Arcadia, CA
Santa Anita Race 2
4 - Uptown Rythem
The Connections have finally found the right level of competition for this son of Speighstown. Uptown Rythem broke out of the maiden ranks in his last start when dropped to the $20K level and now meets another weak field of claimers when taking on winners for the first time. This five-year-old had high hopes when running against some tough competition in a few Maiden Special Weight races last year, but thanks to a dip in class he should start this year with back-to-back victories. Uptown Rythem shows a nice 4F breeze workout last week for trainer Carla Gaines and she keeps her top jockey in Rafael Bejarano aboard. The favorite should use his tactical speed to get a great trip today in a race that doesn't come up very fast, improve second time off a layoff, and finish a clear winner.