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Racing! Rob Henie is back with a handicapping lesson

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Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we talk about Santa Anita, McKinzie and Joe Harper.

Before we get to Rob Henie, let’s get to some odds and ends.

--Best way to bring out the complainers is to say things went pretty well at Santa Anita. But, luckily for the track, there were only a few. There was a complaint about valet parking selling out, which can be difficult if you have someone who needs a little extra time to get where they are going. And, a couple of folks complained that the musical performers hired to entertain drowned out the track commentary that, well, race goers wanted to hear. Plus, the usual complaints about the public-address system, which can have more inaudible spots than a bad cellphone.

People need to understand that Santa Anita is no longer set up to handle 40,000 a day. I believe they would be pretty happy if they could average 8,000-10,000 a day on a weekday. So, there are going to be glitches when they have a huge crowd. But, given what a disaster last year was, I would say the improvement was significant.

Or as one of our newsletter readers put in an email (their identify is protected by my choice): “Do your annoyed readers not get it? Did they happen to go present shopping or grocery shopping in the last 10 days or so? We live in an insanely populated area and when there are crowds, there are lines. Stop your whining folks and be ecstatic that there were big crowds at the track!”

--McKinzie may be headed to the Pegasus or Dubai after his devastating performance in the Mailbu Stakes. Trainer Bob Baffert relayed that information to Steve Andersen of the Daily Racing Form. (You can read it here.) Andersen asked Baffert about the Pegasus and/or Dubai World Cup. “Definitely, those races are in the conversation. … He’s starting to grow into that big frame of his. We’re pretty excited about him.”

It would certainly give him a chance to avenge his poor performance in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race won by Accelerate, who will be in the Pegasus. Now, I’ve said it before, but the draw on the Pegasus is so vital because it’s such a short run to the first turn in 1 1/8-mile races. To be a fair matchup, they would both have to be on the inside or middle. Really tough to win from the far outside at that distance. So, why don’t they change the distance?

--The personable Joe Harper of Del Mar is being honored with a special Eclipse Award of Merit at the awards banquet on Jan. 24 at Gulfstream. I don’t usually link to press releases but this one from the National Thoroughbred Racing Assn., is as long as some of our newsletters. I can’t compete with that. (Just click here, courtesy of the Paulick Report.)

As someone whose job it is to chase down elusive track officials, I know that I can almost always find Joe down in the paddock before the first race and every race of some prominence at Del Mar. He’s not holding court, in fact, he’s usually just talking to workers and fans. He is one of the most approachable execs around and doesn’t dance around a question.

Even though The Times (that’s me) drew the ire of the Breeders’ Cup folks for breaking the story of the event coming to Santa Anita, Keeneland and Del Mar the next three years, it was Joe who really broke the story when he told Tod Leonard of the San Diego Union-Tribune that Del Mar was in serious negotiations for it. We like those guys.

Weekly handicapping lesson

Here’s our weekly contribution from Rob Henie of the WCHR (West Coast Handicapping Report) and the ECHR (East Coast Handicapping Report). The thinking is if you can know and understand the strategies, it will make you a better handicapper.

Today’s lesson is from the first race at Santa Anita. Take it away, Rob.

“Things kick off Saturday with a maiden special weight at 1 ⅛ miles on the turf, the type of longer distance usually written for better horses around here, unlike on the East coast where long turf assignments are written for even the cheapest of cheap. When it comes to these maiden races, they’re often fairly easy to decipher with regard to intention of the connections. For example, the #1 horse in here, MERCY MERCY, has been dull in a pair of flat mile races, and now off the freshening, Robert Hess sends much longer, looking to mix things up while figuring out what he’s got. We would look to defeat. #2 STYLIN OCEAN is simply, even, almost dull races, now given more room to see if that variable can help produce a better try. On the other hand, both our selections are well meant, both off the debut. Top choice is TRUFFALINO (#3). She was given her first effort, and if let’s take a look at her own individual splits in that first try, they look like this: :25.1, :23.3, :24.3, :23.2. Those are outstanding, basically walking out of the gate, allowed to settle in the back, watching runners up ahead her, before she was asked to run a bit by Joe Talamo, and those final three splits are solid, absolutely the right type of race to ready for the longer assignment. Expecting she’ll be a bit closer up Saturday, before Joe comes running with her. FASHION ISLAND (#6) actually finished a few lengths in front of the top pick, also her debut as well, and the same well intended principles we discussed with the top selection, also would apply here, now given more group off the needed experience of the debut, while Drayden Van Dyke sees fit to return, always a good sign. Five works are in place, and an effective progressing try seems within reason here.

“Hot / Cold Race Trends: Through two races days, runners who made their last start at Golden Gate, and then ran on the TURF here today, they’re a combined 0 for 5 with none hitting the board.

“Win Contenders (order of preference): 3-6-7

“X Out Runners (eliminating on the win end): +0.50 (average group)

“Positive Notes:

“4 Hello Bubbles - following the freshening, Neil sent two turns, and he responded well, now given more ground with Joel Rosario, a good thing as Joel is so good cat carrying his mounts down the lane.

“7 Out of Balance David Hofmans freshened him, adds more ground and Flavien Prat, with a full set of six works in place, Not tough to find.

“Negative Notes:

“5 Speedette - Comes in from Golden Gate, see “Trend” above.

“First Timers:

“9 Maxim Rate - The fact Prat doesn’t ride here, tells us he’s likely gonna need the race. If Flavien had been working her in the mornings, he would likely be aboard, especially if entering this one going ultra long as we see today. The mount is given to newly arrived Euro invader Andrea Atzeni, certainly not a bad thing, but we’ll still try and beat.

“TOP PICK: TRUFFALINO (#3 12-1 Talamo) $ Win Wager

“SECOND CHOICE: FASHION ISLAND (#6 3-1 Van Dyke) $ Win Wager”

The West Coast Handicapping Report can be found at https://www.westcoasthorseracing.com It has been endorsed by leading trainers, handicappers and industry sources.

Santa Anita review

The feature on Friday was the $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes, named for the legendary shoeshine guy at the track. It’s a mile on the turf. Bob and Jackie ran a smart race near or at the front and went to the lead on the rail and held on gamely to win by a length.

Trained by Richard Baltas and ridden by Heriberto Figueroa, he paid $7.80, $3.40 and $2.80. Rijeka, also a Baltas runner, finished second and More Ice was third. The morning-line favorite, Flying Scotsman, was a vet scratch.

“I had one speed horse and one closer,” Baltas told Mike Willman of Santa Anita. “Bob and Jackie came out of the 10-hole and he pulled his way to the lead. With the rail being out today (20 feet), there might have been a little speed bias, but he’s a good horse.”

Santa Anita preview

The first Saturday card of the new season is 10 races starting at 12 p.m. There are only four turf races but two of them are graded stakes. Field sizes remain very strong, as you might expect this early in the season.

The first stakes is the Grade 3 $150,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles. Fahan Mura is the favorite at 5-2 for trainer Vladimir Cerin and Edwin Maldonado. She is six for 10 this year running mostly graded stakes. She has won five of six at Santa Anita, with one second.

Escape Clause and Excellent Sunset are co-second-favorites at 7-2. Escape Clause has won nine of 12 at slightly lower levels. Excellent Sunset has won three of her last five. Post will be about 1:35 p.m.

The big race is the eighth, the Grade 1 $300,000 American Oaks for 3-year-olds going 1 ¼ miles on the turf. Californiagoldrush is 5-2 favorite having won three-of-four lifetime. She is trained by Neil Drysdale and ridden by Flavien Prat. Her only miss was a third in the Del Mar Oaks.

Paved, at 3-1, is the second favorite. She was 12th in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile last out and has run four straight Grade 1s, but with no wins. Michael McCarthy trains and Drayden Van Dyke rides. Post is around 3:35 p.m.

Here are the field sizes, in order: 9, 8, 12, 8, 7, 9, 12, 8, 8, 12.

Stewards’ rulings

No, we haven’t forgot about the stewards’ rulings and minutes from Los Alamitos but the CHRB, now a couple of weeks after the close of the meeting, still hasn’t made them public on its website. We’re going to blame it on the holidays. I was on Sirius/XM the other day with the legendary race caller Dave Johnson and veteran journalist Bill Finley. Johnson was talking about how the rulings are one of his favorite features in the newsletter. Unlike the idiom, “Laws are like sausages, it’s better not to see them being made,” it’s the making of the rulings that is most interesting. Anyway, they haven’t gone away, just waiting to be picked up at the airport.

Big races preview

A look at graded stakes or races worth more $100,000 or more on Saturday. All times PST.

10:00 Laurel (3): $100,000 Heft Stakes, 2-year-olds, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Alwaysmining (2-1)

10:35 Gulfstream (4): $100,000 Janus Stakes, 3 and up, 5 furlongs on turf. Favorite: Pay Any Price (7-5)

11:30 Laurel (6): $100,000 Gin Talking Stakes, fillies 2-years-old, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Please Flatter Me (3-1)

11:37 Gulfstream (6): $100,000 Abundantia Stakes, fillies and mares 3 and up, 5 furlongs on turf. Favorite: Morticia (7-2)

11:47 Aqueduct (6): $100,000 East View Stakes, NY-bred fillies 2-years-old, 1 mile. Favorite: Sassy Agnes (3-1)

12:00 Laurel (7): $100,000 Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes, fillies and mares 3 and up, 1 mile. Favorite: Sower (5-2)

12:30 Laurel (8): $100,000 Dave’s Friend Stakes, 3 and up, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Laki (2-1)

12:47 Aqueduct (8): $100,000 Alex M. Robb Stakes, NY-breds 3 and up, 1 1/8 miles. Favorite: Control Group (9-5)

1:34 Santa Anita (4): Grade 3 $150,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes, fillies and mares 3 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Farhan Mura (5-2)

1:41 Gulfstream (10): $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes, 3 and up, 2 miles on turf. Favorite: Soglio (9-5)

3:34: Santa Anita (8): Grade 1 $300,000 American Oaks Stakes, fillies 3-years-old, 1 ¼ miles on turf. Favorite: Californiagoldrush (5-2)

Bob Ike’s SA pick of the day

SEVENTH RACE: No. 11 Violent Behavior (7-2)

Maiden claimer from the Dan Blacker stable has run two winning races in a row but settled for second both times, finishing well clear of the third horse in each. He was getting to the winner last time and will appreciate the increase in distance to six furlongs, so “single” in all horizontal bets.

Friday’s result: Majestic Eagle (4-1) did not get the anticipated front-running trip we had hoped for (the winner did), then was outfinished late for the secondary awards while winding up fourth.

Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here's a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy).

Ed Burgart’s LA play of the day

SECOND RACE: No. 3 Jet Pak Black (3-1)

Gelding returns to his winning level from two races back while getting reunited with Kellie McDaid, last meet’s leading thoroughbred rider. He doesn’t need the lead to win but his tactical speed should have him positioned near expected pacesetters Shadow Op and Runbrorun, who are both most effective when unpressured early. His trainer, Lorenzo Ruiz, won with 10 of 27 thoroughbred starters at the 2017-18 Los Al night meet.

Final thought

Always looking to add more subscribers to this newsletter. Can’t beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you don’t like it, then you’re probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up. Remember, it’s free, and all we need is your email, nothing more.

Any thoughts, you can reach me at johnacherwa@gmail.com. You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa

And now the stars of the show, Friday’s results and Saturday’s entries.

Santa Anita Charts Results for Friday, December 28.

Copyright 2018 by Equibase Company. Reproduction prohibited. Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. 2nd day of a 61-day meet. Clear & Firm

FIRST RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. 2 year olds. Time 23.92 48.82 1:12.54 1:36.69 1:48.03


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½¾StrFinJockey$1

4Magnificent McCool122465–½5–1½5–1½1–11–3¼Prat2.80
1Shining Through122144–14–hd4–hd3–62–2Van Dyke1.00
9Mystical Moon117911–11–½1–½2–13–5¼Espinoza8.30
3Union Station122378–68–128–284–1½4–3T Baze51.00
7Seven Oxen122723–hd2–hd3–15–35–½Desormeaux22.80
8Leader of Men122887–hd7–hd6–½6–26–5¼Blanc8.30
2Speakerofthehouse122252–½3–1½2–hd7–½7–¾Smith5.90
5Spectator's Dream122536–26–hd7–28–458–51Payeras156.60
6Emotional Wreck1226999999Martinez98.70

4MAGNIFICENT MCCOOL7.603.202.80
1SHINING THROUGH 2.602.20
9MYSTICAL MOON 4.00
$2 ROULETTE (BLACK)  $4.80
$1 EXACTA (4-1)  $8.70
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (4-1-9-3)  $54.48
50-CENT TRIFECTA (4-1-9)  $29.80
$1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (4-1-9-3-7)  Carryover $1,535

Winner–Magnificent McCool B.c.2 by Giant's Causeway out of My Special Secret, by Mineshaft. Bred by Cesa Farm (KY). Trainer: Doug F. O'Neill. Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred III. Mutuel Pool $251,881 Roulette Pool $1,305 Exacta Pool $151,001 Superfecta Pool $78,074 Trifecta Pool $109,128 X-5 Super High Five Pool $2,010. Scratched–none.

MAGNIFICENT MCCOOL stalked a bit off the rail then outside a rival, moved up three deep leaving the turn and into the stretch to gain the lead and drew clear under urging. SHINING THROUGH came out a bit at the break, saved ground stalking the pace, came out in a bit tight for room leaving the turn and into the stretch, angled out again in midstretch and was second best. MYSTICAL MOON had speed outside then inched away and angled in, set the pace inside, dueled on the backstretch and second turn and into the stretch and bested the others. UNION STATION a bit crowded early, saved ground chasing the pace throughout and lacked the needed rally. SEVEN OXEN stalked three deep then bid three wide on the backstretch and second turn, steadied in tight between foes leaving that turn and weakened. LEADER OF MEN a bit slow to begin, chased outside a rival, came out leaving the second turn, was fanned five wide into the stretch and lacked a further response. SPEAKEROFTHEHOUSE stalked between foes then bid between rivals to press the pace, fell back on the second turn, drifted four wide into the stretch and weakened. SPECTATOR'S DREAM chased three deep, came out leaving the second turn, was fanned six wide into the stretch and also weakened. EMOTIONAL WRECK broke slowly, angled in and dropped back early, fell farther back on the backstretch and second turn and was eased through the drive. A claim of foul by the rider of the runner-up against the winner for alleged interference leaving the second turn was not allowed by the stewards, who ruled the former came out and contributed to his own trouble.

SECOND RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $32,000. Maiden Claiming. 2 year olds. Claiming Prices $50,000-$40,000. Time 24.84 49.80 1:15.66 1:28.62 1:41.75


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½¾StrFinJockey$1

1Knight's Cross122111–11–21–11–1½1–4¼Sanchez2.00
2Frozen Money122232–12–½2–2½2–82–11T Baze0.90
3Rockandahardplace120323–3½3–73–23–½3–¾Delgadillo11.30
5New Salute122544–3½4–2½4–24–34–4Payeras44.10
4Sooner Better1224555555Desormeaux3.20

1KNIGHT'S CROSS6.002.602.20
2FROZEN MONEY 2.202.10
3ROCKANDAHARDPLACE 3.00
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (4-1)  $23.60
$1 EXACTA (1-2)  $5.00
50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-2-3)  $7.75

Winner–Knight's Cross Grr.c.2 by Mizzen Mast out of Gift From the Sea, by Stormy Atlantic. Bred by Gunpowder Farms, LLC (KY). Trainer: J. Keith Desormeaux. Owner: Detmar, Wayne and Voss, Gene A.. Mutuel Pool $158,576 Daily Double Pool $47,146 Exacta Pool $74,750 Trifecta Pool $61,762. Scratched–none.

KNIGHT'S CROSS sped to the early lead, set the pace along the inside, responded when challenged into the stretch, inched away again under urging in midstretch and won clear under steady handling late. FROZEN MONEY stalked a bit off the rail, bid outside the winner into the stretch, could not match that one in the final furlong but clearly bested the rest. ROCKANDAHARDPLACE three deep into the first turn, stalked off the rail then outside the runner-up leaving the backstretch, continued off the inside on the second turn and into the stretch and held third. NEW SALUTE broke out a bit, settled off the rail then angled in leaving the first turn and saved ground thereafter and put in a late bid at a minor award. SOONER BETTER angled in early then came out leaving the first turn, chased off the rail to the stretch and had little left for the drive.

THIRD RACE.

5½ Furlongs. Purse: $22,000. Claiming. 3 year olds. Claiming Prices $12,500-$10,500. Time 22.41 46.42 58.72 1:05.39


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼3/8StrFinJockey$1

5Don't Stalk Me124555–15–21–21–5¾Rosario0.60
1Hollywood Dancer116131–21–2½2–1½2–nkEspinoza13.60
3Older Brother122323–hd3–hd3–1½3–1¼Gutierrez4.60
2Bob's All In122266664–½Cruz16.70
4Quad122412–hd2–hd4–15–4½Franco6.40
6Our Tiger's Boy122644–1½4–15–1½6Fuentes5.70

5DON'T STALK ME3.202.402.10
1HOLLYWOOD DANCER 9.004.40
3OLDER BROTHER 3.20
$2 ROULETTE (RED)  $3.20
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (1-5)  $12.00
$1 EXACTA (5-1)  $19.10
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-1-3-2)  $25.37
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-1-3)  $37.70

Winner–Don't Stalk Me Dbb.g.3 by Kafwain out of Silent Stalk, by Petionville. Bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, LLC (CA). Trainer: Robert B. Hess, Jr.. Owner: Carter, George A., Lambert, Jeffrey, Toland, Robert, Storey, Chuck and Rodriguez, Larry. Mutuel Pool $200,293 Roulette Pool $1,013 Daily Double Pool $18,084 Exacta Pool $114,287 Superfecta Pool $40,082 Trifecta Pool $71,830. Claimed–Don't Stalk Me by Bambauer, Sheila, King, Jim, Rose, Mark and Rothblum, Steve. Trainer: Doug O'Neill. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (4-1-5) paid $12.45. Pick Three Pool $58,475.

DON'T STALK ME stalked off the rail then outside a rival, went up four wide leaving the turn and three deep into the stretch, gained the lead in upper stretch and drew off under some left handed urging. HOLLYWOOD DANCER sped to the early lead, set the pace along the inside, fought back into the stretch and just held second. OLDER BROTHER close up stalking the pace inside, came out a bit into the stretch and was edged for the place while outside the runner-up on the line. BOB'S ALL IN dropped back inside early, came a bit off the rail on the turn, swung out into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. QUAD stalked between horses on the backstretch and turn, came out some into the stretch and weakened. OUR TIGER'S BOY broke out a bit, was four wide early, stalked three deep, came four wide into the stretch and also weakened.

FOURTH RACE.

About 6½ Furlongs Turf. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies. 2 year olds. Time 21.92 44.39 1:07.39 1:13.42


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½StrFinJockey$1

3Shut It Up117252–1½1–hd1–1½1–1¼Figueroa7.10
8Ilha Do Mel122775–hd4–½2–hd2–¾Blanc132.40
11Encanta1221048–3½6–14–hd3–1½Rosario1.30
6Objective122587–hd8–27–hd4–1Van Dyke1.60
5Rather Nosy122464–hd7–16–1½5–nsAtzeni9.50
4Fight Night122331–½2–23–16–2¼Roman53.50
7Lil Respect122699–3109–hd7–nsTalamo47.10
9To the Morning122813–1½3–1½5–18–¾Prat11.00
10Malibu Cat122926–15–hd8–2½9–1¼T Baze45.50
2Enlisting122110109–hd1010Cruz101.70

3SHUT IT UP16.207.204.40
8ILHA DO MEL 80.2023.80
11ENCANTA 2.80
$2 ROULETTE (BLACK)  $11.40
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-3)  $23.60
$1 EXACTA (3-8)  $425.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-8-11-6)  $1,042.91
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-8-11)  $1,464.95
$1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (3-8-11-6-5)  Carryover $4,123

Winner–Shut It Up Ch.f.2 by Violence out of Magical Weekend, by Any Given Saturday. Bred by Scott Stephens, Betsy Wells &Spotted Pony Stables LLC (KY). Trainer: Doug F. O'Neill. Owner: C T R Stables LLC, Springdell Farm LLC, Keh, Steven and Taylor, Mark. Mutuel Pool $425,334 Roulette Pool $2,886 Daily Double Pool $37,652 Exacta Pool $274,580 Superfecta Pool $103,004 Trifecta Pool $186,478 X-5 Super High Five Pool $3,393. Scratched–Apache Princess, Bizwhacks, Kittyhawk Lass, Maxim Rate.

50-Cent Pick Three (1-5-3) paid $22.10. Pick Three Pool $27,546.

SHUT IT UP went up inside to duel for the lead, came a bit off the rail into the stretch, inched away under urging in the drive and held. ILHA DO MEL stalked between horses then inside leaving the hill and into the stretch and finished willingly. ENCANTA chased outside then three deep on the hill and four wide into the stretch and was edged for the place. OBJECTIVE pulled her way along just off the rail then chased inside, came out leaving the hill and into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. RATHER NOSY angled in and saved ground chasing the pace, continued inside in the drive and could not offer the necessary response. FIGHT NIGHT sped to the early lead, dueled outside the winner, came out some into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. LIL RESPECT angled in and saved ground off the pace, came out a bit into the stretch and lacked a rally. TO THE MORNING had speed outside foes then stalked off the rail, angled in outside a rival leaving the hill and weakened. MALIBU CAT stalked three deep then angled in between foes leaving the hill and also weakened. ENLISTING hesitated to be away behind the field, settled off the rail then outside a rival leaving the hill, came out into the stretch and was not a threat. Rail on hill at 14 feet.

FIFTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $12,500. Time 22.56 46.50 59.20 1:12.42


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½StrFinJockey$1

10One Upper1151075–hd3–½3–11–nsFuentes1.00
3Peachy1223118–1½5–hd4–½2–1¼Maldonado4.30
5Copper Cowgirl117542–½2–1½1–hd3–2¼Figueroa11.60
4Mi Pajarito122431–11–hd2–½4–¾Flores27.20
11K P's Smokin117118119–1½6–hd5–½Espinoza13.20
7Warm It Up124724–hd4–15–36–1½Delgadillo19.80
9Dressed in Prada124969–hd7–½7–1½7–½Quinonez17.00
2Blissful Lady124296–½8–18–2½8–1¼Payeras57.70
8Fellina1248110–1½1110–hd9–8Pereira111.70
1Halo Girl1221107–110–31110–1¾Gutierrez77.90
6Desired Edge122653–hd6–19–211Roman4.30

10ONE UPPER4.002.802.40
3PEACHY 4.403.20
5COPPER COWGIRL 4.60
$2 ROULETTE (RED)  $3.60
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-10)  $35.60
$1 EXACTA (10-3)  $8.30
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (10-3-5-4)  $31.30
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (10-3-5-4-11)  $1,684.10
50-CENT TRIFECTA (10-3-5)  $21.25

Winner–One Upper Dbb.f.3 by Kitten's Joy out of Exceedexpectations, by Tale of the Cat. Bred by Kenneth L. Ramsey & Sarah K. Ramsey (KY). Trainer: Ryan Hanson. Owner: Drakos, Christopher and Dunn, Robin D.. Mutuel Pool $318,617 Roulette Pool $1,572 Daily Double Pool $30,889 Exacta Pool $193,364 Superfecta Pool $88,012 Super High Five Pool $5,632 Trifecta Pool $131,784. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (5-3-10) paid $13.10. Pick Three Pool $69,216. 50-Cent Pick Four (1-5-3-10) 2658 tickets with 4 correct paid $51.15. Pick Four Pool $178,316. 50-Cent Pick Five (4-1-5-3-10) 1858 tickets with 5 correct paid $262.50. Pick Five Pool $567,154.

ONE UPPER chased outside then four wide on the turn, bid three deep into the stretch, took a short lead in deep stretch under urging and held gamely. PEACHY chased between horses then just off the rail, came out into the stretch and finished well. COPPER COWGIRL stalked off the rail then bid outside a rival to duel for the lead, took the advantage into the stretch, fought back between foes in midstretch then off the rail in deep stretch and bested the others. MI PAJARITO dueled inside, fought back on the turn and in the stretch and weakened late. K P'S SMOKIN settled off the rail then five wide on the turn and four wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. WARM IT UP stalked three deep between horses then off the rail leaving the turn, angled in outside a rival into the stretch and weakened, then was unsaddled on the clubhouse turn and walked off. DRESSED IN PRADA settled between horses then chased outside, came four wide into the stretch and did not rally. BLISSFUL LADY stalked between foes then a bit off the rail on the turn, dropped back outside a rival nearing the stretch and weakened. FELLINA chased between rivals, dropped back off the rail on the turn, came four wide into the stretch and lacked a rally. HALO GIRL saved ground stalking the pace, also dropped back on the turn, came out into the stretch and had little left for the drive. DESIRED EDGE stalked between horses, angled in on the turn and gave way.

SIXTH RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $59,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $62,500. Time 23.51 47.44 1:11.19 1:34.59 1:46.34


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½¾StrFinJockey$1

8Epical120711–1½1–11–11–41–2¼T Baze4.30
10Maestro Dearte122956–36–1½6–25–1½2–nkFranco16.60
6Kazan 120687–hd8–3½8–1½3–hd3–½Rosario6.00
5Majestic Eagle120595–25–2½5–14–½4–2½Atzeni4.00
4Whoop Whoop 122432–½2–12–12–hd5–hdGryder29.20
1Starting Bloc122179–½9–½107–16–2¼Bejarano5.90
3Ya Gotta Wanna122343–13–hd4–½8–1½7–1½Prat2.30
9Arms Runner122824–½4–13–hd6–½8–nkVan Dyke13.90
11Any Questions1171068–4½7–½7–hd9–19–½Espinoza93.10
2Eckersley12221010109–11010Roman20.60

8EPICAL10.606.805.00
10MAESTRO DEARTE 14.607.80
6KAZAN (IRE) 5.20
$2 ROULETTE (BLACK)  $9.20
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (10-8)  $21.00
$1 EXACTA (8-10)  $69.30
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (8-10-6-5)  $295.37
50-CENT TRIFECTA (8-10-6)  $321.85
$1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (8-10-6-5-4)  Carryover $1,165

Winner–Epical B.g.3 by Uncle Mo out of Klondike Hills, by Deputy Minister. Bred by Jamm, Ltd. (KY). Trainer: James M. Cassidy. Owner: D P Racing LLC. Mutuel Pool $391,681 Roulette Pool $1,653 Daily Double Pool $35,243 Exacta Pool $208,771 Superfecta Pool $86,209 Trifecta Pool $130,993 X-5 Super High Five Pool $1,528. Scratched–Cleopatra's Strike, Encumbered, Oscar Dominguez (IRE).

50-Cent Pick Three (3-10-8) paid $53.20. Pick Three Pool $64,816. $1 Pick Five (ST511/13/14/15/16-14-1-10-8) 5 correct paid $29,068.30. Pick Five Pool $132,149.

EPICAL sped to the early lead and angled in, set all the pace inside, opened up on the second turn and won clear under urging. MAESTRO DEARTE angled in and chased a bit off the rail, came out leaving the second turn and four wide into the stretch and split rivals in deep stretch for the place. KAZAN (IRE) bumped at the start, angled in and saved ground chasing the pace, came out on the second turn and five wide into the stretch and was edged for the place three deep on the line. MAJESTIC EAGLE broke out and bumped a rival, stalked a bit off the rail, went between foes on the second turn and a bit off the rail into the stretch and was edged for third. WHOOP WHOOP (NZ) angled in and saved ground stalking the pace and weakened in the final furlong. STARTING BLOC settled inside, came out leaving the second turn and into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. YA GOTTA WANNA saved ground stalking the pace, steadied in tight early on the second turn and again leaving that turn and weakened. ARMS RUNNER close up stalking the pace three deep then outside a rival, went three wide into the stretch and also weakened. ANY QUESTIONS angled in and chased outside a rival, swung four wide into the stretch and lacked a rally. ECKERSLEY stumbled badly at the start, settled outside a rival to the stretch and did not rally.

SEVENTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $22,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $16,000-$14,000. Time 22.35 45.40 57.69 1:11.26


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½StrFinJockey$1

3Aristocratic119221–½1–½1–21–2Figueroa1.50
6Smuggler Union124555–½5–33–hd2–2Vergara, Jr.19.30
7Short of Ez124612–½2–3½2–53–nkVan Dyke2.90
5Zippy Groom120478884–hdRosario9.00
2Jump the Tracks122187–27–4½6–2½5–1½Delgadillo4.90
4Zap Again122334–4½4–24–16–2¼Pereira7.20
9Downside Up119866–46–½7–17–½Espinoza39.90
8Seau124743–½3–15–1½8Franco11.80

3ARISTOCRATIC5.003.402.60
6SMUGGLER UNION 14.807.20
7SHORT OF EZ 3.20
$2 ROULETTE (RED)  $3.20
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (8-3)  $24.40
$1 EXACTA (3-6)  $28.30
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-6-7-5)  $55.95
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-6-7)  $66.95
$1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (3-6-7-5-2)  Carryover $6,287

Winner–Aristocratic Dbb.g.4 by Malibu Moon out of Ask Me When, by Speightstown. Bred by Castleton Lyons & Kilboy Estate (KY). Trainer: Peter Miller. Owner: Gary Barber. Mutuel Pool $311,253 Roulette Pool $1,767 Daily Double Pool $33,208 Exacta Pool $148,428 Superfecta Pool $68,172 Trifecta Pool $103,730 X-5 Super High Five Pool $6,714. Scratched–Mo Soul.

50-Cent Pick Three (10-8-3) paid $11.30. Pick Three Pool $50,261.

ARISTOCRATIC had good early speed and dueled inside, inched away into the stretch and won clear under left handed urging. SMUGGLER UNION bumped early, chased a bit off the rail, swung out four wide into the stretch and finished with interest. SHORT OF EZ dueled between horses then outside the winner on the turn and into the stretch and just held third. ZIPPY GROOM bumped between horses early, settled just off the rail, split horses in midstretch and again at the wire to be edged for the show. JUMP THE TRACKS broke a bit slowly, settled inside, continued along the rail in the stretch and was edged for a minor share. ZAP AGAIN pressed the pace between horses then stalked a bit off the rail, angled to the inside leaving the turn and weakened. DOWNSIDE UP settled outside then off the rail, came three deep into the stretch and lacked a rally. SEAU pressed the pace four wide then three deep into the turn, stalked off the rail on the turn and a bit wide into the stretch and weakened.

EIGHTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $75,000. 'Eddie Logan Stakes'. 2 year olds. Time 23.58 47.63 1:11.64 1:23.42 1:35.16


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½¾StrFinJockey$1

10Bob and Jackie119822–2½1–½1–11–11–1Figueroa2.90
3Rijeka 119345–hd5–hd4–12–32–3¼Rosario1.50
1More Ice121167–hd87–14–hd3–1Van Dyke5.80
5The Creep119433–1½3–1½2–½3–14–1¼Bejarano26.40
9Weekly Call1197887–hd5–hd6–15–1¾Franco57.30
8Sparky Ville119616–16–16–1½7–86–¾Desormeaux2.90
6Swamp Souffle119574–14–1½3–½5–½7Maldonado37.20
2Manhattan Up119251–hd2–hd88dnfT Baze16.20

10BOB AND JACKIE7.803.402.80
3RIJEKA (IRE) 2.602.20
1MORE ICE 2.80
$2 ROULETTE (BLACK)  $2.20
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-10)  $23.00
$1 EXACTA (10-3)  $10.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (10-3-1-5)  $18.92
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (10-3-1-5-9)  $1,278.30
50-CENT TRIFECTA (10-3-1)  $18.45

Winner–Bob and Jackie B.c.2 by Twirling Candy out of Fateer, by Eskendereya. Bred by Zayat Stables LLC (KY). Trainer: Richard Baltas. Owner: Zayat Stables, LLC. Mutuel Pool $339,804 Roulette Pool $2,533 Daily Double Pool $35,494 Exacta Pool $143,431 Superfecta Pool $72,483 Super High Five Pool $21,461 Trifecta Pool $99,600. Scratched–Flying Scotsman, Neptune's Storm.

50-Cent Pick Three (8-3-10) paid $25.50. Pick Three Pool $50,493.

BOB AND JACKIE pulled his way along three deep then dueled outside a rival, took a short lead between foes leaving the backstretch, inched away a bit off the rail on the second turn and held on gamely under urging. RIJEKA (IRE) stalked inside, split horses early on the second turn, continued inside into the stretch, came out nearing midstretch and finished willingly but could not catch the winner. MORE ICE saved ground chasing the pace, went outside a rival leaving the second turn then angled back to the inside and picked up the show. THE CREEP tugged between horses early then stalked off the rail, bid three deep leaving the backstretch, stalked again on the second turn, was between foes into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. WEEKLY CALL broke a bit slowly, chased outside a rival, went four wide on the second turn and into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. SPARKY VILLE stalked outside a rival then between foes on the second turn and weakened. SWAMP SOUFFLE between horses early, tugged his way along off the rail, went four wide into the second turn and three deep into the stretch and also weakened. MANHATTAN UP had speed inside to duel for the lead, steadied in tight into the second turn, dropped back on that turn, was pulled up in the stretch and walked off.

NINTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $8,000. Time 24.12 48.31 1:12.84 1:25.57 1:38.93


PgmHorseWtPPSt¼½¾StrFinJockey$1

4Banze No Oeste 122433–22–hd1–½1–½1–2Fuentes21.20
1Kenzou's Rhythm117121–hd1–hd2–52–82–4¾Figueroa5.00
10Hard Arch1241099–48–18–26–23–¾Talamo5.40
7Dukes Up122766–hd6–hd6–hd4–½4–1¼Gryder3.70
9Broken Up1229810109–97–hd5–nkFlores18.00
5Trapalanda122545–1½4–½3–hd3–hd6–½Quinonez1.50
8Gio's Calling122857–½7–27–1½5–hd7–3¼Payeras9.50
2Harrovian115274–hd5–15–hd8–½8–6Fuentes72.00
3Air Pocket122312–13–1½4–19–209–36Arias88.60
6Dedicated to You1176108–1½9–4101010Espinoza26.60

4BANZE NO OESTE (BRZ)44.4015.609.00
1KENZOU'S RHYTHM 5.604.40
10HARD ARCH 4.00
$2 ROULETTE (GREEN)  $10.60
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (10-4)  $170.40
$1 EXACTA (4-1)  $134.90
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (4-1-10-7)  $267.30
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (4-1-10-7-9)  $12,968.40
50-CENT TRIFECTA (4-1-10)  $332.35

Winner–Banze No Oeste (BRZ) B.g.7 by Elusive Quality out of New Rafaela (BRZ), by Royal Academy. Bred by Stud TNT (BRZ). Trainer: Steve Knapp. Owner: Halasz, Thomas, Stephens, Robert, Stephens, Shay and Barfield, Bruce. Mutuel Pool $337,403 Roulette Pool $2,025 Daily Double Pool $83,838 Exacta Pool $185,500 Superfecta Pool $109,929 Super High Five Pool $16,992 Trifecta Pool $135,213. Claimed–Hard Arch by Battle Born Racing Stable and Ferrara, Nick. Trainer: Genaro Vallejo. Claimed–Dukes Up by Drummond, Lee and Lynn. Trainer: Mark Glatt. Claimed–Broken Up by Joe Davis. Trainer: Vann Belvoir. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-10-4) paid $163.35. Pick Three Pool $141,742. 50-Cent Pick Four (8-1/3-10-4) 527 tickets with 4 correct paid $836.55. Pick Four Pool $577,414. 50-Cent Pick Five (10-8-1/3-10-4) 151 tickets with 5 correct paid $1,791.50. Pick Five Pool $354,458. 20-Cent Pick Six Jackpot (3-10-8-1/3-10-4) 15 tickets with 6 correct paid $6,083.50. Pick Six Jackpot Pool $170,823. Pick Six Jackpot Carryover $128,973.

BANZE NO OESTE (BRZ) stalked off the rail, bid three deep leaving the backstretch then took the lead outside the runner-up on the second turn, battled outside that one under urging through the stretch and inched away late while drifting in. KENZOU'S RHYTHM had good early speed and dueled inside, fought back on the second turn and in the stretch and could not quite match the winner late. HARD ARCH four wide into the first turn, chased outside or off the rail, came five wide into the stretch and edged a rival for the show. DUKES UP chased off the rail, split horses on the second turn, came three deep into the stretch and was edged for third. BROKEN UP angled in and saved ground off the pace, came out leaving the second turn and three wide into the stretch and improved position. TRAPALANDA four wide into the first turn, stalked outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and lacked a rally. GIO'S CALLING five wide into the first turn, chased outside, came four wide into the stretch and did not rally. HARROVIAN drifted out into the first turn, angled in and stalked a bit off the rail then inside on the second turn, came out into the stretch and weakened. AIR POCKET dueled outside a rival then between horses leaving the backstretch, dropped back and angled in on the second turn and had little left for the stretch. DEDICATED TO YOU hopped in a bit of a slow start, angled in and settled inside, dropped back just off the rail into and on the second turn, gave way and was eased in the drive.


AttendanceHandle
On-Track9,634$1,052,615
Inter-TrackN/A$1,752,047
Out of StateN/A$7,001,181
TOTAL9,634 $9,805,843

Santa Anita Entries for Saturday, December 29.

Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. 3rd day of a 61-day meet.

FIRST RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $54,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies. 2 year olds.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Mercy MercyRafael Bejarano122Robert B. Hess, Jr.8-1
2Stylin OceanAssael Espinoza117James M. Cassidy20-1
3TruffalinoJoseph Talamo122Richard E. Mandella12-1
4Hello BubblesJoel Rosario122Neil D. Drysdale4-1
5SpeedetteKent Desormeaux122J. Keith Desormeaux15-1
6Fashion IslandDrayden Van Dyke122Anna Meah3-1
7Out of BalanceFlavien Prat122David E. Hofmans4-1
8My Sweet BabooMike Smith122Simon Callaghan5-2
9Maxim RateAndrea Atzeni122Simon Callaghan12-1

SECOND RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $12,500-$10,500.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Lucky PatrickLuis Fuentes115Marcelo Polanco20-110,500
2Celebrate LifeRafael Bejarano124Eddie Truman6-112,500
3Facts MatterJoel Rosario122Jerry Hollendorfer2-112,500
4Blame JoeAngel Cruz122Peter Miller5-210,500
5Rolls Royce DealHeriberto Figueroa117Gus Headley12-110,500
6OptimumMartin Pedroza122John W. Sadler8-112,500
7June Two FourMario Gutierrez122George Papaprodromou10-112,500
8Caiifornia CloneTyler Baze124Sean McCarthy7-212,500

THIRD RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $32,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies. 2 year olds. Claiming Prices $50,000-$40,000. State bred.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Twirling DiamondJoseph Talamo122Dallas E. Keen6-150,000
2AthleisureAlonso Quinonez122Val Brinkerhoff12-150,000
3Miss BoisterousHeriberto Figueroa115Steven Miyadi20-140,000
4MeritocracyEvin Roman122Robert B. Hess, Jr.5-150,000
5Starship SkyOctavio Vergara, Jr.122Howard L. Zucker20-150,000
6Naomi FraleyBrice Blanc122William E. Morey3-150,000
7Sierra SunriseRuben Fuentes122Jeff Bonde4-150,000
8Ron's CatErick Garcia120Marcia Stortz20-140,000
9JellybeankristineGeovanni Franco120Gary Sherlock30-140,000
10A Dime for MeMartin Pedroza122Kristin Mulhall5-150,000
11ComegowithmeEdwin Maldonado122Jesus Nunez8-150,000
12Princess Lili BTiago Pereira122David Bernstein20-150,000

FOURTH RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $150,000. 'Robert J. Frankel Stakes'. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Lucy DeFlavien Prat120Richard Baltas8-1
2Escape ClauseRuben Fuentes122Don Schnell7-2
3QuebecJoel Rosario120Richard Baltas8-1
4Fahan MuraEdwin Maldonado122Vladimir Cerin5-2
5Sweet Charity Tyler Baze120John W. Sadler5-1
6Gliding ByDrayden Van Dyke120Richard Baltas12-1
7AmboseliKent Desormeaux120James M. Cassidy8-1
8Excellent Sunset Rafael Bejarano120Anna Meah7-2

FIFTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $8,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Will TellGeovanni Franco122Mark Glatt8-18,000
2Whiskey GingerBrice Blanc122Patrick Gallagher5-18,000
3Boy HowdyJoseph Talamo122Michael W. McCarthy3-18,000
4Papa TurfMartin Pedroza124Reed Saldana5-28,000
5MatriculateTiago Pereira122William Spawr7-28,000
6TomasinoEdgar Payeras122Charles S. Treece8-18,000
7Monterey ShaleTyler Baze124Ryan Hanson6-18,000

SIXTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $33,000. Claiming. 3 year olds. Claiming Prices $25,000-$22,500.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1My Heart AwakensEvin Roman122Vann Belvoir12-125,000
2Neighborhood BullyDrayden Van Dyke124Tim Yakteen5-125,000
3C R BullittEswan Flores122Frank Lucarelli20-125,000
4George From TahoeRuben Fuentes122Jeff Bonde8-125,000
5MadarnasEdwin Maldonado122Eddie Truman5-125,000
6Saratoga MorningKent Desormeaux124J. Keith Desormeaux7-225,000
7Oh ManHeriberto Figueroa117Richard Baltas5-125,000
8J T's A. T. M.Geovanni Franco122Isidro Tamayo5-125,000
9Treasure HunterTiago Pereira122Jeffrey Metz4-125,000

SEVENTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $23,000. Maiden Claiming. 2 year olds. Claiming Price $30,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Royal AspirationsEdgar Payeras122Dan L. Hendricks15-130,000
2TankerGeovanni Franco122Vladimir Cerin12-130,000
3Shake N FriesDrayden Van Dyke122Tim Yakteen8-130,000
4BachchanMartin Pedroza122Simon Callaghan10-130,000
5Do Something EasyHeriberto Figueroa117William E. Morey6-130,000
6Anvil RockBrice Blanc122Thomas Ray Bell, II20-130,000
7Samurai JackFlavien Prat122Mark Glatt12-130,000
8Silent AlarmTiago Pereira122Michael Machowsky5-130,000
9Redrock TrailJoel Rosario122John W. Sadler6-130,000
10Violent BehaviorTyler Baze122Dan Blacker7-230,000
11GleyberRafael Bejarano122Doug F. O'Neill6-130,000
12Bull FighterEswan Flores122Hector O. Palma20-130,000

EIGHTH RACE.

1¼ Mile Turf. Purse: $300,000. 'American Oaks'. Stakes. Fillies. 3 year olds.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Colonia Joe Bravo122H. Graham Motion6-1
2K P Pergoliscious Tyler Baze120Jeff Mullins20-1
3Amandine Mike Smith120Jeff Mullins4-1
4Princess WarriorBrian Hernandez, Jr.122Kenneth G. McPeek6-1
5PavedDrayden Van Dyke122Michael W. McCarthy3-1
6RetroBrice Blanc120Richard E. Mandella30-1
7CompetitionofideasJoel Rosario120Chad C. Brown4-1
8CaliforniagoldrushFlavien Prat122Neil D. Drysdale5-2

NINTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $33,000. Starter Allowance. 2 year olds.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1DamianoTyler Baze122Mick Ruis5-1
2Mayan WarriorAgapito Delgadillo122Steve Knapp5-1
3Kid CantinaGeovanni Franco122Librado Barocio6-1
4RunningwscissorsMario Gutierrez122George Papaprodromou8-1
5Mad MikeMartin Pedroza122Craig Anthony Lewis10-1
6I Belong to BeckyEswan Flores122Hector O. Palma6-1
7MacwinnonEdwin Maldonado122Doug F. O'Neill4-1
8Oracle of OmahaHeriberto Figueroa117Peter Miller5-2

TENTH RACE.

About 6½ Furlongs Turf. Purse: $32,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $50,000-$40,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1FuegaMartin Pedroza122Kristin Mulhall20-150,000
2BaladeraAlonso Quinonez122Paulo H. Lobo12-150,000
3Storming LadyJoel Rosario122Simon Callaghan3-150,000
4Beyond PleasureFlavien Prat122Richard Baltas10-150,000
5Cat's DesireRuben Fuentes122Nestor M. Capitaine20-150,000
6EtchingMario Gutierrez122Ben D. A. Cecil10-150,000
7Breezy BeeKent Desormeaux122J. Keith Desormeaux6-150,000
8Grey TsunamiDiego Sanchez120Martine Bellocq50-140,000
9Weather MarketEvin Roman124Michael Pender8-150,000
10StrengthinnumbersGeovanni Franco122Philip D'Amato7-250,000
11Madaket SunsetRafael Bejarano122Philip D'Amato5-150,000
12ColdwaterDrayden Van Dyke122Patrick Gallagher15-150,000
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