HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 41/2 furlongs, Purse $46,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Alpine Empire - Leap of faith that the vote of Rafael Bejarano is more than enough; Empire Maker is a top stallion.

Chatty Lula - You'll have a big edge over me because you can see the betting action; has quick, win early pedigree.

Long Shot - Ura Star

Race 2 - 61/2 furlongs, Purse $26,000, Maiden claiming $62,500, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

So Hottie - Her last race, if repeated, is fast enough to beat these; was flattered when Free Flying Soul won again.

She's Icy Hot - Gets the ultimate rider switch to Rafael Bejarano; has shown some late running ability.

Long Shot - Ultra Awesome

Race 3 - 7 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

No Sweat - Dead late closer was claimed by underrated trainer Jim Kasparoff; chance to improve at big odds.

Draft Choice - Speedball draws the rail where he can do his best work; big class drop can only help him.

Long Shot - One Chin Again

Race 4 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 20 feet), Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Storm the Church - Joe Talamo has become the rider of choice for Jeff Mullins; has pedigree to handle turf.

Kicken Vixen - Bejarano gets off, I still like her chances with Tyler Baze; Julio Canani adds blinkers on.

Long Shot - Mama Rosa

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Claiming $16,000, 3-year-olds

Defense King - Had multiple excuses last time in a race he should have won; Mike Mitchell drops him in class.

Making Dreams - Speedball figures to be on the Bill Daley tonight; Danny Sorenson plays catch me if you can.

Long Shot - Dolrdolrbillyall

Race 6 - 6 furlongs (turf, rail at 20 feet), Purse $48,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Burna Dette - Tepid chalk in a very difficult race; gets class relief from the Irish O'Brien for this.

Rocket Kitty - Speedball ran big off the claim by the maestro Jerry Hollendorfer; could step forward again.

Long Shot - Precious Union

Race 7 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $50,000, Optional claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Miss Silver Brook - Highly regarded Julio Canani filly gets class relief; she was rushed into a couple tough spots.

Grace Anatomy - Her turf races have been nothing to write home about; she may be better on synthetic surfaces.

Long Shot - Hard Kisses

Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $16,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Justalittletipsy - Peter Miller likes to gear his stable up for Hollywood; filly is dangerous on the stretch out.

More Than Music - Logical chalk has run two much improved races for a price tag; hopes for a target tonight.

Long Shot - At Your Service

Best Bet - Defense King (race 5)

Hollywood Wednesday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/4/$20.40; Long Shots, 8/3/$20.40; Best Bet, 1/1/$3.20

Santa Anita Final Totals - 1,386/337/$2,300.80; Long Shots, 673/105/$1,245.80; Best Bets, 80/33/$121.40

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #6 De Star Xpress (4/1) in race 7 at Keeneland. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Wednesday, Lawless Falls ran second at Keeneland paying $3.00 to place and $2.40 to show. Stats - 54/45/$355.00