Horse Racing

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Race 1 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $21,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, 4-year-olds and up

Deep Pockets - Takes the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; Bob Baffert cull holds all the cards.

Leavin in a Limo - Exits the same race as the chalk; was closing sneaky fast for Brian Koriner, expect some improvement.

Long Shot - Chimi's Nugget

Race 2 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $20,000, Claiming $16,000, 4-year-olds

Guts - Takes a big class drop to face these; this is a bad card, but it happens right after a big card like Saturday.

Fantasy Free - Tepid favorite in a wide open affair; appears to lack a killer instinct, as most do in this spot.

Long Shot - Turn to the King

Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $53,000, Optional claiming $62,500, 4-year-olds and up

One Union - Tiny edge in a race that should be part of the pick 6; Richard Mandella barn is heating up, class drop helps.

Medzendeekron - Was overmatched in more ways than one in the Sunshine Millions; third start off a 7-month hiatus.

Long Shot - Rathor

Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $45,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Magic Launch - Got steadied inside along the rail awaiting room; big rider switch to Rafael Bejarano for the money shot.

Kulinski Rose - Speedball tactics just missed last time; Mike Smith had a big day Saturday, riding in top form.

Long Shot - Ale's Pride

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Claiming $12,500, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Asian Eyes - Was claimed by Steve Knapp off a sharp win and spotted smartly again; just needs some hot pace to chase.

Nicole's Image - Mare will be part of the early pace; Joe Talamo has a way of nursing the speed, clever rating.

Long Shot - Ju Ju Baby

Race 6 - 1 1/8th miles, Purse $16,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up

Street Royale - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; saves all the ground inside.

Kaffeinator - Showed no late kick in last off a 3-month hiatus; Gomez off, Rios on, should add some parimutuel value.

Long Shot - Judge Kent

Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $43,000, Claiming $62,500, 4-year-olds

Coronel Moldes - Woke up with a big effort first start for John Sadler; Gomez returns, race may come off the grass.

Lucky Honey - Like the turn back in distance from 2-turn routes for this; Bejarano will sit in arrears for one big run.

Long Shot - Topper Shopper

Race 8 - 1 1/8th miles, $200,000 San Antonio Handicap, 4-year-olds and up

Tiago - Exits 3 brutal grade 1 races for a watered down grade 2 event; no one is hotter in stakes than Mike Smith.

Well Armed - Didn't run his race last time; he's better than that and could be unleashed on the lead by Aaron Gryder.

Long Shot - Champs Elysees

Race 9 - Purse $21,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Mo Cheese - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; like the turn back in distance too.

Ocean Style - Got a nice public workout in last, first start off a 2-month hiatus; small improvement proves dangerous.

Long Shot - Dona Mary

Best Bet - Deep Pockets (race 1)

Santa Anita Saturday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/5/$27.40; Long Shots, 10/1/$8.40; Best Bet, 1/1/$2.80

Santa Anita Totals - 538/133/$914.40; Long Shots, 272/39/$446.20; Best Bets, 31/11/$44.80

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #2 Happy Bull (8/5) in race 3 at Philadelphia Park. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet. On Saturday, He's So Chic ran out at Tampa. Stats - 5/3/$22.30