SANTA ANITA - Monday, December 31, 2012

It has taken me four days, but I think I have a better idea about what kind of horses are going to win at Santa Anita. I hope my picks for today successfully reflect my new thoughts  Good luck!

Race 1 

#6 - FIELD REPORT - Finished 3rd in last for Bill Spawr, shows best speed at the distance.

Race 2

#7 - SISTER ESPERANZA - Drops to run for a tag, finished 3rd in last start.

Race 3

#3 - HAWFINCH - Was a stakes runner in England, Bejarano rides.

Race 4

#5 - LADY KATFISH - Finished 3rd in last start, Bejarano rides.

Race 5

#1 - MECHAYA - Finished 3rd in a stakes try in last, shows good works.

Race 6

#6 - VALERIA - Drops in class, should close fast against this field, sent out by Gomez/Miller team.

Race 7

#9 - TRUE EXPECTATIONS - Big drop in class, should be coming at the end.

Race 8

#4 - STANWYCK - Finished 3rd in last, good closer who should like the grass.

Race 9

#1 - OMEGA STAR - Second time starter who finished 2nd in his first start in New York.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, December 30, 2012

Yesterday was a sad day, not only for my selections, but for Nana Beach.  In addition to failing to break her maiden in her 40th start, she went down and threw the rider in what may be the end of her hard luck career.  I hope to break out of this protracted slump soon and figure out what will win at Santa Anita. Good luck!

Race 1 

#6 - EULA B. - Won last at the bottom maiden claiming level, has potential to repeat, shows best speed at the distance.

Race 2

#1 - CHARM THE MAKER - G2 try in last, good works to prepare, Gomez rides.

Race 3

#5 - BLUSHING ANGEL - Finished 2nd in last, should run well off layoff.

Race 4

#3 - CHOKECHERYMARY - Closed to win last two, Bejarano rides for hat trick.

Race 5

#8 - LOUISTHEFIFTEENTH - Finished 2nd in last race, has experience around two turns.

Race 6

#4 - JUST TRIPPING - Won last, qualifies to step up in class, Gomez aboard.

Race 7

#1 - STREETS OF HEAVEN - Just missed in last, drops in class today, Bejarano rides.

Race 8 - G3 Robert J. Frankel Stakes

#1 - CAMELIA ROSE - Longshot distance specialist who finished 3rd in last start, shows best speed at the distance.

Race 9

#10 - PATRIOTIC LION - Shows good early speed and has best speed at the distance.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, December 29, 2012

The Santa Anita slump continues with only one short priced winner yesterday.  Hope for better luck today!

Race 1 

#9 - INFLAMED SPIRIT - Shows early speed and good works to prepare.

Race 2

#4 - HOSTILE WATERS - Taking a longshot with the best speed figure in last.

Race 3

#4 - MISS FUN RUN - Second time starter who drops to run for a tag .

Race 4

#10 - NANA BEACH  - Today could be the day after failing in her first 39 starts, she seems to like the hillside and has run fast enough at the distance to finally break her maiden.

Race 5

#4 - GOING FOR A SPIN - Strong closer who won last for Bejarano/Hollendorfer combination.

Race 6

#1 - RISING LEGEND - Just missed in US debut in last, drops from G3 try.

Race 7

#6 - CONKATE - Will close if the pace is fast, should like the extra distance.

Race 8 - G3 Daytona Stakes

#11 - AIN’T NO OTHER - Always runs close to the pace and seems to like the hillside, sent out by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 9

#7 - LONE JUSTICE - Just missed at the same level in last, should like the extra distance.

SANTA ANITA - Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Great opening day card at The Great Race Place.  Best wishes for a successful meet!

Race 1 

#9 - MACHO DORADO - Finished 2nd in a stakes try in last, sharp works for Mitchell/Talamo combination.

Race 2

#6 - CHEROKEE HEAVEN - Won last two races, drops one level today, sent out by hot trainer Hector Palma.

Race 3

#5 - SKY FOX - Finished 2nd in last at the same bottom level, Talamo rides.

Race 4 - G1 La Brea

#5 - MY MISS AURELIA - Previous G1 winner, finished 2nd in G1 BC Ladies Classic in last, sharp works to prepare for today.

Race 5 - G2 Sir Beaufort

#1 - FIT TO RULE - Big Mdn win in last, potential to step up in class at a price.

Race 6

#4 - ON THE FENCE - Swinging for the fence with this first time starter in a very good Mdn contest.

Race 7

#7 - WINDS OF DUBAI - Drops in class, Bejarano aboard this deep closer.

Race 8 - G1 Malibu

#5 - POLITICALLYCORRECT - Won last two in stakes contests, steps up to a graded stakes at favorite distance, shows good works and Rosario returns to Santa Anita to ride.

Race 9

#1 - AFFLICATION - Looking for value with a first time starter in a tough Mdn race, good works to prepare. 

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, December 16, 2012

One longshot winner yesterday on another tough card, fortunately it paid enough for a nice profit.  Closing day today.  Check back with me on December 26 for the opening of the Santa Anita meet.  Good luck!

Race 1

#5 - TANQUERRAY - Should like the extra distance, sent out by hot trainer Mike Puype.

Race 2

#2 - URBAN HUNTER - Showed early speed at Golden Gate Fields and sharp works for this one, Garcia rides.

Race 3

#4 - KINGS GIANT - Taking a flier on a longshot first time starter, Garcia aboard.

Race 4

#4 - SWEET BAGUETTE - Dropped in class by trainer Dean Pederson, turf to poly angle.

Race 5

#3 - MILE HIGH MAGIC - Stakes try in last for Baffert/Garcia combination.

Race 6

#1 - LADY DELANEY - 3rd in last start, Maldonado continues to try for the riding title.

Race 7

#7 - SATURDAY’S GIRL - 3rd in last start for Bonde/Maldonado connections.

Race 8

#4 - CHAPMAN’S PEAK - Won last, should repeat for Garcia/Sadler team.

Race 9

#6 - MONUMENT - Tried G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in last, shows good works for trainer John Sadler.

Race 10

#2 - WOEBEGON - Won last two races, drops one level for another payday, Gomez rides.

Race 11

#12 - CALIFORNIA ROLL - 3rd in last start, last try at the jockey title for Edwin Maldonado.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday, December 15, 2012

Another tough day yesterday with only one short priced winner.  Look for value and longshots on this closing weekend, bills must be paid.  Good luck!

Race 1

#4 - WARREN’S MO MONEY - Taking a flier on a longshot against a weak field in the opener, Maldonado rides.

Race 2

#11 - MINE FEVER - Another longshot who showed early speed in last, sent out by Peter Miller.

Race 3

#9 - SWIFT EAGLE - Drops in class, has shown early speed, should fire off layoff, Gomez rides.

Race 4

#2 - THE ONLY KEY - Shows good works off layoff for hot trainer Dean Greenman.

Race 5

#10 - ICONIC SPIRIT - Closed fast in only start for conditioner John Sadler.

Race 6

#11 - BIG HANDS AL - Shortens up to sprint which should help, trained by high percentage trainer Hector Palma.

Race 7 - G2 Hollywood Turf Cup

#10 - KINDERGARDEN KID - Tried G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf in last for trainer Peter Miller.

Race 8

#5 - HARD PLAY - Sleeper in a strong field of first time starters, Jeff Bonde trains.

Race 9 - G1 Cash Call Futurity

#9 - TITLE CONTENDER - Ran in G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in last, good works to prepare for Bob Baffert.

Race 10

#12 - BULL TIME - Fast closer who missed by 1/2 length in last, trained by Dean Pedersen.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Friday, December 14, 2012

Tough day yesterday with only one short priced winner out of seven races played. No better for the players resulting in a Pick 6 carryover of $44k for today.  Good luck!

Race 1

#2 - PHANTOM LOVER - Won last two, big shot at a hat trick for Garcia/Sadler connections, good works to prepare.

Race 2

#2 - SAN SAVINO - First time starter from Jorge Periban barn, shows sharp works.

Race 3

#7 - BROKER BRETT - Second time starter out of a very fast race, should run big off a layoff for John Sadler.

Race 4

#1 - RICHIESGIRLGOTSOUL - 2nd in last start after showing early speed, runs at same level for Garcia/Sadler team.

Race 5

#5 - ZIP CAT - Won Mdn as a first time starter in last race, steps up to NW1 for Maldonado/Bonde connections.

Race 6

#5 - RHINESTONE DIVA - Second time starter who should improve for Gomez/Sadler combination.

Race 7

#6 - SECRET COVE - Stakes try in last, should fire off a layoff for Gomez/Sadler team.

Race 8

#7 - IRENES JACKPOT - Live longshot in a weak bottom level claimer, lost rider in last start, jockey change today to Tyler Baze for trainer Ed Moger. 

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, December 13, 2012

Good day again Sunday with three winners and a very profitable day.  Good luck today!

Race 1

#4 - CURLY TOP - Ran 2nd in last as a first time starter, shows good works for Bob Baffert.

Race 2

#2 - WILSY’S WONDER - First time starter sent out by hot trainer Jeff Mullins.

Race 3

#3 - OSCILLATOR - Finished 2nd in last race at the same level, Jorge Periban trains.

Race 4

#5 - GLEE - Drops in class and should fire off a layoff for Mike Mitchell.

Race 5

#3 - DRIFT KING - Just missed in last start, likes the Bhp turf course, Mitchell trains.

Race 6

#7 - UNTIL YOU - Takes a big drop in class in a weak field, Garcia rides.

Race 7

#4 - ALLEY HONDRO - Won last race at the same level, should repeat for trainer Peter Miller.

Race 8

#5 - STREET ROCKET - Drops in class off a layoff for trainer Jeff Mullins, turf to poly angle.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, December 9, 2012

Good day yesterday with four winners.  Good luck today!

Race 1

#7 - ROSSI RESERVE - Ran 2nd in last start and drops in class.

Race 2

#9 - FRENCH CURLS - Drops from Mdn, 2nd at same level two races back.

Race 3

#7 - CORNER OFFICE - Drops in class for Garcia/Sadler team, should run well off layoff.

Race 4

#5 - DISTANT IMAGE - Fast closing 3rd in last start for trainer Ed Moger.

Race 5

#6 - FORTY PACES - Drops one level for hot Hector Palma barn, turf to poly angle.

Race 6

#4 - TORNADO ALLIE - Drops in class, shows enough early speed to steal this on the front end, Maldonado rides.

Race 7

#7 - TOP KISSER - First time starter sent out by Hollendorfer/Bejarano team.

Race 8

# 7 - MOMENT OF WEAKNESS - 4/9 on the board at the distance, Maldonado rides.

Race 9

#8 - DOINGHARDTIMEAGAIN - Taking value with this Mdn winner in last against the big favorite, Garcia and Hollendorfer team up for this one.

Race 10

#12 - HOLIDAY ROSE - First time starter from Mike Mitchell barn.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday, December 8, 2012

Only one winner out of seven races played yesterday.  Bad call by the stewards in Race 2 where the 48-1 winner should have come down since he almost drove my selection over the rail.  Good luck today!

Race 1

#4 - VAUNDELL - Drops in class and shows good works for conditioner Carla Gaines.

Race 2

#5 - BRINGON THE WAIN - Drops to bottom level from Mdn, ran 3rd in last start.

Race 3

#7 - CLINTON - Won last at the same level, shows good works to prepare for Janet Armstrong.

Race 4

#4 - CALIMONCO - G3 try in last, sent out from strong John Sadler barn.

Race 5

#5 - MASTER CHEF - Has potential to make it three wins in a row, sharp works for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 6 - G2 Bayakoa

#3 - LADY OF FIFTY - Won stakes race in last, can run big for Garcia/Hollendorfer connections.

Race 7

#9 - FLASHBACK - First time starter with excellent works sent out by Bob Baffert.

Race 8

#9 - COYOTE ROAD - Big Mc win in last, sent out by hot Dean Pedersen barn.

Race 9 - G1 Hollywood Starlet

#6 - EXECUTIVEPRIVILEGE - Finished 2nd in G1 BC Juvenile Fillies in last start, Bob Baffert trains.

Race 10

#6 - DEMOCRAT DUCK - Taking a flier on this Hollendorfer trained longshot making first start on the turf.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Friday, December 7, 2012

Three winners yesterday in a return to more normal conditions.  Good luck today!

Race 1

#3 - IMWITHTHEBLONDE - Big Mdn win in last, sharp works for trainer John Sadler.

Race 2

#1 - MARV - Just missed in last start, sent out by hot trainer Jeff Mullins.

Race 3

#9 - NONSENSE - Drops in class and shortens up for Bonde/Maldonado connections.

Race 4

#10 - SWEET RED CAT - Stretches out and shows good works for Gomez/Sadler team.

Race 5

#3 - WILLIE BROWN - Should fire in first start off claim for trainer Ron Glatt.

Race 6

#5 - SPRING BLOOM - Big Mdn win at distance for John Shirreffs, should repeat.

Race 7

#5 - MARINDA - Has hit the board all three starts and shows good works, due to break maiden for Nakatani/Hollendorfer combination.

Race 8

#7 - PARALITO - Drops in class and ridden by Gomez.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, December 6, 2012

Another tough day Sunday with only one winner.  Looking forward to better weather and a return to racing on the turf.  Good luck today!

Race 1

#1 - Z BIG APPLE - Stakes try in last, runs for Garcia/Baffert connections.

Race 2

#6 - SO SHE DANCES - Drops in class for conditioner Ron Glatt.

Race 3

#2 - FRIENDS WITH MACY - First time starter, sent out by strong O’Neil/ Maldonado team.

Race 4

#2 - COLUDA - 2nd in last start, drops in class, Garcia/Mitchell team up for this one.

Race 5

#7 - EATON HALL - Should have enough early speed to front steal his first try on the turf, drops in class and shows good works for the Garcia/Baffert team.

Race 6

#10 - JAY’S FIRETRUCK - Hard to like an 0/11 starter, but this is a bottom level contest, ran 3rd in last start and sent out by John Sadler.

Race 7

#6 - FAST BULLET - Ran in G1 BC Sprint in last, runs for the Garcia/Baffert team.

Race 8

#8 - MAJESTIC JEWEL - Third time should be the charm for this runner, good works for Garcia/Sadler connections.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, December 2, 2012

Two winners out of nine races played yesterday.  I should have seen a tough day coming after Joy Scott rode the winner of the first race at 57-1.  Most players had a tough day also since the Pick Six carryover for today is $111K.  Good luck!

Race 1

#5 - LADY SHAZZAM - Weak field in opener, good connections in Garcia/Sadler.

Race 2

#1 - LOGICAL SINGLE - Stakes try in last, sent out by Garcia/Pedersen team.

Race 3

#1 - THE WHOLE DEAL - Won last race at Mc30 level, has potential to step up in class, Maldonado rides.

Race 4

#7 - MARY FILDES - Ron Glatt trainee should like the extra distance.

Race 5

#4 - SOPHIE’S SECRET - 2nd in last start and 3/3 on the board, connections are Bejarano/Sadler.

Race 6

#3 - BONITA STAR - Claimed in last, has shot to step up in class off good works, Maldonado rides.

Race 7

#9 - MAJESTIC PATTERN - Longshot in a weak field sent out by Jeff Bonde.

Race 8 - G3 Vernon O. Underwood

#1 - CAPITAL ACCOUNT - Race should be called the Bob Baffert Stakes since he is sending out four of the seven runners, this one tried the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint in last, shows sharp works to prepare for this race.

Race 9

#1 - CAJUN MARKET - 2nd in last race, sent out by Garcia/Sadler team, good works to prepare for this bottom level contest.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday, December 1, 2012

Only one short priced winner yesterday out of six races played on a gloomy day. Good luck today!

Race 1

#2 - THROUGH MY EYES - First time starter with good works from Jeff Mullins barn.

Race 2

#5 - BLACK WITCH - First time starter sent out by the Baffert/Garcia team.

Race 3

#7 - NECHEZ DAWN - Won last at Keenland, good works for the Bonde/Maldonado connections.

Race 4 - G3 Native Diver

#1 - GAME ON DUDE - Multiple G1 stakes winner trained by Bob Baffert, good works to prepare.

Race 5

#9 - MEMEN - Should be a fast closer for the hot Hector Palma barn.

Race 6

#8 - DANCE WITH GABLE - Won last at the same level, should repeat with Maldonado aboard.

Race 7

#1 - TROY STORY - Tough to like a maiden who is 0/12 but this is a weak race, should be better as a turf sprinter, Bejarano rides.

Race 8

#1 - JAYCITO - Stakes try in last, should like the shorter distance, runs for the Baffert/Leparoux team.

Race 9

#4 - PURIM’S DANCER - Won last two turf sprints, one at Bhp, shows good works for Tom Proctor.

Race 10

#14 - MIDNIGHT RAVEN - 3rd in last start, should close at 7F, Bejarano rides.