HORSE RACING
April 20, 2008 - 9:00 pm
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 12:30 p.m.
Race 1 - 6 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Claiming $12,500, 4-year-olds and up
Cactus Lighting - Just missed last time while facing similar foes; will sit in arrears and make one big brush.
Peace Accord - Tepid chalk, a lot of that due to Rafael Bejarano; big class drop, this guy does not like to win.
Long Shot - Superstart Justin
Race 2 - 1 mile, Purse $18,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
California Demon - Jerry Fanning barn has had a small resurgence, mainly with Alex Solis up; will be flying late.
Forgiveandforget - Speedball will try to clear the field facing many slowpokes; slight class drop can only help.
Long Shot - Maggie Lane
Race 3 - 1 mile, Purse $68,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up
Mast Track - Has a big advantage of recent races and Bobby Frankel going for him; tactical speed to sit a perfect trip.
Brother Derek - Has had many physical issues since last seen 14-months ago; this is not the target, but a stepping stone.
Long Shot - Nice Bet
Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $57,000, Optional claiming $62,500, 4-year-olds and up
Kruger Park - No shame losing last time to Battle Won, a graded stakes winner; consistent sort finally grinds out a win.
Mind the Minister - Like the turn back in distance for going down the hill; figures to sit a trip and really explode late.
Long Shot - Masterly
Race 5 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $22,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Excessive Fun - Walked out of the gate in her debut, then found her best stride too late; small improvement can win it.
Warren's R Ready - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; suspect Pedroza will take a hold.
Long Shot - King City Kitty
Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $26,000, Starter allowance $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
No Cream Or Sugar - Had all sorts of trouble last time and never got a clean shot; race has "bomb" written all over it.
Ronan'sact - Dead late closer figures to factor late under Joel Rosario; this is a spread race to start the pick 6.
Long Shot - Kilmartin Hall
Race 7 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Silk Thunder - Crapped out last time as a short priced chalk; big rider switch to Rafael Bejarano who will sit and fire.
Modification - One horse suicide run last time in debut with Nakatani up; blinkers off today, shorter distance will help.
Long Shot - Scout About
Race 8 - 1 mile (turf), Purse $36,000, Claiming $32,000, 4-year-olds and up
Mt. Orient - Don't think the morning line favorite will go off as the chalk; speedball stretching out could prove tough.
Like a Tiger - Bejarano stays loyal despite two losses in a row; tactical speed to sit a trip and hope he fires late.
Long Shot - Seeking Answers
Race 9 - 6 furlongs, Purse $24,000, Claiming $20,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Havens Lake - Class dropper figures to get claimed out of this, so Jeff Mullins might as well get the purse; short price.
Almacita - Good looking win in last, could top off a fine meet for Mike Mitchell; he's been using the bugboy more and more.
Long Shot - Elsie Jo
Race 10 - 1 3/4 miles (turf), $250,000 San Juan Capistrano Handicap, 4-year-olds and up
Porfido - One paced horse is well suited to last the marathon distance; this is a gallopers race, Frankel at his best.
Shamdinan - Was too fresh in last and fought to have his head; Jon Court will try to rate this classy marathoner.
Long Shot - Warning Zone
Race 11 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Quiet At the Top - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; see if Michael Baze rates her.
Little Brenda - The less races the better at this reduced class level; ran OK in debut for O'Neill, expect improvement.
Long Shot - Colony Trick
Best Bet - Havens Lake (race 9)
Santa Anita Saturday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 19/3/$25.80; Long Shots, 10/1/$7.40; Best Bet, 1/1/$4.80
Santa Anita Totals - 1,297/313/$2,315.60; Long Shots, 642/82/$1,000.20; Best Bets, 73/25/$113.80