HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, 4-year-olds and up

Unclaimed Heart - Ran big in debut, now is taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming.

Halo's Law - Has had many chances at this class level without graduating; Jeff Mullins adds blinkers on.

Long Shot - Starcatter

Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $44,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds

Leroy's Dynameaux - You have a big edge over me because you'll see the tote board action; bred to love the grass.

Cranky Jack - There are 6 FTS so the tote board action will be very important; a real crap shoot to handicap.

Long Shot - Isle of Prado

Race 3 - 1 mile, Purse $14,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up

Candy Arches - Not much to separate the two favorites; tactical speed to lead or follow close up.

General Dan - Been battling Candy Arches tooth and nail the last 2 starts; will try to turn the tables.

Long Shot - Shelter Island

Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $46,000, Optional claiming $80,000, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Excellent News - Did everything but win last time versus Shes Funomenal; class relief can only help.

Siberian Heart - Dead late closer should see a healthy pace to close into; big rider switch to Rafael Bejarano.

Long Shot - Seeking the Queen

Race 5 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $10,000, Claiming $8,000, 4-year-olds and up

Nima's Pad - Added chance on the big class drop; second start off a 5-month hiatus, like Joel Rosario up.

Bilo - Speedball did everything but win last time in a gutsy try; key will be how he reacts, especially at his age.

Long Shot - Swiss Ski

Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $44,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds

Fandino - Was flattered when Face and an Ace won next time out; big rider switch to Rafael Bejarano for the money shot.

Ziggy's Stardust - Reunited with Joel Rosario; beaten favorite in last should enjoy the turn back in distance today.

Long Shot - Fly Boy

Race 7 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $48,000, Optional claiming $80,000, 3-year-olds

Indian Firewater - Lost to an underrated foe in last in Thomas Baines; ran a winning race for this modest class.

Distorted Dave - Dead late closer should see plenty of pace today; Joel Rosario special, sit back and make one run.

Long Shot - Big Man Has a Sign

Race 8 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $27,000, Claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Birdie Birdie - Sliding down the claiming ladder to this career low class level; need not be much to beat these.

Connie the Queen - Been away 10-months, but has won in SoCal before; speedball aided by the turf rail out 30 feet.

Long Shot - Powerofvoodoo

Best Bet - Excellent News (race 4)

Santa Anita Thursday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/5/$27.40; Long Shots, 8/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals - 988/256/$1,692.20; Long Shots, 483/77/$802.40; Best Bets, 59/20/$100.00

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #2 Prestidigitation (9/5) in race 4 at Gulfstream Park. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Buddha Pass ran out at Oaklawn. Stats - 60/45/$345.60