Santa Anita Race 9
1 - Blue Tone
The San Gabriel is normally run on the turf, but this year the rain has moved the Grade II event to the main track. With the race now on dirt it opens the door for seasoned runner Blue Tone. This 8-year-old gelding has never run on the turf anyhow and shows the best speed figure of the field on dirt. Other runners have more class and earnings, but all of that has been on the turf - different story today. Blue Tone took off on this track back in October with a runaway victory in an optional claiming race under jockey Kent Desormeaux and the connections are looking for that same performance here with the move up to the Grade II level. Blue Tone should be on or near the lead, key on a muddy track, and cash in at a nice price as Saturday's best bet.