Horse racing newsletter: Big day at Santa Anita

Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we congratulate Ciaran Thornton for giving our newsletter readers a $43 winner.

Our TV critic, Mike Tierney, is back with some of the things that annoy him when he watches horse racing on television. Mike has done just about everything in the journalism business and at a high level. He was even a sports-on-TV critic at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. So, Mike, what is on your mind?

“As the horses approach the starting gate, the host on TVG or Fox Sports says on-air to colleagues, ‘With a minute to post, give us your final thoughts on this race.’

“Most repeat their previously stated picks. On occasion, however, some blurt out a runner heretofore unmentioned, no doubt prompting a few viewers who rely on the analysts for gambling advice to angrily throw their TV remote at the screen.

“By then, it might be too late to process the tip and possibly place a wager based on the tout.

“Kudos to the networks for largely meeting the challenge of filling the gaps between races with engaging chatter. Yet, given that the programs exist in part to generate wagering, springing an 11th-hour tip on the audience seems to defeat a purpose.

“The crews can avoid antagonizing anyone by disclosing all of their handicapping thoughts well before post time and devote the closing seconds to rehashing or briefly elaborating.

“Then there are the oft-revealing interviews with trainers. Just before a race last weekend, Ryan Hanson candidly voiced pessimism about the first-timer Philly Cheese, who was drawing moderate betting action. Scheduling or airing the interview earlier might have saved its supporters at the virtual windows some money. Philly Cheese finished last.

“On the subject of TV remotes, mashing the mute button on mine is triggered by hearing continued annoyances such as:

“— ‘Run Happy,’ who is not, as viewers are led to believe, the greatest sire ever;

“— NYRA’s Andy Serling on Fox Sports when his pick’s bad beat — or most any type of beat, for that matter — ignites moans and complaints about a poor ride or poor luck;

“— A post parade emceed by TVG’s Christina Blacker, who is liable to skip over half of the field without a mention while delivering extensive bios on the rest;

“— Anyone who is not a jockey, trainer or owner being interviewed because it usually has nothing to do with the racing;

“— Some hosts and analysts guessing the winner of a photo finish before the outcome is declared because the crew apparently is contractually obligated to throw darts without having a clue, as NYRA’s Maggie Wolfendale and Richard Migliore incorrectly did on the same recent telecast;

“— NYRA’s Laffit Pincay Jr. whenever he starts to speak because he inevitably will interrupt or rudely talk over his partners;

“— TVG’s Todd Schrupp whenever he starts to interrupt or talk over his partners — it is less inevitable for him — because he exacerbates the situation by shouting at a volume dialed up to 10.

“Let’s end on a serious note.

“Two weekends ago, Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was shown during coverage of the Saudi Cup as part of the awards ceremony. He is often lauded for his backing of horse racing.

“Last weekend, the CIA disclosed its conclusion that Bin Salman approved the operation that led to the horrific killing of American-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

“The networks should pledge never to mention him again, much less show him on air, in connection to the sport.”

Weekly handicapping lesson

It’s time for our weekly handicapping lesson from Rob Henie of the WCHR (West Coast Handicapping Report) and the ECHR (East Coast Handicapping Report). Today’s analysis comes from the eighth race at Santa Anita and incorporates some handicapping angles into the mix. Rob, take it away.

“The Grade 2 San Carlos is at seven furlongs, a distance that is tough and demanding. When it comes to stakes races over this distance, we can usually break the entrants up into three categories with regard to how they ended up running here Saturday. (1) The horse has past class, and the race is simply a test to see if he’s still worthy of stakes company; see STORM THE COURT. (2) The horse has been pointing to this race for some time, no question well meant; see MAJOR CABBIE and EXTRA HOPE. (3) The horse is in sharp form, and though trying better, his good recent form is deserving of the opportunity; see Cal breds BRICKYARD RIDE and TIGRE Di SLUGO, or EXAULTED.

“We rarely back runners from that third category over this tough distance, sometimes will back runners off the time away is proven class wise and is working in a way that suggests a huge effort is coming over this longer sprint distance. But more often than not, we like to back sharp, current horses trying better when going seven furlongs, as we just prefer that good, current form and conditioning. With this in mind, top selection is BRICKYARD RIDE (#6), our top pick in so many of his outings over the past year. He’s just a genuine sort when breaking alertly, and though many will rationalize ‘yeah, but can he wire these over this longer sprint distance?’ we would actually argue, this distance could turn out to be one of his best. Those :21.2 type of splits we’ve seen from him when going shorter, they likely translate to closer to :22.3 considering this field Saturday, which is not real quick early, while the longer distance usually translates to slower earlier splits regardless of the level. Alexis Centeno seems to get some nice run from him, and we’ll again turn to his front-running prowess here, speculating his speed can be rationed out in a judicious manner throughout. TIGRE Di SLUGO (#9) is easy to find. We’ve been waiting for his next start, chasing the top pick to the wire, now making his third straight start since returning from the eight-month layoff, given an extra furlong to aid his cause, while Joel Rosario (like Eddie Delahoussaye was back in the ‘90s) is just so good over this distance, patient and a strong, physical rider, a great combination for these longer sprints.

“Hot / Cold Race Trends: Track is not as deep as it was even a month ago, and that’ll help the top selection.

“Win Contenders (order of preference): 6-9-7

“X Out Runners (eliminating on the win end): none

“Positive Notes:

“7 Exaulted - That last win was really nice, no doubt gaining confidence, also getting healthy right now.

“Negative Notes:

“1 Storm the Court - Placement appears to be one of convenience, likely not pointed to this one, but spotted well timewise as Peter Eurton is trying to figure out where he fits these days?

“4 Manhattan Up - Midpack style doesn’t suit Tiago Pereira well, yet; Oviedo continues to ride him.

“TOP PICK: BRICKYARD RIDE (#6 3-1 Centeno)”

“SECOND CHOICE: TIGRE Di SLUGO (#9 5-2 Rosario)”

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

Santa Anita review

I had dubbed the only allowance on the card as the feature, but that scratched down to four horses. So, we’ll highlight a one-mile maiden special, which was won by Law Professor (which you’ll read about later with Ciaran’s pick). Michael McCarthy was the trainer and Rosario was the rider. The winning margin was 2½ lengths.

Law Professor paid $43.20, $12.40 and $7.00. Harbored Memories was second, and There Goes Harvard finished third. The favorite, Fenway, finished sixth of seven.

Santa Anita preview

Saturday’s card, in short, is spectacular. There are 11 races starting at noon. There are five stakes races, two of the Grade 1; there are four allowance races; and five of the races are on the turf. Let’s get right to them.

$100,000 China Doll Stakes: This was a $75,000 race but got raised for Saturday’s card. It’s for 3-year-old fillies. The favorite is Going Global, at 3-1, for trainer Phil D’Amato and jockey Flavien Prat. She came over from Ireland and in her only race here won the Sweet Life Stakes. She has won two of five races. The second favorite is Quattroelle at 7-2 for Jeff Mullins and Tyler Baze. She has won two of four and is coming off a win in the Blue Norther Stakes. Post is noon.

Grade 2 $300,000 San Felipe Stakes: This is actually the big race of the day with major Kentucky Derby points on the line. The winner is virtually in the Derby. Bob Baffert has both favorites in Life Is Good at 4-5 and Medina Spirit at 7-2. Mike Smith rides the former and John Velazquez the latter. I did a full preview on the race for the web and print. Just click here. Post is around 2:45 p.m.

Grade 2 $200,000 San Carlos Stakes: There aren’t a lot of graded seven-furlong races, but this is one of them. Tigre Di Slugo is the 5-2 favorite for Mike Puype and Rosario. This lightly raced 6-year-old gelding has won half of his six races but none at the stakes level. Brickyard Ride is the second choice at 3-1 and he has won six of 12 races. Craig Lewis trains and Centeno rides. He has won only one stakes, the Cal Cup Sprint last out, when he beat Tigre Di Sluggo. Post is around 3:52 p.m.

Grade 1 $400,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile: This is a turf race for older horses. Ride a Comet ships in to be the 7-2 favorite for Mark Casse and Drayden Van Dyke. He has won his last four races, including two Grade 2s and a Grade 3. This is his first appearance at Santa Anita in 13 races. There are two horses at 4-1, Smooth Like Strait (Michael McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli) and Hit the Road (Dan Blacker, Florent Geroux). Smooth Like Strait is coming off a win in the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile and has won four of his last six races. Hit the Road is coming off a win in the Grade 3 Thunder Road and has three wins in a row. Post is around 4:26 p.m.

Grade 1 $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap: This once storied race is at the classic distance of 1¼ miles. Undefeated Maxfield ships in for Brendan Walsh and Geroux and is at 8-5. Express Train, winner of the San Pasqual, is the second favorite at 3-1 for John Shirreffs and Juan Hernandez. I did a full preview for web and print, just click here. Post is around 5 p.m.

Here are the field sizes, in order: 9, 7, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 9, 10, 8, 12.

Ciaran Thornton’s SA pick of the day

EIGHTH RACE: No. 3 Major Cabbie (8-1)

Major Cabbie makes the first start since December 2019 for trainer Peter Miller, and Prat rides. This tandem is winning 25%. This is a big jump in class and an interesting race to make the first start off the bench, but if Miller thinks this is the spot and Prat agrees to ride, then I am all over this 8-1 value price. If this horse is like its old self, gate-to-wire win.

Friday’s result: Law Professor, how did we get 20-1! Rosario sat four back throughout the race, then powered down the stretch to win. ‘Professor paid $43.20 for the win.

Ciaran Thornton is the handicapper for Californiapick4.com, which offers daily full card picks, longshots of the day, best bets of the day.

What happened at Golden Gate

We normally reserve this space for a preview of weekend racing action at Golden Gate Fields by Matt Dinerman. But given what happened Thursday, it would seem a little tone deaf. I couldn’t cover it yesterday because the situation was still fluid and the newsletter has a very early deadline on Thursday.

In short, animal rights’ activists got on the track, formed a human chain and delayed racing for hours. The first race was canceled, but subsequent races eventually were run into the evening hours.

It was not the usual group of protesters, but a group that I had not heard of. They wanted to bring attention to six horse fatalities since Dec. 31. Four were in training and two were categorized as “other,” which in this case were a horse that had an anaphylactic reaction to iron and another a horse that was found dead in the stall after a reaction to an anesthetic. One of the horses had a “sudden death,” which is generally but not always a cardiac issue, and another was involved in a gruesome paddock accident in which the horse was essentially impaled by a sliding safety barrier. Two were musculoskeletal injuries, or what we refer to as breakdowns.

By comparison, when Santa Anita had its fatality crisis two years ago, 20 horses had died by this time.

Even before the protest, two reps of the Stronach Group and two members of the California Horse Racing Board had met to discuss the rise in fatalities. The meeting was called by TSG. Dr. Dionne Benson, the chief veterinary officer of TSG, sent a letter to the CHRB outlining each of the deaths and possible remedies. The group is working with the Thoroughbred Owners of California to outlaw products that could cause the anaphylactic reaction and is beefing up its safety protocols around the paddock (this accident seemed preventable) and has asked for quicker access to postmortem results.

The letter said that without them it causes “our review to be much slower than necessary — and hampers informed responsiveness. As we can often change out protocols more quickly than the CHRB can change its rules, this could be particularly important.”

As for the protesters, they didn’t get the headlines they were hoping for. Instead, most news outlets focused on how the protest stopped some people from getting their COVID-19 vaccinations, as the inoculation site at the track had to be shut down for a period of time.

When you strip away all the rhetoric, that’s the situation at Golden Gate.

Big races preview

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

11:18 Tampa Bay (5): Grade 3 $100,000 Challenger Stakes, 4 and up, 1-1/16 miles. Favorite: Modernist (9-5)

12:00 Santa Anita (1): $100,000 China Dolls Stakes, fillies 3-years-olds, 1 mile on turf. Favorite: Going Global (3-1)

12:29 Aqueduct (6): $250,000 Busher Invitational, fillies 3-years-old, 1 mile. Favorite: Miss Brazil (2-1)

1:02 Aqueduct (7): Grade 3 $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap, 4 and up, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Share the Ride (2-1)

1:25 Tampa Bay (9): Grade 2 $225,000 Hillsborough Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1-1/18 miles on turf. Favorite: Counterparty Risk (4-1)

1:36 Aqueduct (8): $125,000 Heavenly Prize Invitational, 4 and up, 1 mile. Favorite: Lake Avenue (8-5)

1:55 Tampa Bay (10): Grade 3 $200,000 Florida Oaks, fillies 3-years-old, 1-1/16 miles on turf. Favorite: Jouster (2-1)

2:07 Aqueduct (9): Grade 3 $300,000 Gotham Stakes, 3-year-olds, 1 mile. Favorite: Highly Motivated (8-5)

2:25 Tampa Bay (11): Grade 2 $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby, 3-year-olds, 1-1/16 miles. Favorite: Candy Man Rocket (2-1)

2:45 Santa Anita (6): Grade 2 $300,000 San Felipe Stakes, 3-year-olds, 1-1/16 miles. Favorite: Life Is Good (4-5)

3:10 Oaklawn (9): Grade 3 $300,000 Honeybee Stakes, fillies 3-years-old, 1-1/16 miles. Favorite: Sun Path (5-2)

3:52 Santa Anita (8): Grade 2 $200,000 San Carlos Stakes, 3 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Tigre Di Slugo (5-2)

4:26 Santa Anita (9): Grade 1 $400,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile, 4 and up, 1 mile on turf. Favorite: Ride a Comet (7-2)

5:00 Santa Anita (10): Grade 1 $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap, 4 and up, 1¼ miles. Favorite: Maxfield (8-5)

Chris Wade’s LA pick of the day

SEVENTH RACE: No. 7 Sassies Blues Girl (6-1)

She has been known to race in zigzag fashion from time to time, but does seem to be putting it all together lately, and her figures have been steadily moved forward on my charts. She’s nice sized and benefits from a solid jockey/trainer duo winning at a 34% clip. In her last start, she broke a tad slow and ran with her head turned sideways throughout before showing a good amount of run left in the tank. I think she makes another step forward and having the outside post suits her racing style. She’s facing a very tough favorite in Terrific Temper, so if she comes through, the mutuel payoff will be a nice one.

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