Esophagus Slice Saturday: The Conductor’s Plays at Santa Anita

Thoroughbred horses racing on a grassy track with jockeys in colorful silks, showcasing speed and competition during a horse race.

5/2, 6/1, and 3/2 winners yesterday made it a positive one for the Conductor.  The lock of the day would have made it a great one, but that’s the game we play. A 10-race card at Santa Anita on this fine Saturday gives us another opportunity at glory.  Let’s Ride.

 

Race 1: 1 Mile (Turf) Clm 35000n3L

#7 Iron Alex (5/1) – The Conductor loves his steady improvement and recent form.  If his upward trend continues, he’ll win this race.

Race 2: 1 Mile. F.MC 50000

#2 Super Klaus (5/1) – Her speed figure came back faster than you would think in her debut on turf last start.  This race is wide open, and she will step forward against weaker competition today.

Race 3: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) MC 50000

#3 Aussie Fox (8/5) – His figures stand above this field.  If he doesn’t graduate today, he never will.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. Clm 25000n2L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Duke of Fallbrook (15/1) – The Conductor will take a swing in this spot. This gelding is plunging in class to a level where his figures make him competitive and he’s switching over to his preferred surface and distance. The Conductor will key him in the trifecta.

Santa Anita

Race 5: 6 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) Mdn 55k

#5 My Mandate (5/1) – This ridgling has real early speed, which is always dangerous down the hill.  The Conductor also liked that he held on for 3rd after dueling last start.

Race 6: 6 ½ Furlongs. Alw 57000n1x

#5 Best Two Minutes (4/1) – He ran a good 2nd last start and looks as if he’s primed to run his best today.  His top form is better than this group.

Race 7: 1 1/8 Mile (Turf) G2 San Gabriel Stakes

#6 Flamboyant (5/1) – He won this race two years ago and is rounding into form.  He also has the highest figures at this distance in the field.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. Alw 57000n1x

#7 Popular Kid (7/2) – This gelding is in career form and the Conductor loves his workouts entering today.  His best will be tough to beat.

Race 9: 1 Mile. G3 Sham Stakes

*Never a Doubt Mortgage Your Home Lock of the Day #5 Coliseum (1/1) – This field can’t beat this Baffert colt.

Santa Anita

Race 10: 1 Mile. MC 20000

#3 Better Ring Home (4/1) – He ran a good 2nd at this level at Santa Anita last start and has past figures that can beat this group with ease.

Force Feed Friday: The Conductor’s Plays at Santa Anita Park

Two women wearing fashionable hats and dresses, smiling and clapping at a social event.

We had one nice 5/1 winner yesterday, but the lock came in 2nd and we couldn’t get any other prices home.  Not a great day, but now the Conductor can take the train back to home base.  The Conductor is going to eat Santa Anita for lunch and then go on another bender this weekend. Let’s ride.

Post Time 3:30pm ET Race 1: 6 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 40000n2L

#3 Taki’s Choice (6/1) – He finally get the class relief he needed. Drop and Pop!

Race 2: 1 Mile. F.Clm 80000

#1 Smart Rachel (5/2) – The Conductor loves her steady progression and she couldn’t have won easier in her last start.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. MC 50000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Shanghai Billy (8/1) – He has good early speed and drops to the claiming ranks for the first time.  That’s always a dangerous recipe.

Santa Anita

Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Alw 50000n1x

#6 Drift Away (6/1) – This group has been running similar figures, but she’s been running them against the best competition.

Race 5: 6 ½ Furlongs. Clm 25000

#3 Denman’s Call (3/1) – He’s rounding into form and is a former Grade 1 winner.  This one might be a little awkward for Frank Mirahmadi to call.

Race 6: 1 Mile. Mdn 55k

*Friday Night Bottle Service Lock of the Day #6 Omaha Beach (9/5) – He’s just missed by a neck and a nose in his last two starts. The Conductor sees him graduating today.

Santa Anita

Race 7: 6 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.OC 625000n2x

#6 Travieza (7/2) – Dropping out of Grade 3 company, her win two starts back down the hill beats this field.  She’ll finish 2nd at worst today.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. S.Alw 57000n2x

#5 Minoso (5/1) – This boy looks like he’s turned a corner at Santa Anita in his last two starts, running two strong races.  He’s in career form while many of the rest are coming off layoffs.

Race 9: 6 ½ Furlongs (Turf) S.Mdn 55k

#2 Vezuchiy (4/1) – The Conductor likes his workout pattern and this field is ripe for a 1st time starter.  Rosario is also getting the hang of So Cal very quickly.

Trachea Kick Tuesday: The Conductor’s Plays at Santa Anita

Colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky over Sydney Harbour with boats in the foreground.

10 race card at Santa Anita and college football all day?  Happy New year passengers, Let’s Ride.

 

Race 1: 1 Mile (Turf) Alw 50000n1x

#5 Jimmy Chila (4/1) – The Conductor like the guts he showed last race, fighting all the way to the wire.  That ace also came back very fast on the Conductor’s numbers.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 25000n2L

*Never a Doubt New Years Lock of the Day #1 Kindred (5/2) – She’s dropping in class and has a major pace advantage over this group.

Santa Anita

Race 3: 1 Mile. F.Clm 16000n3L

#2 Lea’s Reward (5/1) – She’s run above par figures for this level and will get the early lead today, where she does her best running.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. S.Mdn 55k

#2 Dubnation (5/2) – The rider lost the whip and this gelding still ran a good 2nd in his debut.  He will be tough to beat now with experience.

Race 5: 1 Mile (Turf) MC 40000

#7 Hard to Come Home (12/1) – Going two sprints to a route this is what he is bred to do.  He will get a good trip on or near a slow pace and he conductor will key him in the exotics.

Race 6: 1 Mile. Clm 40000

#6 Avanti Bello (7/2) – This old boy has the past figures to beat this field and he should get his best trip on the lead today.

Race 7: 6 ½ Furlongs. OC 62500n3x

#4 Microrithms (4/1) – He’s yet to run a bad race in his young career and continues to improve.  He also has very strong early pace numbers.

Race 8: 6 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) 100k Joe Hernandez Stakes

#8 Caribou Club (4/1) – They are going to fly in front of her in this one and he should get a perfect trip sitting in the back of the field.  The Conductor will key her in the exacta.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 8000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Hero to Hire (6/1) – She was hung very wide at Santa Anita last start and she looks to get a much better trip today.  She will sit just behind the early leaders then pounce down the stretch.

Santa Anita

Race 10: 6 ½ Furlongs. (Turf) S.OC 50000n2x

#8 Takeo Squared (5/1) – The Conductor likes the cutback angle down the hill and he is steadily progressing.

New Years Eve Knockouts at Santa Anita Park

Several racehorses competing on the track at Santa Anita Park with jockeys in colorful silks.

The Conductor’s prayers were not answered yesterday, as we only had a couple of 2nds and 3rds.  Looks like the stews played a factor.  However, Santa Anita is running today and tomorrow due to the New Year and that makes the Conductor very happy.  His New Year’s resolution is to pick more winners and get all of you passengers fat and rich. What a generous man, Let’s Ride.

Santa Anita

Race 1: 1 Mile (Turf) Clm 25000

#10 Offshore (3/1) – He’s in good form and is a very consistent runner.  If he runs the same as he has in his two prior efforts vs tougher, he’ll win today.

Race 2: 7 Furlongs. F.MC 16000

#5 Heloise (4/1) – She’s steadily progressing and ran a solid 2nd at this level last time with a troubled trip. With another step forward, she’ll have every chance at a nice number.

Race 3: 1 Mile (Turf) S.Alw 67000n1x

#3 Brandothebartender (7/2) – He’s run two big efforts in his last two races including a win on this turf course two starts back.  His A race beats this field.

Race 4: 1 Mile. Mdn 55k

#4 Route Six Six (3/1) – This colt has been off since March, but trainer Brian Koriner brings them back ready to run.  He’s working well and has the fastest race in this field.

Race 5: 6 ½ Furlongs. Alw 57000n1x

*Never a Doubt New Years Kiss Lock of the Day #9 North County Guy (7/2) – His last victory down the hill at Santa Anita in October beats this field 100 out of 100 times.

Santa Anita

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. F.Alw 50000n2L

#5 Tiz a Master (6/1) – This filly blew away the competition last start with ease.  She’s stepping up in class today, but a step forward is likely and will give her a major chance.

Race 7: 1 1/8 Mile (Turf) F.Alw 57000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Screenshot (8/1) – She will take on winners for the 1st time today, but she was very impressive in her 1st time routing last start, winning with ease.  There are no standouts in this field and she should run even better with more experience.  The Conductor hopes her price stays high.

Santa Anita

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. S.MC 50000

#2 Loud Mouth (3/1) – This colt ran competitively in his debut against tougher.  He’ll step forward naturally and that will make him tough to beat.

Sabbath Sunday: The Conductor’s Prayers at Santa Anita Park

A black horse interacts with a priest during a ceremonial event, showcasing a unique blend of animals and religious practices.

The lock of the day hit early yesterday, and the Conductor handed out the ice cold late double that paid 18/1.  Time to double down at Santa Anita, Let’s Ride.

Santa Anita

Race 1: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 50000

#5 Flip the Coin Jan (4/1) – He has two wins down the hill and the cutback works all the time on this turf course.

Race 2: 6 ½ Furlongs. F.Clm 20000

#2 Queen Carmelita (10/1) – She has strong early pace figures and is in good form.  That’s a great recipe in these claiming races.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 25000

#7 Sturdy One (7/2) – Making her third start off a layoff, she’s drawn well to the outside and loves Santa Anita.  Last time she was at this level she dominated.

Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.75K Blue Norther Stakes

*Never a Doubt Sunday NFL Losing Bets Bailout Lock of the Day #1 Lady Prancelot (5/2) – She gets back to a firm turf course today and is working well.  She’ll get a perfect setup with lots of speed signed on in here.

Race 5: 1 Mile. Clm 16000n3L

#5 Elwood J (9/2) – He’s been facing much tougher and the Conductor always bets on this horse, so he will do so again.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. F.Mdn 55k

#4 Free Belief (5/1) – When Prat teams up with Hollandorfer, you must take notice.  This filly’s sire wins 16% with debut runners.

Race 7: 6 ½ Furlongs. MC 16000

#Artie B Good (4/1) – The Conductor was very impressed by this boy’s last race.  Nothing creative.

Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.OC 62500n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Pulpit Rider (6/1) – She showed a thunderous late kick last start and is steadily progressing.  She’s 3/5 at this distance.

Santa Anita

Race 9: 6½ Furlongs. F.Alw 57000n1x

#3 Uppercut (5/1) – She’s been sidelined since May, but she’s run well against graded stakes company. Additionally, she ran a big figure in her debut.  She has talent and is also working well at Santa Anita.

Race 10: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mdn 55k

#9 Unicorn (6/1) – Prat doesn’t hop aboard 1st time starters that can’t run.  Plus she has mythical powers.

*Disclaimer: The Conductor had too many stews last night and these picks may not be held against him in the court of law.

Esophagus Slice Saturday: The Conductor’s Plays at Santa Anita

Large crowd of spectators gathered at a horse racing event in a grandstand setting.

When your 4/1 lock of the day loses in a photo, you know its going to be a brutal day at the track. Whatever, the train rolls onward. Let’s have ourselves a Saturday at Santa Anita, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 54k

#9 Maxim Rate (12/1) – She was 235k at auction and is working like a good thing.  The Conductor isn’t sold on the runners with experience in here and will key this 1st time starter in the exacta and trifecta.

Race 2: 6½ Furlongs. Clm 12500n2L

*Never a Doubt Free Weekend Lock of the Day #3 Facts Matter (2/1) – Taking a huge drop in class with good early speed and cutting back to a sprint, the Conductor can’t see her losing.

Santa Anita

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. F.S. MC 50000

#12 Comegowithme (8/1) – She’s dropping to the claiming race for the first time and her debut effort two starts back was the fastest race in this field on the Conductor’s numbers.

Race 4: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) F. G3 Robert J. Frankel Stakes

#2 Escape Clause (7/2) – She loves to win and runs her race no matter what the surface, distance, or competition.  She’s the type of racehorse the Conductor loves.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. Clm 8000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Monterey Shale (6/1) – He has good early speed, is cutting back to a sprint and is working well.  The Conductor loves him at a nice number.

Santa Anita

Race 6: 6 ½ Furlongs. Clm 25000

#9 Treasure Hunter (4/1) – He’s dropping in class and looks to be rounding into form after his last quality start.  He is the class of the field.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. MC 30000

#5 Bachchan (10/1) – This field looks ripe for a 1st time starter and this colt is working like a rocket for top connections at Santa Anita. His sire also wins at a 19% clip with debut runners.

Race 8: 1 1/4 Mile. (Turf) F. G1 American Oaks

#5 Princess Warrior (6/1) – An impressive winner at the G2 level last start, she’s steadily improving and hasn’t run a bad race on the grass.  She’s drawn well and will be very dangerous.

Santa Anita

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. Alw 50000s

#7 Macwinnon (4/1) – His maiden breaker at Santa Anita last start destroys this field.

Race 10: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.MC 50000

#11 Madaket Sunset (5/1) – She’s progressed in each start and is dropping to the claiming ranks for the first time.  We also have top connections in our corner.

Force-Feed Friday: The Conductor’s Plays at Santa Anita Park

A bustling restaurant interior featuring a bar area, patrons enjoying drinks, and multiple screens displaying events.

Let’s build some momentum today at Santa Anita and have the train flying heading into the weekend. Let’s Ride.

PT 3:30pm ET Race 1: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 55k

#7 Seven Oxygen (10/1) – He’s shown a strong late kick in his two turf starts and is steadily improving.  The Desormeaux brothers bring their horses along slowly and they always step forward with experience.

Race 2: 1 Mile. MC 50000

#2 Frozen Money (6/5) – What a terrible betting race with only 5 horses.  He looks like the one to beat.

Race 3: 5 ½ Furlongs. Clm 12500

#4 Quad (7/2) – His win last start makes him competitive against this group and his pattern suggests he can take another step forward.  He’ll be a decent price in a small field.

Race 4: 6½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mdn 55k

#5 Rather Nosy (6/1) – His debut down the hill two starts back was around par for this level.  He is the only runner in this field with experience over this turf course, which is a major advantage.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 12500n2L

*Never a Doubt Friday Night Bottle Service Lock of the Day #3 Peachy (7/2) – She’s dropping in class, cutting back in distance and adding blinkers.  All signs point to this filly running a big one.

Santa Anita

Race 6: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) OC 62500n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Whoop Whoop (10/1) – This field is very competitive, and the Conductor is looking for a price.  This gelding has rounded into form and the Conductor liked his finish after pressing a fast pace last start.  He can light up the tote board at a juicy number.

Santa Anita

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. Clm 16000n3L

#4 Zap Again (6/1) – He’s been off since May, but trainer Charles Treece has them ready off the bench and he’s been gelded since.  A natural progression with age will make him tough to beat.

Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) Eddie Logan Stakes

#8 Sparky Ville (9/2) – This gelding is steadily improving and has been running quality races vs much tougher on dirt in his young career.  He’s bred to be better on turf and the Conductor is betting that he will be.

Race 9: 1 Mile. Clm 8000

#7 Dukes Up (4/1) – Dropping in class and returning to Santa Anita where he is 4/7 lifetime, this gelding looks poised to run his best today.

Throat Shot Thursday: The Conductor’s Plays at Gulfstream Park

A racehorse with a jockey in bright colors galloping ahead during a horse race, showcasing speed and competition on the racetrack.

The Conductor had Gift Box at 6/1 yesterday, but other than that he didn’t have many great opinions.  What a day of racing though, highlighted by Mckinzie’s dominant performance in the G1 Malibu Stakes.  Obviously he couldn’t run like that when the Conductor backed him in the Breeders Cup Classic. Whatever, he train is headed down to Gulfstream today, then we’ll head back to Santa Anita for the weekend.  Let’s Ride.

 

Race 1: 1 Mile. F.OClm 12500

#5 Amaluna (4/1) – This Ol’ mare is a hard knocker and ran her best race in a long time last start.  The Conductor sees her running a repeat effort and that will give her every chance against this field.

Race 2: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) Clm 16000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #11 The Zip Zip Man (12/1) – He won easily at Suffolk last start and that race was very fast on the Conductor’s numbers.  He’s working well and has run strong numbers at this distance.

drew brees basketball GIF

Race 3: 7 Furlongs. F.OClm 50000

#5 Farfalla (5/2) – She blew away the field at Woodbine last start and with a natural step forward today she’ll be tough to beat.

Race 4: 5½ Furlongs. F.Clm 6250n2L

#6 Enigmatica (4/1) – This filly loves to run 2nd, but she’s in the best form of the group.  The Conductor will key her in the exacta.

Race 5: 7½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.MC 50000

#12 War Rose (6/1) – She draws a tough post, but has been posting bullet works and Johnny V hops aboard for a trainer Brandon Walshe, whom he never rides for.  That always catches the Conductor’s eye.

Race 6: 7 Furlongs. Clm 12500

#2 Nomad (8/1) – He ran a strong number in his victory on turf last start and has been gelded since.  Trainer Chad Summers is 20% with a +$0.26 ROI switching runners from turf to dirt this year.

Race 7: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) OClm 25000

#1 Captain Gaughen (10/1) – This veteran gelding runs his race no matter what level of competition and is money at 5 furlongs.  We get top connections in our corner as well.

Race 8: 7 Furlongs. F.Alw 47000n1x

*Never a Doubt Winter Vacation Lock of the Day #1 Pink Sands (9/2) – Closing into a slow pace to finish a solid 2nd vs tougher at Gulfstream last time, she looks primed to run her best today.  The Conductor would do terrible things for her price to stay up at 9/2.

Gulfstream Park

Race 9: 7½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.OC 62500n2x

#10 Volatility Index (9/2) – This Chad Brown filly returns to the track after a year layoff.  If she’s the same horse she’ll beat this field, let alone if she’s better.

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. F.Mdn 60k

#4 Makealitlemischief (6/1) – Heavily bet in her debut at Gulfstream, she didn’t bring her best and has been off since.  She’s bred to be a good thing and the Pletcher barn is heating up.

Saturday’s Esophagus Stuffers at Santa Anita

Horse racing at Santa Anita Park with mountains in the background and palm trees lining the track, showcasing a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.

The sunshine didn’t bring us winners yesterday as the Conductor only connected with one short priced horse.  Sad.  With the disgusting weather on the east coast, the Conductor will keep the train out west at Santa Anita for the weekend.  All you degenerates stuck in the sleet will have to bunker down and play the ponies.  What a terrible thing. Let’s Ride.

Race 6: 7 Furlongs. Alw 50000s

#1 El Asesino (5/1) – He’s stepping up in class, but his last race was ultra-impressive.  He’s been gelded since then, gets a weight break today and trainer Vann Belvoir is red hot.

Race 7: 7 Furlongs. F.OC 40000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Kindred (15/1) – In her first try at this level she dueled in a scorching pace and faded late.  There aren’t any world beaters in here and she’s fast enough to get an early lead.  The Conductor has seen much worse 15/1 shots at Santa Anita.  He gives her a chance.

Santa Anita

Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) Clm 35000n3L

#5 Impression (4/1) – Drawn well, this boy is in solid form and turning heads in the morning.  Thi race doesn’t have much other pace and he should have every chance on the lead.

Race 9: 5½ Furlongs. F.Mdn 50k

#1 Posit (6/1) – This filly was purchased for 200k and she’s working like she’s worth every penny.  Her dam has 2 winners from 2 starters, including a stakes winner and Mario is hot in the irons.

Race 10: 1 Mile. (Turf) F. G3 Autumn Miss Stakes

#6 Tesora (6/1) – A 14 horse stakes race? That’s what the Conductor like to see.  This filly continues to get better and has shown versatility winning at different tracks and distances.  She was facing better turf horses in New York and 6/1 gets the Conductor tingly.

Race 11: 6 Furlongs. Clm 8000

*Never a Doubt Hell of Saturday Night #8 St Reno (6/1) – If the Conductor gets 6/1 on this Gelding he’ll be running up and down the streets in celebration.  He’s improving, a repeat effort of his last performance at Santa Anita beats this group and he’s making his 3rd start off a layoff. Easy winner.

Santa Anita

Friday Night at Santa Anita: Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Fast Ponies

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

Santa Anita time, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: Race. (Turf) F.Mdn 50k

*Never a Doubt Friday Night Bottle Service Lock of the Day #6 She Be Striking (3/1) – Stretching out for first time, this filly looks like an absolute standout.  Her first two starts were solid efforts running nice figures and narrowly missing.  She’s proved she can pass horses, gets a jockey upgrade to Prat, trainer Richie Mandella is hot. She should like the added distance because of her breeding. She Be Winning.

celebrate season 1 GIF by Vinyl

Race 2: 5 ½ Furlongs. Alw 50000s

#8 I Am the Danger (9/5) – Breaking his maiden last start, he was very professional sitting behind the frontrunners and passing them with ease down the stretch.  The rest in this field will be gunning for the early lead and he should get a perfect setup.  The Conductor thinks we’ll get over 2/1 on him too.

Race 3: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 50k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Miss Voluptuous (6/1) – Drawn well to the inside, she’s bred for the grass and was a very solid work tab.  Why would top jockey Flavien Prat be taking the mount for a trainer who is only 4% with 1st time starters this year?  He knows this filly can run and so does the Conductor.

santa anita

Race 4: 6 ½ Furlongs. F.Clm 16000n3L

#6 Belle Monte (4/1) – His last start at Santa Anita was the best of this bunch in the Conductor’s eye.  He won comfortably and should be able to handle the step up in class today. He’s lightly raced and on the improve while most of the others are looking to find form.

Race 5: 1 Mile. OClm 40000

#5 Baby Frankie (5/2) – Dropping in class, his speed figures are the best of this bunch and he’s also by far the most consistent runner in this field. The ultimate equipment change (snip snip) and the addition of blinkers can also move him forward.

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) Clm 25000n2L

#2 Jack and I (4/1) – This gelding continues to run higher numbers in each start and is dropping in class today. He’s also working well, shortens in distance and is drawn well to the inside.

Race 7: 1 Mile. F.MC 30000

#3 Divine Dharma (7/2) – She was hammered at Santa Anita at this level last time. Then she was slammed at the start and still ran 4th in a 12-horse field.  The Conductor bets she gets a clean trip today and romps this field.

Race 8: 1 ¼ (Turf) OC 62500n2x

#6 Oscar Dominguez (5/2) – He won his last race and is in good form. Additionally, he’s proven he can handle this distance while the others in here are not. 1 ¼ Mile is a long way.