#4 - PINK LOLLIPOPS - Drops from stakes try, sent out by Baffert with Talamo aboard and sharp works to prepare.  Other contenders: #2, #1.

Race 2

#1 - SHARP BELLA - 3rd in last start, Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #10, #3.

Race 3

#7 - RUSSDICULOUS - Gomez rides this first time starter with good works to get ready.  Other contenders: #4, #1.

Race 4

#2 - SHEZABIGBROAD - Has hit the board in last three tries, drops in class and Bejarano handles.  Other contenders: #9, #8.

Race 5

#5 - JUAN’S TWIN - 3rd in last start for Sal Gonzales trained runner. Other contenders: #6, #2.

Race 6

#1 - RELENTLESS HEAT - Drops in class, 2nd in last, good works and Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #6, #8.

Race 7

#10 - DISTINCTIVE DUDE - Claimed by Victor Fernandez out of last race, also showed early speed and hit the board in last.  Other contenders: #2, #12.

Race 8 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes G3

#3 - BROKEN DREAMS - Won this same race last year, ran in G2 in last and Gomez rides.  Other contenders: #6, #9.

Race 9

#4 - WON WON OH FIVE - 2nd in last start and drops to bottom level, Talamo aboard.  Other contenders: #1, #9.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, October 19, 2012

The worst slump of my handicapping career continued today as I had only two short priced winners.  Hope to have a better day tomorrow.

Race 1

#7 - MY SLEW - Steps up off maiden claiming win for Peter Miller.  Other contenders: #3, #4.

Race 2

#1 - HONOUR THE DEPUTY - Live longshot for Victor Fernandez barn, has hit the board three of four tries including 3rd in last.  Other contenders: #4, #2.

Race 3

#8 - STREET ROCKET - Won last at same level, sent from hot Jeff Mullins barn.  Other contenders: #11, #2.

Race 4

#1 - AMY’S CASHIN IN - Finished 2nd last time and drops in class today.  Other contenders: #12, #3.

Race 5

#5 - OUR LUCKY SON - 3/4 on the board including 3rd place finish in last, sent out by O’Callaghan.  Other contenders: #3, #9.

Race 6

#6 - STREETS OF HEAVEN - NorCal shipper conditioned by Richard Baltas who is 2/2 at SA this meet, drops in class today.  Other contenders: #5, #7.

Race 7

#4 - CAMELIA ROSE - Drops from G1 try for O’ Callaghan barn.  Other contenders: #7, #1.

Race 8

#7 - TORRE ITALIANA - Hard to like a maiden who is 0/21, but drops to bottom level and finished 2nd in last in this grab bag contest.  Other contenders: #10, #5. 

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, October 18, 2012

My slump continued on Sunday with only one good priced winner.  Longshots ruled again with only one winner paying less than double figures.  Pick 6 carryover for today is $66k in what is a typical tough midweek card.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#6 - TRUCIAL STATE - Drops in class and should be able to close, sent out by Harty with Talamo aboard.  Other contenders: #2, #4.

Race 2

#3 - MOTOWN MEN - Drops in class and ridden by Bejarano.  Other contenders: #1, #4.

Race 3

#8 - JONES DESTINY - Finished in the money in last two starts, Gomez rides.  Other contenders: #7, #5.

Race 4

#4 - HYENA - Drops in class and sent out from the Peter Miller barn.  Other contenders: #1, #5.

Race 5

#6 - PRIMED AND READY - Finished second in 4/5 starts, due to break through for the Garcia/Miller combination.  Other contenders: #7, #4.

Race 6

#9 - GOLD MEDALLION - 3rd in last start and drops in class, conditioned by small but effective Victor Fernandez barn.  Other contenders: #8, #5.

Race 7

#4 - ALWAYS A CHANCE - Has hit the board in 5/7 previous starts, good works to prepare and Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #6, #1.

Race 8

#8 - DISARM - Just missed in last start, drops in class, shows good works and Talamo guides.  Other contenders: #1, #3.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, October 14, 2012

Yesterday was an unmitigated disaster with no wins.  Normal handicapping didn’t seem to work as eight of the ten winners paid double figures and the Pick 6 paid $114k.  Today’s card looks more like a weekday card than a Sunday card.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#7 - LETTHEPARTYBEGIN - Second time starter from Ron Ellis barn should improve.  Other contenders: #5, #3.  Note: Nana Beach who is 0/37 likes the grass, is today finally her day?

Race 2

#1 - CANDY WALTZ - Has won at the distance and drops in class.  Other contenders: #2, #5.

Race 3

#2 - TRUE AGAIN - Steps up in class off win in last at SA and the distance, conditioned by Cerin, had best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #6, #3.

Race 4

#9 - POWER PED - Second time starter who finished second inaugural try, trained by Richard Mandella.  Other contenders: #12, #3.

Race 5

#6 - PRETTYPRICEYGIRL - Drops from MDN to run for a tag, sharp work since last.  Other contenders: #9, #11.

Race 6

#9 - MINDS EYES - Nice MDN win in last, lightly raced so should be ready to fire again.  Other contenders: #5, #10.

Race 7

#6 - FREE TIME - Has won at the distance drops in class.  Other contenders: #7, #2.

Race 8

#9 - SEGWAY - Won on the grass and distance at SA in only start, should be able to step up in class for Mandella, sharp works on the grass to prepare.  Other contenders: #1, #2.

Race 9

#10 - SILVER LUNA - Hard to like a horse that is 0/21 but this one has finished in the money at SA and the distance, trained by very capable Steve Knapp in this bottom level contest.  Other contenders: #1, #11.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, October 13, 2012

Yesterday was a real mess.  A loose horse caused “No Race” in Race 2 and there were numerous scratches.  My results were one winner out of the five races played. Today is Cal Cup Day with all ten races devoted to Cal Breds.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#9 - STORMIN CEE’S - Won last at SA at the same distance, had best speed figure, conditioned by Machowsky.  Other contenders: #6, #2.

Race 2

#2 - BACK TO BAKO - Second time starter who finished 2nd in initial try, from hot Talamo/Heap combination.  Other contenders: #7, #3.

Race 3

#3 - OUR BOY BENJAMIN - Has won at the distance, drops from NW1 and has Gomez aboard.  Other contenders: #1, #4.

Race 4

#3 - ANOTHER FLASHBACK - Hit the board in previous MSW try, drops from stakes race in last and gets Rosario to ride.  Other contenders: #2, #5.

Race 5

#7 - O WILD WEST - Second time starter who should want the longer distance, conditioned by very cagy Ron McAnally, a very live longshot.  Other contenders: #3, #6.

Race 6

#11 - UNUSUAL HOTTIE - Has won on the hillside, had best speed figure in last and handled by the strong Gomez/Sadler combination.  Other contenders: #10, #7.

Race 7

#8 - SHUDACUDAWUDYA - Multiple winner at SA and the distance including last race with best speed figure.  Other contenders: #5, #9.

Race 8

#10 - SUGARINTHEMORNING - Has won at SA and the distance, drops from G3 try in last, conditioned by McAnally.  Other contenders: #1, #7.

Race 9

#7 - JOHN SCOTT - Has won at the distance, won last with best speed figure, trained by the very capable Carla Gaines.  Other contenders: #3, #1.

Race 10

#7 - SACRED DELIGHT - Has potential to step up off MSW win in last, Gomez rides.  Other contenders: #9, #2.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, October 12, 2012

Three winners on yesterday’s card.  Pick 6 carryover of $38k for today.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#3 - CARRIE ROSE - Has won at the distance, drops in class and had best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #2, #1.

Race 2

#3 - EL JEFE GRANDE - Runs for a tag for conditioner Adam Kitchingham.  Other contenders: #6, #2.

Race 3

#1 - CANDY TROPHY - Has won at the distance, should be able to step up from win one level below, had best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #8, #4.

Race 4

#2 - GREEN TEAM - Second time starter for powerful Talamo/Heap combination.  Other contenders: #9, #7.

Race 5

#8 - CHEROKEE HEAVEN - Has won on the hillside, drops in class and Talamo rides.  Other contenders: #9, #4.

Race 6

#8 - SIR ALLISON - Has won at SA and the distance, drops from a stakes try for Bob Baffert.  Other contenders: #5, #6.

Race 7

#1 - GAB POWER - Has won at SA, should be able to step up off win in last with best speed figure, Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #9, #5.

Race 8

#5 - GREEN DOLPHIN - 3rd in last two tries, drops to bottom level.  Other contenders: #4, #6.

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, October 11, 2012

Two short priced winners on Monday’s tough holiday card, fortunately exotics saved the day.  Typical weekday card today.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#2 - ROCK THIS WAY - Has won at SA and the distance, drops in class and runs for hot Talamo/Hess combination.  Other contenders: #4, #6.

Race 2

#2 - CAMINETTO - Has won at the distance, steps up off a win for Bejarano/Baffert combination, had best speed figure in last.

Race 3

#5 - DIVINE NOTION - First time starter with good works, conditioned by Adam Kitchingham.  Other contenders: #6, #7.

Race 4

#9 - RIDE ALONG - Has won at SA and the distance, drops in class for McCarthy barn.  Other contenders: #5, #4.

Race 5

#5 - BIG BANE THEORY - Second time starter due to improve off 3rd place finish in last, Talamo aboard.  Other contenders: #3, #9.

Race 6

#3 - BONITA STAR - Drops in class, Talamo rides, best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #9, #6.

Race 7

#11 - VIONNET - Has won at SA, drops in class and had best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #10, #5.

Race 8

#11 - HOUT BAY - Has won at SA, claimed by Dan Hendricks in last, should be able to step up in class today.  Other contenders: #10, #6.

SANTA ANITA - Monday, October 8, 2012

Only one winner yesterday on a very unusual day. I don’t remember another time where three odds on favorites all went down the drain.  Pick 6 carryover of $86k for today.  This is very tough holiday card designed to test the handicapping skills of the most dedicated players.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#8 - YA WANNA HUG - Has run in the money at Santa Anita and the distance, runs for a tag from the strong Mandella barn.  Other contenders: #6, #4.

Race 2

#8 - TIP YOUR HAT - Shipper from Canada drops in class for Mike Mitchell, had best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #7, #4.

Race 3

#2 - GERVINHO - Won MSW debut with best speed figure, Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #4, #1.

Race 4

#2 - METAXA - Has won at Santa Anita and should show best early speed for master gate jockey P. Val.  Other contenders: #6, #4.

Race 5

#2 - WARREN’S MO MONEY - Drops in class for conditioner Gutierrez in a grab bag affair.  Other contenders: #3, #9.

Race 6

#8 - DYLAN DONNELLY - Has run 2nd twice at Santa Anita, drops in class for Mike Mitchell, shows super works.  Other contenders: #10, #13AE, #11.

Race 7

#2 - AMBITIONESS - Three wins at the distance, should be able to step up in class off win in last, has best last race speed figure and Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #9, #7.

Race 8

#3 - LOOKIN FOR JONESY - 3rd in a stakes race with best speed figure in last.  Other contenders: #5, #7.

Race 9

#5 - BARES TRIPPER - Big win in last with best speed figure.  Other contenders: #6, #7.

Race 10

#8 - TARGET ENGAGED - Drops from MSW to run for a tag for red hot Machowsky barn.  Other contenders: #3, #6.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, October 7, 2012

Four winners on yesterday’s card for a nice profit.  Today looks more like a weekday card than a Sunday card, so beware.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#1 - QUIETASACAT - Second time starter with Bejarano aboard, had best speed in last.  Other contenders: #2, #5.

Race 2

#6 - JERRY’SHONEYCAROL - Drops from stakes try, Bejarano rides. Other contenders: #4, #9.

Race 3

#2 - WINDING WAY - 2/2 at the distance, won a G3 in last and has Bejarano to ride.  Other contenders: #1, #3.

Race 4

#4 - NAUGHTY MARIANA - Has won at Santa Anita and the distance, drops one level and had best speed in last.  Other contenders: #6, #1.

Race 5

#4 - ACHAK - Has won at Santa Anita, Talamo rides and had best speed in last.  Other contenders: #1, #2.

Race 6

#5 - ALMOST A LADY - Has won at Santa Anita and the distance, drops off a win in last and had best speed.  Other contenders: #6, #3.

Race 7

#5 - CITIZENSHIP - Second time starter runs for Baffert/Bejarano combination.  Other contenders: #10, #3.

Race 8

#3 - MASTER CHEF - Has won at Santa Anita and the distance, drops off a claim and has Talamo aboard.  Other contenders: #4, #7.

Race 9

#2 - PORFIDO - Multiple wins at Santa Anita including last with best speed, from strong Harty barn.  Other contenders: #3, #1.

Race 10

#12 - OUR TROOPER - Drops one level after 2nd place finish in last. Other contenders: #6, #4.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, October 6, 2012

Wild day of longshots yesterday with Pick 6 carryover for today.  Fortunately, my only winner was one of those longshots.  Sometimes it only takes one to have a winning day. 

Race 1

#3 - DON TITO - Has won at the distance, ran in a G2 last, trained by Sadler.  Other contenders: #5, #1.

Race 2

#2 - CONGREGATIONALIST - Finished 2nd in last at today’s distance, from hot Cerin barn.  Other contenders: #8, #6.

Race 3 Arroyo Seco G2

#3 - OBVIOUSLY - Has won at Santa Anita and the distance, won last and had best speed.  Other contenders: #1, #5.

Race 4

#6 - SCHERER MAGIC - Has won at the distance, from strong Sadler barn, ran in a G1 in last.  Other contenders: #2, #7.

Race 5

#10 - JUST IRISH - Second time starter who should improve for Garcia/Sadler combination.  Other contenders: #1, #4.

Race 6

#3 - NATALIE’S ACADEMY - Has won at the distance, conditioned by Machowsky, drops in class and had best speed in last.  Other contenders: #1, #12.

Race 7

#9 - ROCK OFF - Big win and best speed in last.  Other contenders: #3, #12.

Race 8 Santa Anita Sprint G1

#2 - AMAZOMBIE - Multiple wins at Santa Anita and the distance including G1 win in last, conditioned by Bill Spawr.  Other contenders: #5, #6.

Race 9

#2 - BYRONY - Has won at the distance, trained by Sadler, had best speed in G2 try in last.  Other contenders: #10, #11.

Race 10

#2 - KEY REVERSAL - Second time starter who was claimed in last. runs for Garcia/Sadler combination.  Other contenders: #12, #13.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, October 5, 2012

Two winners yesterday on a tough Thursday card.  Today is no easier.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#6 - SUNSHINE HIGH - Has won at Santa Anita, drops in class and Nakatani rides.  Other contenders: #1, #10.

Race 2

#7 - SHAD - Second time starter who should improve for Bejarano/Eurton combination.  Other contenders: #2, #4.

Race 3

#6 - GRASER - Has won at Santa Anita, runs for a tag with Nakatani aboard.  Other contenders: #11AE, #9, #4.

Race 4

#6 - RUN’N ON RESIDUALS - Has won at the distance, drops in class and had best speed in last, Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #11, #1.

Race 5

#4 - CENTERVILLE - Second time starter is a live longshot in switch to turf.  Other contenders: #3, #5.

Race 6

#4 - ADELTA - Steps up off maiden win, had best speed in last, Bejarano rides.  Other contenders: #8, #3.

Race 7

#4 - MARY FIDES - Drops from G1 try, conditioned by hot Callaghan barn.  Other contenders: #3, #5.

Race 8

#4 - OFFLEE CUTE - Drops to bottom level after 3rd in last start for Spawr barn.  Other contenders: #10, #2.

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, October 4, 2012

Sunday was a tough card as I predicted.  I only had one short priced winner and the pros didn’t do much better.  Fortunately, exotics salvaged the day.  Today is a typical weekday card with lots of uncertainty.  Good Luck!

Race 1

#7 - SCENTOFANANGEL - Second time starter who should like the extra distance.  Other contenders: #3, #2.

Race 2

#6 - VIXEN - Second time starter who finished 3rd in first outing, conditioned by Baffert and ridden by Gryder.  Other contenders: #4, #1.

Race 3

#5 - AVEROO - Drops in class, should fire off layoff, gets Gryder to ride. Other contenders: #9, #3.

Race 4

#7 - MIDNIGHT BALLET - Second time starter who closed fast to win inaugural effort, from hot Proctor barn.  Other contenders: #2, #5.

Race 5

#9 - MOJAVE DESERT - Second time starter who should like the additional distance, Gryder aboard.  Other contenders: #5. #3.

Race 6

#6 - UNSTOPPER TOPPER - Has won at Santa Anita, drops in class and should like shorter distance, connections are strong Gryder/Spawr.  Other contenders: #4, #8.

Race 7

#3 - WEST RULER - Has won previously on the hillside, drops in class, runs for Bejarano/Sadler combination.  Other contenders: #2, #5.

Race 8

#8 - TIZ LIBERTY - Multiple winner at Santa Anita and distance, was claimed by Cerin in last and dropped to what should be a softer spot.  Other contenders: #9, #3.