Hello everyone and welcome to the Friday analysis of the Santa Anita Racing cars. Last week we started slow before hitting the late double cold and hopefully we can build on that momentum today. Unfortunately we’re facing some short fields so multi’s may be the way to go today. Let’s get started.
RACE 1: 6-3-8
3-Outlaw crosses wire first last month in a MC $25K race going a mile but was DQ’d to 2nd. Will be the favorite here and one to beat but seeing as how he has failed five times in nine races as the favorite, gonna have to look elsewhere for my top pick. 6-DUAL ACCOUNT could be a bit of a reach, having run just once and dead last at that in a field of 12. However someone must have seen something in him, as he was bet to 6-1 that day. Has been gelded since that debut and his works show it has him more focused. Trainer Hector Palma 17% off long layoffs and 21% second career start. Expecting close to double digit odds here. As mentioned, 3-Outlaw will be favored but also remember that last race was vs $25k and now steps up to $40k today.Cutting back in distance may help. 8-Golden Image has been in the money last three outings while not really challenging for the win and may do a similar tactic today just picking up a piece of the pie.
RACE 2: 6-2-3
The last race was a cinch to handicap compared to this one, and that’s saying something. 6-BREEZY BEE doesn’t stack with some in here on Speed figures, but seeing as how figures aren’t as important on turf than dirt, I wasn’t gonna let that be a deal breaker. If you look at this fillie’s last two, you’ll see she had some trip issues, mainly having a clear running path. Those races drew inside, today draws outside which should help with staying clear. Always a little weary of taking horses first time vs winners, however since I don’t have much confidence in anyone else and the fact Breezy will be a nice price here, willing to side with the Desormeaux brothers. 2-Storming Lady also trying winners for first time and could go favored today. Will be contested on the lead however by at least one or two other horses. 3-Take A Leap has tried this level a few times already and has a 2nd and 3rd as her best efforts vs starter allowance does.
RACE 3: 3-9-12-5
Only two of the 12 entered have previously raced, and both are on the Also Eligible list. 3-FAST ENOUGH I’m hoping will be just that today. This first time starter by Eddington flashed a sharp bullet work on May 18 from the gate. 9-Side Street Dave ran 2nd in his debut 2 weeks ago and if he draws in will be dangerous and probably the favorite. Gary Sherlock 22% second career race. 12-Spectacular Point probably doesn’t draw in which is a shame but is by 15% FTS sire Point Of Entry whose Dam has been 2 for 2 so far with racing progeny. Doug O’Neill and Bejarano are 30% last 20 starters together.
RACE 4: 2-6
2-CAPTIVATE has only ran twice on the turf, once was his last out, gate to wire almost 5 length win vs $25K claimers in which he was claimed by Vann Belvoir. I realize Belvoir has had little success this meet, but I definitely think a repeat is likely here today. 6-Rumpus Cat drops from OC $40K back in for a tag today, the last time he ran for a claiming price he broke his maiden last November at Del Mar. Flavian Prat is back aboard, who has ridden him to both career wins.
RACE 5: 1-4
1-KAYDETRE has only been on dirt twice, two back in. Which she broke her maiden and her last out 2nd vs similar to today. Quite the reversal in form of a horse that was beaten 27 lengths in 5 starts on turf. 4-Sapphire Kid returns to dirt and well, someone has to be second here. Not much to say about this race.
RACE 6: 2-1
2-GEORGIE HYPHEN adds Blinkers today and ran 2nd in his only try vs the 9 furlong distance 3 races back vs $25K n2L claimers. Geovanni Franco is on for the first time. 1-Acclimate was 3rd last out vs the level and has the running lines of a horse wanting more than the 1 Mile distance he usually runs. Gets it here today. Still this is probably a spread race in multi bets unless you have a rock solid opinion.
RACE 7: 5-3
Wow these 5 and 6 horse fields are prevalent today. 5-WILD BEAN didn’t run a lick on turf routing last out which was an odd race to be placed in after two consecutive wins Sprinting on dirt. I’ve never claimed to be smarter than the trainers but moves like these are head scratchers. Anyways expect BEAN to go to the front or possibly see what develops inside before making his move for the lead. Concerning that Prat becomes 5th different jock in as many races to ride. 3-Satrapa returns off an 8 month layoff that saw him do little wrong in two starts, a nose loss in debut and a neck win to follow up. While Hector Palma’s long layoff percentage is solid (17%) thinking he may need a race to get into winning form. Solid contender still.
RACE 8: 9-3-5