HORSE RACING

By Richard Eng

Post Time 12:30 p.m.

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

Dark Matter – Ugly opener to the Sunday card; at this bottom level, the less races the better, his try last time was OK.

Friendly Half – Two of his last three races are fast enough to compete in here; value from low percentage connections.

Long Shot – Toppler

Race 2 – 1 mile (turf), Purse $61,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up

Kris Silver – Tepid chalk in an incredibly difficult race; speed to lead or sit close up, a positive over this turf course.

Asperity – Leap of faith that Rafael Bejarano will find a way to get him into the race; Neil Drysdale barn is heating up.

Long Shot – El Greco

Race 3 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $27,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds

Home of the Gold – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; Paco taking the blinkers off.

Texas Devil – Showed a lot of energy late in debut under Chantal Sutherland; she’s at Woodbine, so settle for Alex Solis.

Long Shot – Jungle Wave

Race 4 – 1 1/8th miles (turf), Purse $28,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

Wellnessfast – Leap of faith that a big trainer switch to Tim Yakteen will improve him a lot; has an OK turf resume already.

Lidgettimate Heat – He’s never won on grass, yet is the favorite in this spot; dead late closer meshed well with Joe Talamo.

Long Shot – Babu

Race 5 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $17,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds and up

Yvett’s Pride – Miserable effort in last, his race two back, if repeated, can upset these; don’t leave him off your tickets.

The Unclean Spirit – Been away 11-months, but returns in an incredibly easy spot; big class drop, tough if he’s ready.

Long Shot – Danny Templeton

Race 6 – 6 furlongs, Purse $24,000, Claiming $20,000, 4-year-olds and up

Common Trust – When Jeff Mullins gets them good, they usually stay good; he seems to know what makes this gelding tick.

Power Shift – Logical favorite off two sharp wins in his last three starts; he has a lot of back class to repeat the effort.

Long Shot – Excess Temptation

Race 7 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Good Time Sally – Kathy Walsh barn has cashed in nicely from few starters; she appears long overdue for graduation.

Rareville – Like the turn back in distance, which should make her closing punch stronger; may be her first reasonable spot.

Long Shot – Ginger Pop

Race 8 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $36,000, Claiming $32,000, 4-year-olds and up

Gallardo – Looked like a winner last time but something happened late; dropped in class and Rafael Bejarano takes over.

Scrummage – Lone speed is the most dangerous play in racing, and that’s what he was last time; Hajji’s Honor may press him.

Long Shot – Hajji’s Honor

Race 9 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), $100,000 Las Cienegas Handicap, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Wake Up Maggie – Named for heroine of the Rod Stewart song Maggie May; many group tries in Europe, facing easier today.

Super Freaky – Another who should enjoy the class relief today; tactical speed for Corey Nakatani to place her anywhere.

Long Shot – Shermeen

Race 10 – 7 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up

City Stormer – Claimer hasn’t won in a while, but that didn’t stop Jack Carava; value comes from Almedia riding.

Si Chimi – Frank Monteleone drops him down into his comfort level; like the turn back in distance, should finish well.

Long Shot -A Toast to Tanner

Best Bet – Yvett’s Pride (race 5)

Santa Anita Saturday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 22/7/$46.60; Long Shots, 11/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/1/$6.80

Santa Anita Totals – 1,210/291/$2,159.70; Long Shots, 597/75/$940.80; Best Bets, 68/24/$109.00