Horse Racing: Today at Santa Anita, Dec. 26, 2011
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA
By Richard Eng
Post Time noon
Race 1 - 7 furlongs, $100,000 California Breeders' Champion, Cal-breds, Fillies, 2-year-olds
2 Almost a Lady - Stole a maiden claiming win for $40K, then won right back; has conditions left and a high ceiling.
6 Ismene - Logical chalk is also undefeated; like the parking lot post in this elongated sprint, stalks and finishes.
Long Shot - 3 Willa B Awesome
Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Maiden claiming $20,000, 3-year-olds and up
6 Street Titan - Mike Mitchell exits a trainer title at Hollywood; class relief can get this one's photo taken.
5 What a Rush - Beaten favorite the last two outs; moves from parking lot post 11 to 5, tactical speed to sit a trip.
Long Shot - 4 Zapeye
Race 3 - 6 furlongs, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds
5 Midnight Transfer - Big rider switch to Joel Rosario for the money shot; your edge is the tote action on the many FTS.
8 Bernster - Bob Baffert has an uncoupled entry and both are capable here; tiny edge to this one with Rafael Bejarano.
Long Shot - 2 Lasso
Race 4 - 1 mile (turf), Purse $30,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 3-year-olds and up
1 Uzziah - Lost all chance in last when the jock lost his irons; blinkers off and good post for a mile, saves ground.
7 Sanibel Sid - Logical chalk has improved going around 2-turns; Ron Ellis completed a strong Hollywood meet.
Long Shot - 3 Myhorseofcourse
Race 5 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up
6 Fiarano - Was flattered when The Director won next out; he looks ready to finally put it all together.
10 Doubledown On Ten - Reunited with Rafael Bejarano; beaten favorite ran last time like he needed the race.
Long Shot - 8 Randazo
Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $32,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up
5 Mr. Bossy Pants - Big class drop and returns to a turf course he likes; another turning back in distance.
3 Achak - Like the turn back in distance; has a solid record at today's distance and won the hillside turf course.
Long Shot - 11 Kelly Leak
Race 7 - 7 furlongs, $100,000 California Breeders' Champion, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds
5 Motown Men - Was rushed into a very fast pace in the Generous last out; suspect Rafael Bejarano will be more patient.
7 Stoney Fleece - Perfect trip winner of the Genarous; figure the pace to be slower than it was that day.
Long Shot - 4 Johnny Be Mine
Race 8 - 1 mile (turf), $150,000 Sir Beaufort, 3-year-olds
4 Mr. Commons - Tough trip in the BC Mile; especially in the lane when Goldikova knocked over her rivals like bowling pins.
2 Venomous - Lost his late punch when stretched out a marathon distance; one mile may be his best distance regardless.
Long Shot - 8 Ultimate Eagle
Race 9 - 7 furlongs, $300,000 Malibu, 3-year-olds
8 Smash - Bob Baffert has 4 in here all uncoupled; this gal figures to be stretched out in distance with her pedigree.
11 The Factor - Draw a mile thru the BC Mile and he's a stone cold sprinter; not concerned with a parking lot post.
Long Shot - 2 Centralinteligence
Best Bet - 4 Mr. Commons (race 8)
Hollywood Park Sunday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 19/5/$33.60; Long Shots, 9/2/$33.20; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Hollywood Park Final Totals - 429/121/$703.40; Long Shots, 211/31/$395.00; Best Bets, 26/12/$50.60
SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY - #9 Crown Me Wicked (5/2) in race 7 at Gulfstream Park. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Sunday, Island Bound ran out at Gulfstream Park. Final 2011 Stats - 193/123/$968.40; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick
