9 race Valentine’s card on Friday to start a big President’s Day weekend of racing. The El Camino Real Derby to come on Saturday with 10 Kentucky Derby points and an entry to the Preakness up for grabs. Special holiday racing on Presidents Day Monday.
*Race 3 is Leg C of the Stronach 5
Race 1 – 1 Mile Maiden CLM 8000
#3 Miss Lily Pad (2/1) has good early speed and could get away from this field. Was caught late for 2nd last out by #1 Perfect Edition (9/5) who should be sitting just off the pace for leading rider Juan Hernandez. Always close, in the money 9/11 lifetime but still looking for the maiden score. #2 Blushing Bay (5/2) will be towards the back of the pack early. Has finished 2nd or 3rd in 5 straight and 7/9 lifetime. Expect to be rolling late.
3-2-1
Race 2 – 1 Mile OC 62,500
#4 Stirred (7/2) is the class of the field coming out of the Grade 1 La Brea at Santa Anita. Finished 7th after weakening late, but won two starts back in the lone start at Golden Gate, Julien Couton up. #1 Mybluebell (5/2) won at this level last out in wire-to-wire fashion. Expect to be up front again from the inside post. #2 Qalifah (9/5) has early speed as well so it will get interesting up front. #5 Getting Sideways (4/1) will be sitting off the pace and could get the perfect set up.
4-5-1-2
Race 3 – 5.5F CLM 8000
#7 Smokin Encounter (9/2) comes in with back to back wins. Hernandez should have this one in a good spot just off the pace. #3 Prikati (10/1) has competitive numbers. Class drop and Kent Desormeaux riding should help. #8 Robs Got Game (15/1) comes in off a win and has good tactical speed. Like at a price.
7-3-8
Race 4 – 6F Maiden 30,000
#2 Lookin for Revenge (2/1) is a first time starter with a bullet work (1 of 100). Trainer Brendan Galvin 25% with first time starters in a small sample size. Expect to be ready first time out with Julien Couton. #1 Jive Talkin (7/5) finished 2nd in the debut two starts back at Golden Gate before flashing early speed and fading last out. Could get the best of this inexperienced field. #3 Never Think Twice (8/1) is the only other starter with experience. Both career starts at Los Alamitos, had some early speed in the debut. Best of the rest.
2-1-3
Race 5 – 5F CLM 11,000
#3 Ailish’s Buttercup (9/5) ran a strong race last out leading every step of the way. Could be tough to get by under Billy Antongeorgi III. Should have company up front with #2 Crazy Sexy Munny (6/1) who is coming in off 3 straight wins in part to a favorable DQ two races back (placed 1st after finishing 2nd). Has good early speed and expect to be close up from the inside post. Has 6 wins and 2 seconds in 8 starts at Golden Gate on the tapeta. #4 Pacific Strike (3/1) comes in for Ari Herbertson second off the claim. Circled the field with an impressive win two starts back before a 2nd place finish last out.
3-2-4
Race 6 – 5F Maiden CLM 8000
#12 He’s A Hit (7/2) has been a beaten favorite the last two starts. This Jonathan Wong (22%) runner has some early speed, expect Silvio Amador to have this one close up from the outside. #3 Runaway Indy (4/1) closed well in the debut finishing 3rd. Expect to improve second time out. #2 Champs Success (3/1) has good early speed and is cutting back from 6.5F to 5F. Shipping in from Southern California and getting the services of Kent Desormeaux.
12-3-2
Race 7 – 5.5F OC 40,000
#9 No Cover Charge (3/1) should be close up, runner up to I’m A Rockette and a beaten favorite last out first off the lay-off. This filly was 2nd in the GG Debutant two starts back. Plenty of upside for this runner. #6 I’m A Rockette (9/5) is 3 for 3 lifetime, all wins with Catalino Martinez on board. Looking to stay unbeaten should be sitting off a fast pace and storming home late. Has won both routing and sprinting including at today’s 5.5F distance. #8 Say Yes Sally (10/1) has good early speed and finished 3rd behind the favorites last out. Should have company up front but like to stick around.
9-6-8
Race 8 – 1 Mile OC 62,500
#7 Bam Bam Bryan (6/1) likes to be on the lead and could be alone up front. First or second in all five starts at Golden Gate including a win and two seconds in 3 starts on the tapeta. Was caught last out by #3 Arch Prince (9/2) who also likes Golden Gate. Consistent runner should sit just off the pace and makes a run at the leader. #9 Lord Guinness (5/2) ships in from Southern California. Winner last out, but back in April 2019 at Santa Anita. No works over the surface but can’t be overlooked with Hernandez aboard.
7-3-9
Race 9 – 6F CLM 12,500
#8 Potente Alba (3/1) comes in for Isidro Tamayo first off the claim (1st after clm 30%). Second start after the layoff, I expect Juan Hernandez to have this one in a good spot. #7 Uncle Hal (7/2) sat off the pace and just missed last out at this level. Comes in with a bullet work (1 of 19). #3 Colormemoney (5/2) comes in on the class drop. Might like the turf more, but could be the best of this bunch.
8-7-3