Look | Closer | Selections
Santa Anita Race 5
8 - Power Cat
This first-time starter enters the Maiden Special Weight race without a slow workout posted. Power Cat has shown he has ability to be quick with a.m. drills of 6F in 1:10 and 3F in :34. Gone West in the family tree adds to the intrigue along with the powerful connections of trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Rafael Bajarano. This filly is one to wager on and add to the watch list.
Santa Anita Race 5
5 - Dylan Ward
This lifetime Maiden will finally break through in this weak field of Maiden Special Weights. Look for jockey Santiago Gonzalez to get a perfect stalking trip on the favorite and pounce on the cheap tiring speed turning for home. Has the highest figures in the field and trainer Philip D'Amato has worked this gelding fit, leading up to this race, with a number of solid 5f workouts. Not much of a price, but expect to be cashing a winning ticket nonetheless.
Santa Anita Race 3
1 - Margaret Reay
This 4-year-old is finally ready to breakthrough the Maiden ranks. Has speed, rail, and the top figures in the field. Fresh speed is always dangerous and should prove key breaking from the rail. Look for jockey Van Dyke to manage her speed around the 1 1/8 mile distance and cruise to the Winner's circle.
Santa Anita Race 8
#4 Runhappy
The opening day feature race at Santa Anita has the most logical bet on the card. The three-year-old colt Runhappy is simply too quick for this field in the Malibu. Fresh off three straight dominating victories Runhappy towers over these in numbers and competition, taking the G1 Kings Bishop and BC Sprint. With Supersaver in the pedigree the tricky 7F distance should not be a problem. Add jockey Gary Stevens and five straight bullet workout drills, you can cash in on opening day with this easy winner.
Del Mar Race 1
5 - Sunday Rules
This California bred likes to win races. She holds a lifetime mark of 6 wins in 7 starts and heart once taking the lead. The short Del Mar turf course calls for speed and heart at this 5f distance. Sunday Rules has it, being on or near lead in every start. With Tribal Rule in the family tree the sprint game is perfect. She has the speed to take command and the heart to stay on top in this 5f turf allowance optional claiming race. Jockey Mike Smith and trainer Philip D'Amato complete this best bet winner to start Sunday's card.
Del Mar Race 7
8 - Richard's Boy
This three-year-old gelding is Mr. Consistent. Finishing in the money 7-of-9 lifetime starts with a real solid second last time out at Fresno. He ran real quick splits of :44 and :57 at 6f too only lose by a head. Showed great heart and likes the lead. Something this field lacks. Love the outside post and should get a font end trip at this 5f distance on the turf. The connections of trainer Peter Miller and jockey Victor Espinoza are top notch and to have them sitting at a very nice 6-1 morning line is a steal. Richard's Boy is Thursday's best bet of the day.
Keeneland Race 11
4 - American Pharoah
This is the Triple Crown champ. Has recorded the fastest times. Has been working like a machine at Santa Anita. And has done all of this without really being pushed. His splits in the Haskell Invitational are unmatched in this field and when watching the champ run there is so much more. Look for a him to bounce back in a big way from his second place finish in the Travers.
7 -Smooth Roller
Has the pedigree out of Hard Spun to love a route of ground and has proven this breaking the numbers bank last time out in the Awesome Again Stakes. He cannot be taken lightly based on the pedigree and his last race alone.
6 - Effinex
Have to respect jockey Mike Smith in the BC Classic no matter what. This colt should get a nice stalking trip and rounding into form making his third start off a layoff. Defeated Tonalist back in July and with this very high morning line we will take the value here with the number one rider.
Keeneland Race 9
13 - Nyquist
As stated before love to include a California face when we can. This two-year-old colt is unbeaten in four career starts and has handled all the competition thrown his way. Like the heart shown when losing the lead and battling back down the stretch to win. Sometimes that doesn't show up in the numbers. Should get a nice price, solid tactical trip, and prove the best.
1 - Conquest Big E
Should love the route game with Tapit pedigree and it has shown with back-to-back exacta finishes. Had some trouble in his last race on a sloppy track, but still kept to task and won which is sometimes tough to do with young horses. On pedigree and price should be included.
9 - Exaggerator
Has really cranked it up in the numbers game in his last two starts. Improving speed figures by double-digits and proving very game down the lane. The Desormeaux brothers are in this colt's corner and he should be ready to go making his second start off a layoff.
Keeneland Race 7
13 - Private Zone
Has been a beast at 7f and 1m distances in his last six starts - winning four of them by a combined 16+ lengths. Love jockey Martin Pedroza on a classy speed horse and that's what we have here. Has a number of nice breezes leading up to this and her class should show today.
5 - Runhappy
Cannot argue with the speed figures this colt is putting up. Including the highest number in the field in the Kings Bishop. There is other speed in here, but could be simply too good. Working very strong over the surface and will be tough to beat at a short price.
8 - Wild Dude
Is a notch below the top two contenders, but he comes from off-the-pace and should get a great trip. Jockey Bejarano just has to be patient and let a few of the leaders come back to him. Should be left in the exotics mix making up ground in the lane.
Keeneland Race 6
6 - Queen's Jewel
Turf pedigree is off the charts. Has run on the grass her entire life in France and makes the trip here with her original jockey trainer connections. Has high Racing Post Figures and love the fact she has been a big favorite in every lifetime start. Now in her US debut we are getting double-digit odds. Should make a serious run for the top spot here at a nice price.
5 - Photo Call
Has really stepped up her game in her last two starts. Going 2-for-2 with a big jump in speed figures taking the Rodeo Dr. stakes by 2+ lengths last out at Santa Anita. Like the third-race off a layoff angle and should be set again for another solid performance.
11 - Stephanie's Kitten
Talk about a red hot horse. This mare enters this race after posting a triple digit figure while taking command in a tough Grade I event at Belmont. Great connections in Ortiz and Brown and looks to be ready to continue her hot hand.