Horse Racing: Today at Santa Anita, Jan. 24

Race 1 – 7 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $20,000, 4-year-olds and up

4 Corinthian Melody – Sliding down the maiden claiming ladder to the bottom; it doesn’t get any easier in SoCal than this.

5 Sheza Eyeopener – She’s had four straight runs at the bottom, so it’s hard to get excited; will have to inherit the lead late.

Long Shot – 3 The Mothership

Race 2 – 1 mile (turf, rail at 24 feet0, Purse $58,000, Optional claiming $80,000, 3-year-olds and up

4 Dance With Fate – First time on sod, but this is a classy colt; it’s strictly a prep, San Felipe and SA Derby coming up.

1 I’ll Wrap It Up – Was overmatched in the Sham despite a 4-horse field; this isn’t a much easier facing Dance With Fate.

Long Shot – 3 Flagman

Race 3 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

2 Brilliant Jewel – John Shirreffs had some nice horses back East; this one is still a maiden due to a DQ at Gulfstream Park.

5 Tiz Midnight – Any Bob Baffert charge has a big shot unless you count 3 legs; he takes the blinkers off on this one.

Long Shot – 3 Thisonesforricky

Race 4 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Maiden claiming $30,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds

7 Glance’s Rule – Any jockey who wins at 24 percent has to have something going for him; put her on the lead, see what happens.

2 Parade Bound – Was gaining some ground late in last; she’s never threatened to win, but there are many slowpokes in here.

Long Shot – 4 Tim’s Go Girl

Race 5 – 1 1/8th miles (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $30,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 4-year-olds and up

5 Yankee Rebel – Claimed by the maestro Jerry Hollendorfer in last; legs up the main man Rafael Bejarano for the money shot.

1 Ransom Canyon – Saul Arias for Rafael Bejarano goes to the chalk; should get good value due to that switching around.

Long Shot – 3 Tommy O

Race 6 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up

5 Peacenik – Claimed by Jeff Bonde who kept Rafael Bejarano loyal; Bill Spawr got him good to win last, possible repeater.

4 Fast N Furius Cat – Picked only due to the red flag drop in class; barns like this cannot afford to give horses away.

Long Shot – 1 Truelee Scrappin

Race 7 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $58,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

9 Diaminda – Bled at Newmarket, appears in U.S. debut with Lasix; no one riding better than Mike Smith at this meet.

5 Mesana – John Shirreffs doesn’t win often with FTS; this one did, and won going away, let’s see what her second race brings.

Long Shot -2 Kathleen Rose

Race 8 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Maiden claiming $30,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds

1 Among the Stars – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; Kathy Walsh takes the blinkers off too.

3 Ipolita – Another dropping steep from MSW to maiden claiming; Ron Ellis has been bullseye sharp with 4-of-10 wins this meet.

Long Shot – 6 Controller

Best Bet – 5 Yankee Rebel (race 5)

Santa Anita Park Thursday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/4/$28.80; Long Shots, 7/1/$6.80; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Park Totals – 310/98/$601.20; Long Shots, 154/19/$202.60; Best Bets, 19/9/$37.20

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #6 Yankee Gambler (2/1) in race 3 at Fair Grounds. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, It’s a Bad Rapit won at Oaklawn Park paying $$5.00 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.80 to show. Stats – 18/11/$84.60; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick