HORSE RACING

TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 1 1/8th miles, Purse $18,000, Claiming $12,500, 4-year-olds and up

Mananan McLir - Mitchell charge showed some guts last time to rally late; has plenty of back class to repeat that effort.

Plan for Fun - Claimed by Mullins, still one of the strongest bet angles in SoCal; like that Bejarano remains loyal.

Long Shot - Modernoso

Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $28,000, Claiming $25,000, 4-year-olds

Brave Sun - It seems like Gomez and Bejarano win half the races at Santa Anita; Hollendorfer runs them where they can win.

Tox Dee Bee - Claimed by Sandy Shulman and spotted properly to compete; like that Bejarano stays on, good tactical speed.

Long Shot - Daytona

Race 3 - 7 furlongs, Purse $22,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Famous Ruby - Ran a much better than looked debut; parking lot post is a benefit over Cushion track and elongated sprint.

Improvising Gal - Was well bet in debut and then did everything but win; Talamo is losing more business than he's gaining.

Long Shot - Backstroke

Race 4 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $47,000, Claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds

Wild and Ready - Gomez had his choice of mounts and rides here for Peter Miller; only starter to have won on grass already.

Bazzoom - May have been overmatched in last versus tougher allowance foes; Bejarano is a good replacement for Gomez.

Long Shot - Lucky Honey

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $48,000, Maiden special weights, 4-year-olds and up

Cat Brulay - Looked like a sure winner at Bay Meadows before something happened late; Vienna babies improve second time out.

Camel Point - Was grinding late in debut, but just couldn't get there; has a puncher's chance in a very difficult heat.

Long Shot - Classic Attire

Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $52,000, Optional claiming $32,000, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Sunday Dress - Will be overlaid because Gomez jumps off to ride the favorite for Sadler; another Mitchell claim turnaround?

Tutta Bella - Logical chalk as she is making her second start off a 20-month hiatus; figures to be overbet with Gomez up.

Long Shot - Britney Heat

Race 7 - 1 1/8th miles, Purse $57,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up

Mostacolli Mort - Tries the synthetic surface for the second time; should be dead fit exiting tougher turf route races.

Bullsbay - Sharp MSW win, now taking the biggest class rise to face winners for the first time; another Gomez favorite.

Long Shot - Midnighter

Race 8 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $22,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, 4-year-olds and up

Excessive Dreamer - Beaten favorite gets the ultimate rider switch to Gomez for the money shot; his race 2-back beats these.

Star Nicholas - Been away 11-months, but is taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming.

Long Shot - Yvett's Pride

Best Bet - Mananan McLir (race 1)

Santa Anita Thursday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/7/$47.40; Long Shots, 7/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/1/$4.20

Santa Anita Totals - 834/193/$1,407.80; Long Shots, 412/57/$707.70; Best Bets, 46/15/$63.80