HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 6 furlongs, Purse $24,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds

Excess Power - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; like the turn back from a turf route.

My Secret Life - Tepid chalk ran well for second in a 12-horse open class field; facing Cal-breds is actually a class drop.

Long Shot - Grato

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $38,000, Claiming $50,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Folk Dancer - Exits two much tougher fields than this; like the turn back in distance too, figures to be dead fit.

Euro Gal - Ran better than looked when seventh, beaten less than 2-lengths; ground saving trip under Joel Rosario.

Long Shot - Gambling Pokerface

Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $44,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Rebecca - Well backed in debut and nearly got the job done; speed to spare will help with the turf rail out 24 feet.

Lazered - Took sneaky wagering in second career start; she ran evenly again, but figures to keep improving.

Long Shot - Isn't She Sweet

Race 4 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $10,000, Claiming $8,000, 4-year-olds and up

A Royal Tizzy - Has been very productive since claimed by Bob Hess; he hasn't gotten too ambitious with his class rise.

One Vote - Hot A. C. Avila barn uses Pedro Arambula tonight; big class drop offers him a much improved chance.

Long Shot - Sidepocket Lou

Race 5 - 5 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up

Gotham Devil - Working up a storm for return off a 30-month vacation; it's a bad field, he may just be good enough.

Self Defense - Tepid chalk returns from a 5-month hiatus in a wide open affair; his last race was better than looked.

Long Shot - Call Me Honcho

Race 6 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $20,000, Starter allowance $16,000, 4-year-olds and up

Joshua's Dream - What he lacks in turf resume, he makes up for in back class; has winning ways and faster speed figures.

Changing - His turf resume is OK when compared to the others in here; tactical speed to sit a nice trip.

Long Shot - Sheekey

Race 7 - 1 mile, Purse $52,000, Optional claiming $62,500, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Pretty Unusual - Huge class drop off of four difficult stakes; hope the tough races didn't take too much out of her.

Lady Alex - Not sure why they don't stick to grass, her preference; runs better with a target and not the bullseye.

Long Shot - Miss Silver Brook

Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $13,000, Claiming $8,000, 4-year-olds and up

Autocue - Tiny edge in a difficult finale; was flattered in last when Heroi Do Bafra won his next time out.

Absolute Glory - Just missed last time in a strong try; was flattered with Candy Arches won his next start.

Long Shot - Tiz Afire

Best Bet - Folk Dancer (race 2)

Santa Anita Thursday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/7/$38.60; Long Shots, 7/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/1/$4.60

Santa Anita Totals - 1,070/276/$1,818.00; Long Shots, 524/85/$870.20; Best Bets, 64/21/$104.60

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #7 Macias (5/2) in race 9 at Keeneland. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Wednesday, Half Metal Jacket won out at Aqueduct paying $5.10 to win, $3.00 to place and $2.30 to show. Stats - 65/48/$370.30