HORSE RACING
January 17, 2009 - 10:00 pm
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 12:30 p.m.
Race 1 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $16,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up
General Buffet - The Mike Pupye barn has been sizzling this meet; taking a big class drop from MSW to maiden claiming.
Juanca - Should get a lot more value today with Rafael Bejarano off; his race two back can put him into the mix.
Long Shot - Judge Kent
Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $53,000, Optional claiming $62,500, 4-year-olds and up
Runforthedoe - Bobby Frankel import is an interesting animal; Garrett Gomez slides over, a stakes winner already.
Guns On The Table - Tepid chalk in a wide open affair; exits the toughest race last time in the grade 1 Malibu.
Long Shot - Sixcess
Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $46,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds
Mayor Marv - Beaten favorite continues to run well, but not well enough; tactical speed to sit a perfect trip.
Infernal - Colt may finally get what he wants, a 2-turn route race; slower fractions put him closer to the pace.
Long Shot - Molten Lava
Race 4 - 6 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Claiming $16,000, 4-year-olds and up
Spot the Diplomat - Lost all chance in last with a poor start; he has enough back class to roll over the top of these.
Wheaton Hall - Logical chalk is taking a red flag drop from the Mike Mitchell barn; if he repeats his last, he'll win.
Long Shot - Bewitching Bartok
Race 5 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $45,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Closing Speed - Like the parking lot post down the hillside course; Woodbine shippers continue to excel.
Spanish Bunny - Tepid chalk in a real dart throw of a race; she had 7-chances and has yet to finish even second.
Long Shot - Coracao Beijo
Race 6 - 7 furlongs, $150,000 Santa Ynez, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Alpha Kitten - Like the turn back in distance and exiting a grade 1 for this; cozy trip from a parking lot post.
Evita Argentina - No doubt she is better as a 1-turn sprinter; she'll win around 2-turns in carefully chosen spots.
Long Shot - Deeveetee
Race 7 - 1 mile, $100,000 San Rafael, 3-year-olds
Square Eddie - Hard to go against a colt that nearly won the BC Juvenile; 3-months off, now starts his KY Derby campaign.
Charlie's Moment - Thought he ran a better than looked race in the Real Quiet; jockey Rosario may have moved too soon.
Long Shot - Brother Keith
Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, $150,000 San Fernando, 4-year-olds
Slew's Tiznow - Didn't beat much in the War Chant, but he did it well; colt has always been highly regarded.
Madeo - Hard luck horse is favored but he always seems to find trouble; no question much talent under the hood.
Long Shot - Cherokee Artist
Race 9 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $39,000, Claiming $50,000, 4-year-olds and up
Railroad - Tepid favorite ran great down the hill two races ago; Aaron Gryder figures to get a good trip.
Luhuk's Dancer - Claimed by Doug O'Neill who puts him back on grass; may be better suited as a closing sprinter.
Long Shot - Broctane
Best Bet - Alpha Kitten (race 6)
Santa Anita Friday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/4/$26.40; Long Shots, 7/4/$38.40; Best Bet, 1/1/$3.80
Santa Anita Totals - 276/72/$478.00; Long Shots, 139/26/$301.20; Best Bets, 17/6/$23.60