HORSE RACING

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

By Richard Eng

Post Time 9:15 a.m.

Race 1 - 6 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 2-year-olds

Sassou - This is a value play because of the low percentage jockey and trainer; he won in open company, albeit at Fairplex.

Richer Gear - One of many exiting nice maiden claiming wins; was hammered down to even money, at least he won like it.

Long Shot - Arnone

Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $45,000, Allowance, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Spoils of Excess - Dead late closer making his first foray down the hillside turf course; style should suit perfectly.

Beyond Loaded - Do not mind the parking lot post going down the hill; like the turn back in distance from 2-turn routes.

Long Shot - Scandalous

Race 3 - 6 furlongs, Purse $43,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

Copper Shadow - Highly touted Baffert baby was well bet, well meant in debut; can improve off a classic pop and stop debut.

Larrys Revenge - Logical chalk off a decent debut for O'Neill; was part of a very fast pace and managed to hold on well.

Long Shot - Evil Lightning

Race 4 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 8 feet), Purse $47,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Itsawonderfullife - Was ridden odd last time after strong closing efforts before that; suspect Baze will settle early.

Karlee's Kitten - Stepping up in class from a high claimer to a first condition allowance; chance to sit a trip and fire.

Long Shot - Blanche Sweet

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

First Opportunity - Beaten chalk is better than he showed in last; Nakatani has to settle for small pieces in Arcadia.

Tequila Madness - Ward is among the best FTS trainers in the country; has incredibly quick, win early, pedigree too.

Long Shot - Lucky Honey

Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs, $100,000 Morvich Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

Night Chapter - When you like winning down the hillside turf course, it sticks with you; still a very contentious affair.

Becrux - Like the turn back in distance to try and wake him up; Drysdale underachiever gets class relief from a Grade 1.

Long Shot - Clinet

Race 7 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $12,000, Claiming $10,000, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Home Alona - Speedball just missed to Miss Melissa last time; I think she's legit and should improve in the Miller barn.

Miss Melissa - Has enough back class were a repeat winning performance is plausible; hard riding Agapito is OK by me.

Long Shot - O Bee Naki

Best Bet - Spoils of Excess (race 2)

Santa Anita Friday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 19/5/$34.40; Long Shots, 9/2/$18.00; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals - 410/88/$641.60; Long Shots, 204/31/$407.80; Best Bets, 24/6/$30.20