SANTA ANITA - Thursday, January 31, 2013

Two winners on another sloppy track on Sunday.  Typical tough weekday card today. Good luck!

Race 1 

#7 - BIPARTISAN - Drops to the bottom maiden claiming level, shows good works.

Race 2

#2 - ROLL YOUR EYES - Finished 2nd in her last start and was claimed, drops in class today, trained by crafty veteran Julio Canani.

Race 3

#5 - MARCYJANE - She has hillside experience and is sent out by the Gomez/Jones team.

Race 4

#4 - SISTER ESPERANZA - Finished 3rd in her last start, drops in class today.

Race 5

#7 - HORSESANDDIVORCES - Just missed in her last start, seems to like the turf.

Race 6

#6 - CODE WEST - Which Baffert horse will it be? Big maiden win in his last start and excellent works favors this one.

Race 7

#4 - CAUSEITHERTZ - Finished 2nd in his last start and shows good works, Bejarano rides.

Race 8

#12 - DANISH DAWN - First time starter against a grab bag of proven losers.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, January 27, 2013

Yesterday was another sloppy day with multiple scratches.  I did have three winners out of eight races played. Rain, rain, go away; good luck again today!

Race 1 

#4 - BLACK WITCH - Finished 2nd in her last start, shows good works to prepare for today.

Race 2

#5 - HIDDEN BLESSING - Big win in his last start, capable of stepping up in class, shows early speed.

Race 3

#1 - GRAND GIANT - 2/4 in the money on the turf, Bejarano rides.

Race 4

#6 - SASSY BRUNETTE - Finished 2nd in her last start, has two turn experience.

Race 5

#6 - FIELD REPORT - Finished 2nd in his last start, hot trainer Bill Spawr is the conditioner.

Race 6

#6 - SIR BOND - Drops in class and has experience around two turns.

Race 7

#6 - TREASURY BILL - Second time starter who finished 3rd in his first start, sent out by high percentage trainer Ron Ellis.

Race 8

#2 - SPLENDID FORTUNE - Big maiden win in his last start, capable of stepping up against NW1 runners.

Race 9

#6 - TRIBAL MONEY - Finished 2nd in his last start, should like the extra distance.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, January 26, 2013

Yesterday was a messy day with lots of scratches. Nevertheless, I had a very good day with four winners out of five races played.  Today is Sunshine Millions Day with six stakes races including two graded stakes. Good luck!

Race 1 

#8 - SASSY SUANCES - Big maiden win in her last start, should demonstrate her turf breeding and run big after a long layoff.

Race 2

#1 - SAN ONOFRE - Second time starter who finished 3rd in his first start, shows early speed.

Race 3

#6 - LEMON DROP DREAM - Finished 3rd in his first two starts, New York shipper has experience on different turf courses and should like the hillside.

Race 4 - G3 Santa Ysabel Stakes

#3 - SCARLET STRIKE - Just missed in her last start, shows good works to prepare for today, sent out by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 5

#3 - TIZ FLIRTATIOUS - Finished 2nd in a G3 race in her last start, Bejarano rides.

Race 6

#8 - DOINGHARDTIMEAGAIN - Won her last two starts, should like the extra distance, shows good works, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 7

#1 - OMEGA STAR - Big maiden win in his last start, trained by John Shirreffs.

Race 8 - G2 Santa Monica Stakes

#4 - TEDDY’S PROMISE - Big win in her last start, has won at the tough 7F distance, sent out by the hot Espinoza/Ellis combination.

Race 9

#6 - JOHN SCOTT - Finished 3rd in a G3 in his last start, should like the going in his first turf try.

Race 10

#5 - HIDETHEGOODSTUFF - Second time starter who finished 2nd in her first start, shows good works for the Bejarano/Hollendorfer team.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, January 25, 2013

Much better day yesterday than I expected with five winners. Off track contributed to a tough day for the players resulting in a Pick 6 carryover of $56K for today. Today’s program looks like one of the toughest in a long time.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#6 - TIZ DYNAMIC - Wired the field in his last start at one level below today, going for the hat trick.

Race 2

#6 - PRIME NUMBER - Drops in class and shows early speed.

Race 3

#10 - MISS ROBYN - Second time starter who finished 2nd in her only start.

Race 4

#5 - TWIRLYBIRD - Drops in class and claimed off 2nd place finish in her last start, strong gate jockey Kevin Krigger rides.

Race 5

#6 - MISS COMMUNICATION - Finished 2nd in her last start, 5/6 in the money on the turf.

Race 6

#1- SHUMOOS - Finished 2nd in his only North American start which was the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint, should have matured and have enough class to beat these after a long layoff, Gomez rides.

Race 7

#5 - MISS WELL MOLDED - Big step up in class off a win in her last start which was on the turf at today’s distance, closing style fits the grass.

Race 8

#10 - NONA REESE - Finished 2nd in her last start, should like the longer 7F distance.

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, January 24, 2013

Three winners on Monday’s card.  Looks like a tough card today. Good luck!

Race 1 

#5 - SPOOKY LADY - Finished 3rd in her last start, drops to run for a tag, shows previous win at the distance.

Race 2

#1 - WILD MEDIA - Finished 2nd in his last start, shows good works to prepare for today.

Race 3

#5 - FREE TIME - Wired the field in his last start at one level below today, capable of running big today for hot trainer Howard Zucker.

Race 4

#5 - VALDIRONE - Just missed in his last start, seems to like the turf.

Race 5

#3 - LADY KATFISH - Finished 3rd in her last start and drops in class, Bejarano rides.

Race 6

#1 - CLOUD HOPPER - Drops in class, broke maiden at Santa Anita on the turf at today’s distance.

Race 7

#4 - GLADDING - Finished 2nd and claimed in his last start, may be able to front steal this one around two turns.

Race 8

#3 - SOLID SOUTH - Drops to the lowest maiden claiming level against a grab bag field.

SANTA ANITA - Monday, January 21, 2013

Two winners on yesterday’s card. Tough day for the players resulting in a Pick 6 carryover of $102K. Terrific card today. “Make MLK day a make bank holiday.” Good luck!

Race 1 

#1 - MISS AMERICAN PIE - Second time starter who had a monster win and was claimed in her first start.

Race 2

#1 - DISTINCTIV PASSION - Wired the field in his last two starts, shows good works to prepare for today.

Race 3

#4 - COPPER BAY - Finished 2nd in his last start, has experience on the turf and around two turns.

Race 4

#1 - POLITICAL MAN - Finished 3rd in his last start, sent out by hot trainer Michael Ewing.

Race 5

#7- MAX COOPER - Drops in class and should like the stretch out to two turns.

Race 6

#1 - CAYAMBE - Old veteran had a big win in his last start and he shows a previous win on the hillside.

Race 7 - G2 Santa Ynez Stakes

#8 - BEHOLDER - Wired the field in her last two starts including the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in her last start, shows good works and shortens up in distance for the Gomez/Mandella team.

Race 8

#7 - SHRED THE SECRETS - Drops in class and seems to like the hillside.

Race 9

#8 - MYWAYORTHECAUSEWAY - First time starter who shows excellent works against a field of proven losers, Gary Stevens rides.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, January 20, 2013

Four winners on yesterday’s card. Weird day when a loose horse disrupted the third race causing the three longest shots on the board to run one, two, three and a gigantic payoff. Looks like a nice card today. Good luck!

Race 1 

#3 - WARRENS HORNBLOWER - First time starter against a field of proven losers.

Race 2

#5 - GREAT MILLS - Ran in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in last start, Bejarano rides.

Race 3

#3 - RUMMYSECRET WAR - Finished 2nd and claimed in his last start, has won at the tough 7F distance.

Race 4

#9 - TOP KISSER - Second time starter who finished 2nd in her first start, shows good works for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 5

#4 - ZIA ZIA ZIA - Second time starter who finished 3rd in her first start.

Race 6

#6 - SLAMMER TIME - Has won previously on the turf and at the distance, sent out by Marty Jones.

Race 7 - G2 La Canada Stakes

#2 - LADY OF FIFTY- Won her last two starts, shows good works for Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 8

#4 - GOING FOR A SPIN - Consistent stakes runner who shows good works for the Bejarano/Hollendorfer team.

Race 9

#9 - BUD’S PAL - Drops in class for old veteran trainer Julio Canani.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, January 19, 2013

Four winners out of seven races played yesterday, plus a winner that was taken down. Looks like an interesting card today.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#3 - PRETTYPRICEYGIRL - Finished 2nd in last start, drops to bottom maiden claiming level, runs for Gomaz/Canani team.

Race 2

#7 - DENZEL - Finished 2nd in last start, Bejarano rides.

Race 3

#10 - DEMOCRATIC SWEEP - Won last two starts, should get the hat trick today off good early speed.

Race 4

#11 - WOEBEGON - Finished 3rd in last start and claimed by Julio Canani, Gomez rides.

Race 5 - G2 Palos Verdes Stakes

#7 - JUSTIN PHILLIP - Ran in G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint in last start, should be coming at the end, shows good works, Bejarano aboard.

Race 6

#9 - JUBLIANT GIRLS - Second time starter who won her first start on the hillside.

Race 7

#6 - TRUCIAL STATE - Drops in class, Bejarano rides.

Race 8

#6 - A JEALOUS WOMAN - Finished 2nd in a G2 race in her last start, shows good works.

Race 9

#2 - WARREN’S CRACKER - First time starter against a field of proven losers.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, January 18, 2013

Two winners yesterday. When I was handicapping yesterday’s card, I thought it looked easy. I was wrong and there is a $59K Pick 6 carryover for today. The only bright spot was seeing Eblouissante win easily on the dirt. Earlier in the meet, I thought Tyler Baze was unlucky. Now, I think you need a very compelling reason to use him on any horse that is not a standout, if even then. He continues to dramatically and consistently underperform on almost everything he rides. Looks like another tough card today.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#2 - SHARP BELLA - Drops in class to run for a tag, has experience around two turns.

Race 2

#3 - SPRING BOOM - Finished 2nd in last start, trained by John Shirreffs.

Race 3

#2 - FLASHY DELIGHT - Drops in class, has won at tough 7F distance, Espinoza rides.

Race 4

#7 - FOREST BOY - Finished second in his last start, has experience around two turns, shows good works.

Race 5

#6 - INDECISE - Won last race at one level below today, has potential to move up in class and repeat, closer who should like the extra distance, sent out by Gomez/Mandella team.

Race 6

#5 - SHESKEY - Finished 2nd in last start and claimed by hot Robertino Diodoro barn.

Race 7

#3 - PURIM’S DANCER - Finised 3rd in his last start, has won on the hillside, should run off a layoff for Gomez/Proctor connections.

Race 8

#10 - WHIPSTOCK - Drops to the bottom maiden claiming level, shows good works.

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, January 17, 2013

Four winners on Sunday’s card.  Good luck today!

Race 1 

#5 - ANABAA PREMIUM - Drops in class, shows previous win at the distance.

Race 2

#5 - TRICE UP - Finished 3rd in last start, has experience running around two turns.

Race 3

#8 - KATY’S KITTY - Claimed off a big win in last start, has good works to prepare for today.

Race 4

#4 - CAPTAIN HADLEY - Second time starter who drops to run for a tag.

Race 5

#4 - THERE IS NO LIMIT - Won last race at one level below today, should be able to step up in class and repeat, will be coming at the end.

Race 6

#1 - BROKER BRETT - Just missed in last start, seems to like running on the grass.

Race 7

#5 - EBLOUISSANTE - Big win in last as a first time starter around two turns, Zenyatta’s little half sister trained by John Shirreffs.

Race 8

#6 - CANDY’S JEWEL - Drops in class to run for a tag, sent out by Bejarano/Hollendorfer team.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, January 13, 2013

Gary Stevens showed why he is a Hall of Fame rider and pure class with his ride aboard Branding in the first race yesterday.  He brought the young filly between horses in the stretch like she was a stakes runner instead of a maiden second time starter.  Clearly, he hasn’t lost any of his skills.  Two winners out of eight races played yesterday.  Tough day for the players resulting in a Pick 6 carryover of $230K for today.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#8 - BIO PRO - Finished 2nd at 7F in last start, drops to the bottom maiden claiming level.

Race 2

#10 - GUEST STAR - Finished 2nd in last start, has won on the hillside, shows good works, sent out by Espinoza/Shirreffs connections.

Race 3

#7 - CANDREA - G1 try in last, closer who should like the extra distance.

Race 4

#8 - DEMONIC - First time starter who shows excellent works, Gomez rides.

Race 5

#7 - SULTRY SEASON - Finished 3rd in last start at the same level, closer who should like the extra distance.

Race 6

#1 - NICEGIRLSFNISHLAST - Finished 3rd in last start, shows good works, Bejarano aboard.

Race 7

#4 - ARRESTING OFFICER - Drops to the bottom claiming level off a win in his last start, shows early speed and good works for trainer Gary Stute.

Race 8 - G2 San Gabriel Stakes

#7 - JERANIMO - Consistent grades stakes runner and has Bejarano aboard.

Race 9

#10 - RADER THE RAT - Drops to run for a maiden claiming tag, shows good works.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, January 12, 2013

Yesterday was a tough card as I predicted.  I had two winners out of seven races played.  Pick 6 carryover for today is $48K.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#3 - CORLETT DRIVE - First time starter with good works, Gomez rides.

Race 2

#8 - CHILA ALI - First time starter against a field of proven losers.

Race 3

#7 - MIDNIGHT TRANSFER - Previous stakes winner, tried G1 in last, excellent works, Bejarano aboard.

Race 4

#6 - CHEROKEE HEAVEN - Won last start at the same level, seems to love running on the hillside, from Hector Palma barn.

Race 5

#10 - AVERY’S ARABESQUE - First time starter with good works, Bejarano rides.

Race 6

#10 - WINE LIST - Finished 2nd in last start, from strong Ron Ellis barn.

Race 7 - G2 San Fernando Stakes

#8 - FED BIZ - Drops from G1 try in last, good record at Santa Anita.

Race 8

#9 - SWEET SWAP - Finished 3rd in last start, good works, previous winner on the hillside.

Race 9

#4 - ET TU WALKER - Finished 2nd in last start, closer who should like the extra distance.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, January 11, 2013

Only one short priced winner on yesterday’s card.  Looks like another tough card today.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#3 - CUVEE EXCHANGE - Big win in only start, poised to repeat.

Race 2

#9 - I’M NOT GRAY - Drops to run for a tag, fast enough to beat this field.

Race 3

#5 - SCAT PATTY - First time starter that shows good works, has potential to beat a soft field.

Race 4

#6 - HOUT BAY - Seems to like Santa Anita and has best speed figure at the distance.

Race 5

#4 - DOUBLE DOWN ON TEN - Drops in class and shows early speed.

Race 6

#2 - HE’S NOT TOO SHABY - Big maiden win in last start, Bejarano rides.

Race 7

#7 - UNUSUAL JAZZ - Finished 3rd in last start with best speed figure.

Race 8

#12 - CHERRY ON THE CAKE - First time starter from the hot Hector Palma barn.

SANTA ANITA - Thursday, January 10, 2013

Five winners out of seven races played on Sunday.  Gary Stevens looked good riding a mediocre horse to a 3rd place finish in his only mount.  He saved ground on the grass and got all he could out of a clearly overmatched animal.  Mizdirection, sports talk show personality Jim Rome’s Breeders’ Cup winner, looked sensational and may be one of the best hillside horses ever.  Good luck today!

Race 1 

#3 - TIZ A MINISTER - Drops from a stakes try in last start, running style fits the turf.

Race 2

#2 - INDYCAT - Big win in last start should allow him to step up in class, good works to prepare.

Race 3

#3 - PARLIAMENTARIAN - Second time starter who finished 3rd in his only race, shows good works off a layoff.

Race 4

#4 - HALF DOME DUDE - Big win and claimed in last, potential to step way up in class and repeat.

Race 5

#6 - BLUSHING MARTHA - Won her last race at the same level, Bejarano rides.

Race 6

#1 - FUNNY GAL - Won her last two starts, should close against a fast pace for the hat trick.

Race 7

#5 - WILLYCONKER - Ran 3rd in his last start, drops in class and has a good record at Santa Anita, the distance and on the grass.

Race 8

#6 - LADY SHAZZAM - Ran 2nd in her last start, drop to the bottom maiden claiming level.

SANTA ANITA - Sunday, January 6, 2013

Five winners on yesterday’s card.  Looks like a fine card today.  Good luck!

Race 1 

#1 - SEBASTIAN FLYTE - Finished 3rd in a G3 try in last, will be coming at the end.

Race 2

#2 - CAYAMBE - Big win in last, capable of stepping up two levels to repeat.

Race 3

#2 - RED RACHEL - Second time starter who ships in from Arizona, finished 2nd in first start, good works to prepare.

Race 4

#3 - ASHLEY’S BAMBINO - Finished 3rd in last start, has experience around two turns on the grass.

Race 5

#4 - ALMOST A LADY - Drops in class and shows good early speed.

Race 6

#4 - SMOKEY LONESOME - Drops in class, sent out by Ron Ellis.

Race 7

#3 - LUCKARACK - Just missed at the same level in last start, should be closing at the end.

Race 8 - G2 Monrovia Stakes

#6 - MIZDIRECTION - Breeders’ Cup winner in last start on the hillside, good works to prepare off layoff.

Race 9

#8 - CALIFORNIA ROLL - Should like the 7F distance, sent out by hot trainer Ron Glatt.

SANTA ANITA - Saturday, January 5, 2013

It has just been announced that Gary Stevens, one of my all time favorite jockeys, will be making a comeback starting tomorrow.  After seven years of retirement, and a second career as an actor and superb race analyst, I don’t think this is a good idea at almost 50 years of age.  Nevertheless, I wish him nothing but the best. Good luck today!

Race 1 

#9 - SUPERCILIOUS - Drops in class to run for a tag, has experience around two turns.

Race 2

#1- CABALLO DEL CIELO - Finished 2nd in last start, shows good works to prepare.

Race 3 - G3 Sham Stakes

#2 - GOLDENCENTS - Shipper from Louisiana won a G3 race in last start, shows good works.

Race 4

#8 - EXCHANGE STUDENT - Finished 2nd in last start, has experience around two turns.

Race 5

#4 - BUDS PAL - Won last at $20K claiming level, has potential to step up one level in class and repeat.

Race 6

#4- LAMM - Finished 3rd in last race, has experience at 1 1/8 mile distance on the turf, Bejarano rides.

Race 7 - G2 San Pasqual Stakes

#6 - COIL - Finished 3rd in a G1 stakes in last, has won at the distance.

Race 8

#11 - POWER FOOT - G1 try in last race, sent out by hot trainer Richard Mandella.

Race 9

#9 - SCARY RIDE - Drops in class, turf to dirt angle.

SANTA ANITA - Friday, January 4, 2013

On Wednesday, January 1, an article in the New York Times by Joe Drape raised questions about the handling of the ill fated Tweebster by Bob Baffert and by extension the Sport of Kings.  So called “animal rights” activists are so ignorant about our revered sport that they should never be taken seriously, but often are. Anyone who thinks that a Hall of Fame Trainer or any other trainer on the southern California circuit has anything but the highest regard for the equine animals under his or her care is delusional.  Good luck today!

Race 1 

#1 - MINER’S DAUGHTER - Finished 2nd in last start, should close against a strong pace.

Race 2

#6 -BEAU ROYALE - Finished 2nd in last start, drops in class.

Race 3

#3 - GRAND GIANT - Just missed in last start, has experience on the hillside, Bejarano rides.

Race 4

#1 - HUMMING BEETHOVEN - Second time starter due to improve off good works, Bejarano aboard.

Race 5

#11 - SPIT BALL - Finished 2nd in last start and claimed, has finished in the money at the tough 7F distance.

Race 6

#6 - CHURCH AVENUE - Won last at the same level and distance, good early speed, sent out by hot trainer Ron Ellis.

Race 7

#1 - SHADOW RUNNER - Won last race, qualifies to step up one class level.

Race 8

#4 - DERBY GOLD - Stakes try in last, big drop in class to score, good works to prepare. Note: This is the same type of class drop that Bob Baffert tried with Tweebster. Let’s see if there are problems this time.

SANTA ANITA - Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Two winners out of seven races played yesterday.  Tough day for the players resulting in a Pick 6 carryover of  $77K for New Years Day.  Happy New Year and good luck!

Race 1 

#5 - STAR DESTINY - Drops in class, shows best last race speed figure.

Race 2

#1- JOE CARL - Just missed in last race, Gomez rides.

Race 3

#9 - JUDGE CARR - 2nd in last start, has experience at tough 7F distance.

Race 4

#9 - VAN BRIT - Won last two at the same distance on the grass, Gomez rides for a hat trick.

Race 5

#9 - ROSSI RESERVE - Drops in class and shows early speed.

Race 6

#6 - WINDS OF DUBAI - Big drop in class, Gomez rides.

Race 7

#2- SOPHIE’S SECRET - Hit the board in all four previous starts, due to break maiden with good works to prepare.

Race 8

#2- SCARLET STRIKE - Ran 3rd in a G1 in last start, exceptional works to prepare.

Race 9

#14- RACY ROSA - 2nd in last start, good works to prepare for this bottom level maiden claimer.