HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 51/2 furlongs, Purse $21,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds

One Vote - The two favorites tower over the rest of the field; Rafael Bejarano and Garrett Gomez play cat and mouse.

Belongs to Gotham - The main fear comes from 5 FTS in the field; logical chalk ran a strong race last time out.

Long Shot - De Brief Me

Race 2 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $60,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up

Rail Trip - Unbeaten colt is being handled like fine china by Ron Ellis; won't be battle tested until he has to be.

Racketeer - Old veteran gets big time class relief for this; will be the most talented horse Rail Trip has faced.

Long Shot - Dixie Meister

Race 3 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $46,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds

Meteore - His lone turf start two back was pretty good; like that Gomez remains loyal despite exiting a stinker.

Great Home - Neil Drysdale barn has awoken after wearing a collar; stretches out in distance, adds Lasix and Bejarano.

Long Shot - Questing

Race 4 - 61/2 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Claiming $16,000, 4-year-olds and up

Bewitching Bartok - Sharp win running over the top of a slow pace; claimed by the maestro Jerry Hollendorfer.

Make Mine Vodka - Looked very good winning last, but got set up by a speed duel; has back class to repeat his race.

Long Shot - Idaho Joe

Race 5 - 7 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Starter allowance $40,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Melody Makin - Sleeper pick because her race 2 back is much better than her last; tactical speed to sit a nice trip.

Crazy Tricia - Was overmatched in the grade 3 Santa Ysabel; reunited with Bejarano who won on her 2 races ago.

Long Shot - Motu Nui

Race 6 - 61/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $45,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds

Black Feather - Neil Drysdale has an uncoupled entry and they look strong in here; maybe a good 1-turn closer.

Hold Fast - Flunked badly last time first out with blinkers on; forgiving handicappers can get 8/1 today.

Long Shot - Megaholtz

Race 7 - 51/2 furlongs, Purse $48,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up

Devoted Magic - Got no help in the Palos Verde when closing into a paceless race; his win 2 back was breathtaking.

Its in God's Hands - Speedball imploded last time in an elongated sprint; runs a furlong less which can only help.

Long Shot - Onetimeatbandcamp

Race 8 - 51/2 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up

Elusive Chief - His only clunker came two races ago; class drop last time helped, he will be grinding late.

Stray Cat - Makes his third start off a 3-month hiatus; finally gets a break in post after drawing 11, 10 and 12.

Long Shot - Sky Ruler

Best Bet - Rail Trip (race 2)

Santa Anita Thursday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/7/$42.80; Long Shots, 7/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals - 667/163/$1,108.00; Long Shots, 333/50/$583.60; Best Bets, 38/12/$47.20

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #5 Trophy Collector (2/1) in race 8 at Laurel. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Mor Chances won at Aqueduct and paid $4.90 to win, $3.30 to place and $2.20 to show. Stats - 12/10/$76.90