Tag: Santa Anita

Santa Anita Park Friday Picks — January 17, 2025 | Best Bets & Handicapping

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A group of horses racing on a grassy track with spectators in the background.

Too many 2nds and thirds Thursday at Santa Anita. That won’t pay the coal bill. Let’s start the weekend off right. Skip.

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.MC 50000

#7 Ready to Dare (9/2) – This filly got a nice rail trip in her last turf race cutting back in distance and galloped out well. That was for a low % trainer and she has since upgraded to the Puype barn. Now returning to the surface she’s bred for after a dirt race, the Conductor expects to see a big step forward today.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 20000n3L

#1 Isabel Ludlow (4/1) – This filly always runs her race sprinting on the dirt. She had trouble in her last at the start and still finished with interest. Now moving into the Glatt barn, the Conductor expects her to improve. 7/2 or better is fair.

Race 8: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 30000n3L

#7 Man Child ( 15/1) – The Conductor likes two prices today in the finale. This gelding was favored on turf vs similar at Santa Anita back in June and had a poor trip that day. Since then, he has moved into a stronger barn and won his comeback race on dirt. Now he switches back to the turf and the Conductor likes this spot for him. Man Child is 0/2 on the turf, but he’s bred to improve on the lawn. With Hernandez hopping aboard, this longshot is live.

#8 Andy Can U Hear Me (8/1) – This gelding returns off a layoff, but that doesn’t concern the Conductor coming from the Mullins barn. His horses are firing at Santa Anita and his turf numbers fit with this group. With a top turf rider in Berrios aboard, the Conductor must include him.

Santa Anita Park Saturday Picks — January 4, 2025 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

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Exciting horse race with jockeys in colorful silks competing on a green racetrack, capturing the thrill of equestrian sports.

Another goose egg at Santa Anita Friday. Time to stop messing around and rip some gullets out. The Conductor loves the card today. Skip.

Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Alw 50000s

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Ketonia (8/1) – This is an evenly matched group and the Conductor loves this filly in this spot. Ketonia is coming in off multiple poor trips and looks to get a perfect one today. She’ll have plenty of pace to run at and she gets a major turf rider upgrade to Berrios. Hector will save ground from this post and look to find a seem as they turn for home. The Conductor sees Ketonia mowing them all down in the stretch.

santa anita picks today

Race 5: 7 Furlongs. G2 San Vicente Stakes

#5 Bullard (4/5) – The 3.2 Million dollar Baffert runner, #2 Barnes, will vie for favoritism in this race. His debut was impressive, but he’ll have to take a massive step forward in this race to beat Bullard. Bullard looks to get an ideal outside stalking trip and the Conductor thinks he’ll deny Bobby B another graded stakes win.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) S.OC 20000n1x

#4 Refocus (6/1) – This colt is a deep closer and always finishes with a big late stretch kick. He usually settles for minor awards, but this looks like the perfect pace scenario for him to get his picture taken. There will a scorching pace in this race, with a full field of speed balls. It looks like a classic meltdown race to the Conductor, and he’ll take a swing with the best closer. It’s going to be a fun Saturday on the lawn.

Santa Anita Park Friday Picks — January 3, 2025 | Best Bets & Handicapping

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A racehorse with a jockey in colorful attire racing at Santa Anita Park, showcasing the excitement of horse racing.

0/2 Wednesday at Santa Anita, as both longshots came up short. Not the start to the new year the Conductor wanted, but it is just the beginning. Aim small, miss small, but really never miss at all. Skip.

Race 1: 5½ Furlongs. MC 32000

#1 Toppers At Seaside (4/1) – This colt vied for the lead setting a quick pace last time at Los Alamitos. The inside was not where you wanted to be on that track and he did well to only be beaten a length. Now he drops in class, cuts back in distance, and looks to get an ideal outside stalking trip. The Conductor thinks he’s the one to beat in the opener and he looks to be a square price.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) MC 50000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Lookin for Curly (10/1) – This colt will be an overlay running for a small barn that is only 5% on the year. However, he ran a solid closing 3rd at this level and distance on the dirt last time. His breeding suggests he’ll improve trying the turf for the first time. If he does, he’s a major contender. The Conductor like that the small barn get a capable rider in Geovanni Franco as well. Let’s make a score in the finale.

Santa Anita Picks Today

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Santa Anita Park New Year’s Day Picks — January 1, 2025 | Best Bets & Turf Card Analysis

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Three racehorses galloping on a dirt track with jockeys during a horse racing event, showcasing speed and competition.

Well, well, well, happy new year passengers. I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Turf racing is back in California, so the Conductor has no choice but to get back in the saddle. Cheers to the best horse playing year of our lives in 2025. Skip.

Race 5: 1 Mile. (Turf) Alw 50000s

#2 Promissio (6/1) – This colt is dropping in class after a few bad trips in a row. In his last race, he was uncovered on the backstretch and chased a quick pace 4-wide and uncovered on the 2nd turn. In the race before that, he was stuck on the rail with nowhere to run in the stretch. Now Promissio gets a rider upgrade with a nice inside draw. If he doesn’t get a fair trip today, he never will.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.S.OC 20000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Bessie Coleman (12/1) – The Conductor was really impressed with this filly’s maiden win last time. She was checked hard after the break, then rushed up to attend the pace and still won nicely. You don’t see many fillies win turf sprints with that type of trip. She has talent and the Conductor sees her taking another step forward here. A mediocre Cal bred field is ripe for an upset.

Santa Anita Picks

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Santa Anita Park Monday Picks — Columbus Day, October 14, 2024 | Bonus Racing Best Bets

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A thoroughbred racehorse galloping ahead in a horse race, showcasing speed and agility, with jockeys in colorful silks riding alongside.

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue and now we have bonus racing on a Monday. No days off at this train station. Skip.

Race 5: 1 Mile. (Turf) OClm 50000

#8 Belmont Bill (15/1) – This horse loves to settle for the minor awards, but the Conductor thinks he will hit the board at a big price. Stretching out to a mile after a sprint last time, he’s the lone speed in the race. In his last race going this distance at Santa Anita, he set a quick pace and hung on for 2nd at 7/1. While the favorites may run him down late, Belmont Bill can still inject value into the exacta and trifecta here.

Race 7: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Swingtime Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Royal Charter (6/1) – This filly ran admirably last time stretching out in distance vs a very salty stakes field. She set a quick pace that day and didn’t throw in the towel. Now she cuts back to her best distance and faces a much less accomplished group. She’s versatile and looks to get a favorable ground saving trip as well. Royal Charter is the Conductor’s best bet of the day if she is anywhere near this morning line.

Santa Anita Picks today

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) S.OC 20000n1x

#5 Brazenly (10/1) – This gelding is in great form on the dirt. He won by open lengths at this level two starts back at Del Mar. While he is 0/3 on the turf, his breeding says that he should be able to mow just fine. At double digit odds vs a average group, the Conductor thinks he is worth a bet.

Santa Anita Park Sunday Picks — September 29, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

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A thrilling horse race featuring multiple jockeys in colorful silks racing on a grassy track at Santa Anita.

Not the Saturday the Conductor envisioned. However, that just means we’ll crush today. Nothing sweeter than Sunday coal. Skip.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 25000

#9 Jetovator (15/1) – This gelding had no chance last time vs tougher. He was well back behind a slow pace in a sprint controlled by the front-runners. He drops to his lowest career level today and returns to the Santa Anita turf course where all 6 of his victories have taken place. Double digit odds on Jetovator makes the Conductor smile.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) S.OC 20000n1x

#11 Rhino (8/1) – This gelding has run numbers competitive with this group going one mile on the turf. Now 2nd off the claim, he switches back to his preferred turf surface and tries sprinting for the first time. The Conductor likes that trainer Rafael DeLeon gave him a dirt sprint prior to get some early speed into him. The post and rider are a concern, but the Conductor thinks Rhino will be an overlay.

Race 10: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.OC 80000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #8 Watchtower (6/1) – This filly ran very well last time in her first start in California. She was 3-wide while covered on the turn and finished strong for 2nd behind a gate to wire winner. Now 2nd off the bench, she looks primed to run a career best race vs an average group.

Santa Anita Picks Today

Aqueduct & Santa Anita Saturday Picks — Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Day (September 28, 2024)

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Two thoroughbred racehorses being led to the starting line at Santa Anita Park with spectators in the background.

The sun is shining in Southern California and the Conductor is salivating at this opening weekend card. He’s had enough of Aqueduct. Time to leave the east coast in his rear view. Skip.

Aqueduct

Race 6: 1½ Mile. (Turf) G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes

#4 War Like Goddess (8/5) – This mare continues to get screwed by pace-less NYRA turf races. She looks to get a fair setup today and always comes with her big run late. The Conductor sees a repeat of last year’s Joe Hirsch Turf Classic.

Race 11: 1 1/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) G2 Pilgrim Stakes

#2 Flying Mohawk (6/1) – This colt took a nice step forward last time with a poor trip at Kentucky Downs. He looks to be the controlling speed in this race and that makes him very dangerous. He’ll be the one to catch as they turn for home.

#3 Without Caution (8/1) – This colt won nicely on debut and was then well bet in a stakes race last time. He lost all chance that day after being slammed at the start. He’s another horse that looks to get an ideal trip today up close to a slow pace. The Conductor sees him running a career best effort.

Santa Anita

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.OC 50000n1x

#2 Ragtime Rose (10/1) – This filly closed well against the flow off the bench last time. Now 2nd off the layoff and getting an extra furlong, the Conductor thinks this is her race to win. It’s always a bonus to have Berrios in the saddle.

Race 5: *6½ Furlongs. (Hillside Turf) F.Unzip Me Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #10 Golden Canary (8/1) – This filly exits a dominant win at Woodbine and ships in for the red hot Mark Casse barn. The Conductor loves the invaders taking on the weak California turf horses. The Conductor thinks she’s the most likely winner at a juicy number.

Santa Anita Picks Today

Race 10: 1 Mile. (Turf) G2 City of Hope Mile Stakes

#6 Trikari (8/1) – The Conductor doubts we’ll get 8/1 on the classiest horse in the field, but 4/1 or better is fair. This colt continues to progress and has beaten much better horses than the heavy favorite #3 Johannes (4/5). Trikari should get an ideal trip stalking Johannes and be ready to pounce as they enter the stretch.

2023 Breeders’ Cup Picks & Key Horses — Full Card Best Bets at Santa Anita (November 3-4, 2023)

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Breeders' Cup

Nothing like being ice cold heading into the Breeders’ Cup. However, it only takes one horse in these pools to make up for it and then some. All hands on deck, grab a shovel. Skip.

Friday

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G1 BC Cup Juvenile Fillies

#1 Candied (4/1) – The Conductor likes this filly quite a bit to start his Friday. She had a poor trip last time, wide around both turns. She still showed a thunderous turn of foot when Saez asked her, and she proved she can handle two turns with no problem. Candied will be a better price than the favorite, #7 Tamara (4/5), who will be trying two turns for the first time. No brainer.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

#6 Locked (7/2) – Much like Candied in the Juvenile fillies, Locked overcame a wide trip around both turns on an inside speed favoring Keeneland dirt course last time. With two Bafferts and the Cox horse in here, you’ll get an overlay on the most likely winner.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 My Boy Prince (8/1) – The Aiden O’brian European shippers will be tough to beat. However, there is one North American price the Conductor likes. This colt is the only one horse in this field that wants to be on the lead. He’s improving with each start and proven over multiple distances and surfaces. He will be unpressured on the lead, and can step forward on a frim turf course for the first time. He’s very dangerous.

Breeders' Cup

Saturday

Race 2: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) G2 Twilight Derby

#6 Webslinger (3/1) – This gelding lays over this field. He’s improved with every start this year and Castellano is the only reason he hasn’t won 4 in a row. Even with a poor trip like he’s had in his last few starts, the Conductor sees him beating this group.

Race 4: 1 1/4 Mile. (Hillside Turf)F.G1 BC Filly & Mare Turf

#8 Fev Rover (8/1) – The Conductor is running it back with the team of Casse/Castellano for his 2nd play Saturday (not something he’d ever thought he’d say). The short-priced European favorites are formidable, but the Conductor was really impressed with this mare’s last win. She had a poor turf trip and still won for fun. She does her best running over firm ground and she looks to get a perfect trip here, sitting just behind #1 In Italian (4/1). Fev Rover will be a square price and will get the jump on the closers.

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile

#1 Shirl’s Speight (30/1) – This horse ran a solid 2nd in this last year in this race at 55/1, and the Conductor thinks he can light up the tote again. Atfield prepped him in the Woobine Mile just like last year and he looks to be sitting on a peak effort. He’ll get a nice ground saving trip and if Johnny V can find a seem at the top of the stretch, there is no reason history can’t repeat itself. Bombs away.

Race 9: 1‚ Mile. G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic

#3 White Abarrio (4/1) – The Conductor was all over this colt in the Whitney, and he didn’t disappoint. That was the best dirt race a horse has under their belt this year. Mr. Ductor doesn’t see any reason why he won’t repeat that effort for Dutrow. 4/1 would be a dream.

Race 10: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) G1 BC Turf Sprint

#11 Jasper Krone (12/1) – This Japanese shipper is an absolute speed demon and has been running monster races going 6 furlongs. Shortening to 5 furlongs will help his chances here and he’ll be an overlay compared to his talent. Beware of the Japanese horses all weekend, they are serious contenders.

Race 11: 6 Furlongs. G1 BC Sprint

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Speed Boat Beach (3/1) – Baffert prepped this colt off a year layoff last time and he ran exactly as he would have liked. He was under a snug hold and traveled nicely while wide vs the track bias. He’s the lone speed in this race and the others won’t catch him in the stretch. Gate to wire.

Breeders' Cup

Santa Anita Park: Key Horses for Friday, March 5

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Horses exiting the starting gate at Santa Anita racetrack during a horse race.

0/3 yesterday has the Conductor scrounging the cupboards for the last tuna fish can. With Big Cap Day tomorrow, we’ll head out to Santa Anita for the weekend. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: Furlongs. F.Clm 16000n2L

#1 Bella Renella (4/1) – Her work tab suggests she’ll be fit off the bench and her races last summer fit right in with this group. She’ll be a nice price in a small field and is dropping to her lowest career level.

Race 3: 1 Mile. Mdn 61k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Law Professor (6/1) – Stretching out at Santa Anita for the 1st time, this colt is working well and adds blinkers. McCarthy is 20% with a +$2.64 ROI this year with 1st time routers and Rosario takes the mount for a barn he rarely rides for. There are many reasons for this boy to jump forward.

strangle frankensteins monster GIF

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. F.S.OC 20000n1x

*Scratched #1 Lovely Finish (12/1) – Exiting an easy maiden breaking win at Los Al off the bench, this mare has run figures competitive with this group at Santa Anita. Her price will likely be a big overlay with low % connections, but she can absolutely beat this group.

Santa Anita Park: Key Horses for Sunday, February 14

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Two horses with riders training on a racetrack surrounded by mountains and trees, showcasing equestrian activity in a natural setting.

3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 7th yesterday for the Conductor at the Fair Grounds. Very frustrating. Back out to Santa Anita for a rebound Sunday. Let’s Ride.

3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 7th yesterday for the Conductor at the Fair Grounds. Very frustrating. Back out west for a rebound Sunday. Let’s Ride.

Race 6: 5½ Furlongs. F.MC 20000

#3 Sugar Moon (30/1) – Call the Conductor looney tunes, but this bomb intrigues him. 1st off the claim for Val Brinkerhoff, this filly moves into a barn that can win for the first time in her career. Adding blinkers and Lasix 2nd off the layoff, she has early speed which makes her dangerous in a wide-open race. The Conductor is strongly against the favorite in here #8 Wicks and Chappies (6/5) after failing to get it done with a perfect trip at Santa Anita last time.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. (Turf) F.G3 Sweet Life Stakes

#9 Majestic Steps (7/2) – She was very impressive breaking her maiden last time while being rank. Making her 2nd start in North America today, she should step forward.

Race 9: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) S.Mdn 61k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Big Frank Da Tank (15/1) – He ran a decent 3rd last time at Santa Anita and looks like one that will improve with added distance. It is interesting that Prat rode him last time for such a small barn and he’s working well entering today. C’mon Tank! Skip!

Image result for frank the tank gif