HORSE RACING
April 12, 2008 - 9:00 pm
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 12:30 p.m.
Race 1 - 7 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Claiming $10,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Lady Disdain - Nice win around 2-turns, now turns back in distance for this elongated sprint; can stalk and rally wide.
Irish Express - Didn't have much chance of catching Dine At Nine in last; was flattered when that one won her next start.
Long Shot - Helmsgold
Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $34,000, Claiming $32,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Valley Storm - Leap of faith that the Carla Gaines barn continues her hot streak; been away 11-months, has the back class.
Mama Lula - Tepid chalk in a very tough heat; she's proven herself down the hillside course and has to be considered.
Long Shot - Kalookan Lessie
Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles, $75,000 Santa Lucia Handicap, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Tizzy's Tune - She's won two straight, now is stretching out around 2-turns; she's in rare form, can handle the class rise.
Santa Teresita - Logical chalk in a compact field; she has tactical speed and a wide post to sit in stalking position.
Long Shot - Moujane
Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds
Cajun Corredor - It's been hard to go wire to wire over the Cushion track; Nakatani may be served better to ride patient.
Canyon Drive - Bob Baffert barn has been close to invisible this meet; showed some ability in his debut at Hollywood.
Long Shot - Eon
Race 5 - 1 1/8th miles (turf), Purse $50,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds
Giant Gem - Sharp improvement in second start for Neil Drysdale; starts out wide, but has a long run to the first turn.
Come in Almighty - Alex Solis has been riding much sharper the past few weeks; saves ground and angles out to rally late.
Long Shot - Geauxforthedeaux
Race 6 - 7 furlongs, Purse $44,000, Claiming $50,000, 4-year-olds and up
Switzerland - Last race showed us why he has never run on turf before; Jeff Mullins spots him to be an upset special.
Sorcerers Spell - Tepid chalk in another wide open race; well spotted off a sharp win to repeat, certainly not outclassed.
Long Shot - Seven Secrets
Race 7 - 1 mile, Purse $50,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up
Star Nicholas - Sure to be overlooked because his last start came for a price tag; Jon Court boots home a lot of long shots.
Colgan's Chip - Favorite draws the best post at one mile over the main track; will save plenty of useful ground early.
Long Shot - Flier Money
Race 8 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $52,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up
Beyond Loaded - These races are getting harder, not easier to figure out; if I can get 8/1 on this guy, he's on my ticket.
Swift Winds - Joel Rosario seemingly only wins with high priced horses; he really fired a big shot last time to just miss.
Long Shot - Unusual Jail
Race 9 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $57,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up
Banner Lodge - Ran huge last time when nipped late by a Frankel horse; has proven that he does not need the lead to succeed.
Kalookan Boss - Crapped out as the favorite last time up at Bay Meadows; chance to redeem himself at large odds.
Long Shot - Gregorian Bay
Race 10 - 1 mile (turf), $100,000 La Puente, 3-year-olds
Afleet Ruler - Even run in last, but is capable of a lot more; will save ground early, then Talamo must find room late.
Tiz West - Speedy sort can be aided by a turf course that has flattered speed horses; a mile should be his best distance.
Long Shot - Ez Dreamer
Race 11 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, 3-year-olds
Mr. Elroy - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; he is facing an incredible weak field.
Letsgobyebye - Been away 7-months, but faced much tougher company at Del Mar; if Knapp has him ready, look out.
Long Shot - Last Black Lion
Best Bet - Giant Gem (race 5)
Santa Anita Friday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 18/5/$29.40; Long Shots, 9/1/$10.60; Best Bet, 1/1/$5.20
Santa Anita Totals - 1,188/284/$2,113.10; Long Shots, 586/75/$940.80; Best Bets, 67/23/$102.20