HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 2 furlongs, Purse $36,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

Regardlesofoutcome - Wesley Ward colt is bred to be ultra quick, win early pedigree; this guy could scorch the earth.

Making Dreams - Walter Solis has been sneaky good in these baby drag races; he's been using Paul Atkinson to help his price.

Long Shot - Just Go Gusto

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $38,000, Claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds

Grylls - No barn is hotter than Carla Gaines right now; big class drop and switch from turf to Cushion track are positives.

C R Caper - Speedball tactics nearly worked last time; could improve a step in second start off a 5-month sabbatical.

Long Shot - Ricky El Corredor

Race 3 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $57,000, Allowance, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Fantastic Meeting - He's been running for claiming prices, but in open company; this state bred spot is a drop in class.

South Coast - Liked his gameness in last to fight out a tough win; he's bred to like grass and appreciate 2-turn races.

Long Shot - Super Harmony

Race 4 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, 3-year-olds

Indianski - Good speedball tactics in last racing first time for a claiming price; Nakatani figures to send full bore.

Purr for Me - Big class drop will give him an edge over many slowpokes in here; tactical speed to sit a stalking trip.

Long Shot - Built for Thederby

Race 5 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $22,000, Starter allowance $12,500, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Red Neck Gal - Jerry Fanning barn has heated up using Alex Solis as his go to guy; figures to stalk and pounce late.

Dine At Nine - Speedball will be aided by the temporary turf rail out 24 feet; suspect she will have no early resistence.

Long Shot - Gold Datnoid

Race 6 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Just N Excess - Did a classic pop and stop 4-months ago at Hollywood; freshened up and could bottom out the field early.

Little Gypsy - Logical chalk will need someone to help soften up Just N Excess; will find her best stride in the lane.

Long Shot - Warren's R Ready

Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 24 feet), $125,000 Sensational Star Handicap, Cal-breds, 4-year-olds and up

Unusual Suspect - There is a lot of speed in here, I expect a hot pace and closers to prevail; square price with Chantal.

McCann's Mojave - Cannot argue with his class facing state-bred foes; his turf resume isn't great, but it's a kinder surface.

Long Shot - Medzendeekron

Race 8 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $36,000, Maiden claiming $100,000, 3-year-olds

Osceola Prince - A real toughie to close out the card; Ward colt has faced the stiffest competition, gets some class relief.

Wink At the Girls - Tepid chalk in a very difficult heat; Rafael Becerra claims and adds blinkers on, Solis remains loyal.

Long Shot - Savvy and Smooth

Best Bet - Just N Excess (race 6)

Santa Anita Thursday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/5/$29.60; Long Shots, 8/1/$24.20; Best Bet, 1/1/$6.00

Santa Anita Totals - 1,087/262/$1,965.70; Long Shots, 536/70/$885.80; Best Bets, 61/21/$91.80