HORSE RACING

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

By Richard Eng

Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Race 1 - 6 furlongs, Purse $70,000, Optional claiming $62,500, 3-year-olds and up

Five Star Thief - Got a test drive last time for Mike Mitchell; like the turn back in distance for a full bore effort.

Time to Get Even - Been away 15-months so it is caveat emptor; he has the most back class, the key is he's the same horse.

Long Shot - Men Only

Race 2 - 1 mile (turf), Purse $66,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

Worth Repeating - Most are trying turf for the first time; in that case, the pedigree means a great deal, by Giant's Causeway.

Raikkonen - Another with outstanding grass pedigree that slips under the radar; Mike Machowsky adds Espinoza and blinkers on.

Long Shot - Hurley's Way

Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $64,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

Oyster Cat - Exits the best race chasing a live wire in Midshipman and Street Hero; he figures to be the bully in here.

Launching Pad - No shame chasing Mjormotionpicture who was a well heeled FTS winner; should improve a lot for Jeff Mullins.

Long Shot - Candy Arches

Race 4 - 1 1/4 miles (turf), $250,000 Clement L. Hirsch Memorial, 3-year-olds and up

Spring House - He ran a huge race in the Del Mar Handicap; he still has room to improve in third start off a 4-month layoff.

Out of Control - Forgiving handicappers will draw a line thru the Woodward debacle; his grass races have been much stronger.

Long Shot - Red Giant

Race 5 - 1 1/16th miles, $250,000 Lady's Secret, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Zenyatta - She is the champion and must be knocked off her mantle; I still think we have not seen her best race yet.

Hystericalady - She has been on quite a roll and her tactical speed makes her even more dangerous; should be a great duel.

Long Shot - Wake Up Maggie

Race 6 - 6 furlongs, $250,000 Ancient Title, 3-year-olds and up

Street Boss - Dead late closer has been managed perfectly by trainer Bruce Headley; he doesn't win by much, but he wins.

In Summation - Was bothered badly during a key part of the stretch run in the Pat O'Brien; Rene Douglas takes over the reins.

Long Shot - Esperamos

Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $67,000, Allowance, 3-year-olds and up

Victor's Cry - Dead late closer tries turf for the first time; his running style and pedigree suggest he'll be successful.

Banner Lodge - Tepid chalk in another difficult heat; ran like he needed the race last time, his first start in 5-months.

Long Shot - Cadillac

Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, $250,000 Oak Leaf, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Stardom Bound - New question is whether her powerful late kick will translate around 2-turns; bad habit of starting slowly.

Empressive Lady - Terrible trip last time from parking lot post 12 and wide throughout; impressive tactical speed.

Long Shot - Palacio de Amor

Race 9 - 1 1/4 miles (turf), $400,000 Yellow Ribbon, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Wait a While - She is by far the best filly in the field, but draws an onerous parking lot post; will need to save some ground.

Black Mamba - She has really flourished since Garrett Gomez took over the reins; this will be some cavalry charge to the wire.

Long Shot - Vacare

Race 10 - 1 1/8th miles, $500,000 Goodwood, 3-year-olds and up

Tiago - Dead late closer is always at the mercy of pace, and he should see plenty of pace today; best betting race on the card.

Well Armed - Tepid chalk in a fantastic betting race; the key will be how slow Aaron Gryder can slow down the early pace.

Long Shot - Spirit One

Race 11 - 6 furlongs, Purse $64,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Donttellmewhattodo - Logical chalk in a wide open race; should get a similar trip as in debut, stalking the early pace.

Red White and Brew - Should be lone speed unless one of the four FTS comes out firing; will go as far and as fast as she can.

Long Shot - Hot Summer Breeze

Best Bet - Oyster Cat (race 3)

Santa Anita Friday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/3/$19.40; Long Shots, 8/1/$7.40; Best Bet, 1/1/$7.20

Santa Anita Totals - 50/11/$67.00; Long Shots, 24/1/$7.40; Best Bets, 3/2/$9.80