HORSE RACING
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA
By Richard Eng
Post Time 1 p.m.
Race 1 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $23,000, Claiming $20,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Lupita'sluckyangel - Leap of faith because she exits a key race where Quisisana and Unusual Heater won next time out.
Red Neck Gal - Tepid chalk was claimed by Frank Monteleone off a win for Jeff Mullins; taking a big class rise in here.
Long Shot - Harmony Creator
Race 2 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $30,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds
Play Nine - Brian Koriner has run two OK races, nothing really special; this is a group of tortoises, need not be much.
Pinkerbelle - Tepid chalk did a classic pop and stop in a well bet debut; she cost hold on for a lot longer tonight.
Long Shot - Lu Baton
Race 3 - 7 furlongs, Purse $13,000, Claiming $10,000, 3-year-olds and up
Bewitching Bartok - Hard knocker should find a comfort zone at this low class level; tactical speed to sit a perfect trip.
Icanmakeitrain - Dropping steeply off a hard fought win; red flag for sure, but maybe can win it from memory.
Long Shot - Caddymaster
Race 4 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $17,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Zanda Blue - She actually broke her maiden two races ago, but was disqualified from the purse; similar effort wins it here.
Gentlemen's Crown - Just missed last time in a solid effort; there's a lot of slowpokes in here, just has to avoid them.
Long Shot - Our Storm
Race 5 - 1 1/8th miles (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $50,000, Claiming $80,000, 3-year-olds and up
Rush Rush - Was overmatched in last, now shifts back to a winable spot; the key is Whilly is lone speed, but well off form.
Uffizi - Mike Mitchell is always dangerous and value comes from using Brice Blanc; strong finisher on a dead late closer.
Long Shot - Maroon
Race 6 - 7 furlongs, Purse $25,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds and up
Kaffeinator - You'll get a better price because Garrett Gomez is riding at Keeneland; figures to be around at then end.
Lake Meza - Don't overlook because of the poor effort in last; he ran big when dropped in for this $50K price tag before.
Long Shot - Gandolf
Race 7 - 1 1/8th miles (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $49,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Exquisite - Third start off a 5-month hiatus; failed as the favorite in last, her race two back is fast enough to win.
Restless Soul - Been stuck at this first allowance condition for four races; hard to leave out of your trifecta.
Long Shot - Fire n' Brimstone
Race 8 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Saint's Crown - Speedball figures to gain an easy lead; in a field this poor, she may be in a no passing zone race.
Perfect Vintage - Tepid chalk figures to get an excellent stalking position; she's had 10 chances already, long in the tooth.
Long Shot - Showtime Apollo
Best Bet - Zanda Blue (race 4)
Santa Anita Thursday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/4/$36.40; Long Shots, 8/1/$20.60; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Santa Anita Totals - 123/26/$174.60; Long Shots, 56/4/$48.20; Best Bets, 7/2/$9.80
