HORSE RACING

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

By Richard Eng

Post Time noon

Race 1 - 6 furlongs, $50,000 Cal Cup Starter Sprint Handicap, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Iza General - Mullins typically has success on Cal Cup day; three solid works off the claim should have him ready to fire.

Flip the Penny - Logical chalk has turned into a win machine over the synthetic surfaces; tactical speed to sit a trip.

Long Shot - Lead Stealer

Race 2 - 1 1/2 furlongs (turf), $50,000 Cal Cup Starter Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

Yodelen Dan - We'll try for a Mullins double to start Cal Cup day; note that all are dubious at the marathon distance.

Raise the Heat - Tepid chalk in a race that'll test horses going the Belmont Stakes distance; reclaimed by Hollendorfer.

Long Shot - My Man Murf

Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles, $125,000 Cal Cup Juvenile Fillies, Cal-breds, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Runforthemoneybaby - While most of these are exiting a MSW race, she ran third in the Oak Leaf; a similar race wins it.

Cantina's Rose - Ground saving trip could keep her in the hunt; she won last time from parking lot post 12, a solid win.

Long Shot - Love Ya Bye

Race 4 - 1 1/4 miles (turf), $100,000 Cal Cup Distance Handicap, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Imagine - Was tested for class in the Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon; she won't face any Nashoba's Key or Citronnade in here.

Rockella - Third start off a 3-month hiatus; she has good tactical speed to sit a nice trip, good claim by Hollendorfer.

Long Shot - Special Heather

Race 5 - 1 1/16th miles, $150,000 Cal Cup Matron Handicap, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Somethinaboutlaura - She won this race last year and was given a 3-month break to point for this again; won a nice prep.

Bai and Bai - Appears the most dangerous closer in the race to the speedy favorite; saves all the ground inside for Gryder.

Long Shot - Romance Is Diane

Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), $150,000 Cal Cup Distaff Handicap, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Dancing Edie - Mare took to the hillside turf course like the class act that she is; Nakatani will ride her to perfection.

Sophie's Trophy - Dead late closer will enjoy reunion with Gomez; the key for closers is to find a seam to rally late.

Long Shot - Kalookan Dancer

Race 7 - 1 1/16th miles, $125,000 Cal Cup Juvenile, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

Harlene - Dead late closer is still a maiden, but they can win stakes like this; should benefit from a solid early pace.

My Redeemer - Favored off a visually impressive win in last; didn't beat much and is sure to be way overbet, bad post too.

Long Shot - Sierra Sunset

Race 8 - 6 furlongs, $150,000 Cal Cup Sprint Handicap, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Dakota Padre - There is so much speed in here, I expect a long shot cavalry charge; will sit in arrears and make one run.

Bonfante - Ran flat in last after a strong second two back in the Kerlan; does not have much synthetic surface experience.

Long Shot - Areyoutalkintome

Race 9 - 1 mile (turf), $175,000 Cal Cup Mile Handicap, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Super Strut - Enigmatic turf horse always seems to be one stride too late; he should be a square price and will finish.

Epic Power - One of the most consistent state-bred turf runners around; enough speed for Nakatani to protect his position.

Long Shot - Now Victory

Race 10 - 1 1/8th miles, $250,000 Cal Cup Classic Handicap, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Celtic Dreamin - Beat open company in the BC Derby at Hastings; he is a nose away from being undefeated, very underrated.

Bold Chieftain - Second start off a 2-month hiatus; tactical speed to sit a perfect trip, Baze must save some ground.

Long Shot - Cheroot

Race 11 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), Purse $43,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Skimmetry - Has twice started poorly, losing all chance; adds blinkers on, switches to turf, Frankel charge will improve.

Brian the Bold - Like the turn back in distance from 2-turn routes for this; adds blinkers on, will alse be flying late.

Long Shot - Warren's Scooter

Best Bet - Imagine (race 4)

Santa Anita Friday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/3/$21.40; Long Shots, 8/1/$14.80; Best Bet, 1/1/$6.00

Santa Anita Totals - 488/110/$782.60; Long Shots, 242/33/$435.00; Best Bets, 29/9/$43.60