HORSE RACING
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 1 p.m.
Race 1 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $24,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds
Mikeymike - Did a classic pop and stop in MSW debut; taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming.
Southern Defender - Has cashed two paychecks in two career starts; class drop can only help in tiny field.
Long Shot - Rise to Power
Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 15 feet), Purse $30,000, Claiming $32,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Salty Sarah - Like that Garrett Gomez stays loyal despite a poor finish; second start off a 3-month hiatus.
Ashton Girl - Logical chalk has not run for a price tag before; tactical speed to sit a nice trip.
Long Shot - Squeeze Me Tight
Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $25,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds
Swiss Arrogant - Was grossly overmatched in last; his race two back is fast enough to beat these, class drop helps.
Show the Flag - Turning back in distance from route to this elongated sprint; his best stride will come late.
Long Shot - Ur Turn Dubai
Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $44,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Saltendipity - Big run for second in debut breaking from a parking lot post; can save some ground today.
She's Not Lion - Finished right behind the chalk and figures right there too; she started from post 13.
Long Shot - Z and I
Race 5 - 1 1/8th miles (turf, rail at 15 feet), Purse $48,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 4-year-olds and up
Sterkel - Been away 4-months since trailing much tougher; best late kick, could run over these at a square price.
Hyades - English import makes U.S. debut for Ben Cecil; exits a bullet workout to showcase his current sharpness.
Long Shot - Bring It Home
Race 6 - 6 furlongs, Purse $46,000, Optional claiming $80,000, 3-year-olds
Concord Point - Bob Baffert baby crushed a key race field; colt is behind schedule, but will be stakes caliber.
Bulldogger - The main foe appears to be another Baffert baby; Saratoga win was a scorcher, been away 6-months.
Long Shot - High Success
Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 15 feet), $60,000 Wishing Well Handicap, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Dreamt - Ran like a lost puppy in her U.S. debut; has ability, can only improve with more American experience.
Royal Taat - This is one great betting race; dead late closer has already won twice down the hillside course.
Long Shot - Dance to My Tune
Race 8 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $18,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Miss Wined Up - Claimbed from Bob Baffert by the underrated Carl O'Callaghan; blinkers off and exits a bullet work.
Infinity n' Beyond - Eric Kruljac adds blinkers on for more focus; she too exits a bullet workout for this start.
Long Shot - Musical Grace
Best Bet - Concord Point (race 6)
Santa Anita Thursday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/3/$15.20; Long Shots, 7/1/$8.00; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Santa Anita Totals - 502/129/$813.00; Long Shots, 252/39/$412.40; Best Bets, 31/12/$58.20
SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #4 Custer (6/1) in race 9 at Gulfstream Park. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Warrior's Reward won at Gulfstream Park paying $5.60 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Stats - 31/21/$150.90
