Racing! What’s the moment of the year?

January 4, 2020 0 By JohnValbyNation

Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we head into two graded stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Each year the National Thoroughbred Racing Assn. determines its moment of the year through a fan vote. You can do it by going to the web site and voting. Just click here. You can also vote on Twitter where every retweet or use of the official hashtag (which is provided) will be counted as a vote.

Now, because we’re always trying to be helpful, we’ve divided up the moments into different categories. And, I’ve even added some comments. So, let’s do it.

Deserves consideration

#MaximumSecurityDQ – The 145th Kentucky Derby will live in infamy as Maximum Security crossed the wire first but was disqualified due to interference, elevating Country House to the victory. (May 4)

Comment: This one seems like a slam-dunk winner.

#MitoleMet – With six Grade/Group 1 winners in its field, the 2019 Metropolitan Handicap was arguably the most loaded race on the Belmont Stakes card and it lived up to the hype as Mitole prevailed by three-quarters of a length over McKinzie. (June 8) Comment: Really great race and the beginning of the end of Bob Baffert using Mike Smith as the rider on McKinzie.

#ThunderSnowDWC – Godolphin’s homebred made history when he edged Gronkowski at the wire to become the Dubai World Cup’s first two-time winner. (March 30) Comment: History making is the hook here.

#BisouBest – The third and final meeting of the season between Grade 1 winners Midnight Bisou and Elate proved among the most stirring races of the year with Midnight Bisou running down her rival in the final strides to win by a nose. (Aug. 24) Comment: Just a great final race in a series of great races.

#OmahaBeachSprint – In his first start since winning the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby in April, Omaha Beach showcased his versatility when he caught Shancelot in deep stretch to win the Grade 1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes. (Oct. 5) Comment: Important only in that it showed how good Omaha Beach could be, although we’ll probably not know because he’s being shipped to stud after the Pegasus. Wouldn’t argue if someone wanted to drop a category.

Nice but doesn’t rise

#GoodbyeMarylou – Thoroughbred racing lost a member of its royal family when Marylou Whitney, the “Queen of Saratoga”, died at the age of 93. (July 19) Comment: Really not a moment but we didn’t disqualify it because of her decades of importance to the industry.

#CovfefeTest – In a duel that invoked memories of the 2002 battle between You and Carson Hollow, eventual Breeders’ Cup winner Covfeve matched strides with Kentucky Oaks heroine Serengeti Empress to the wire before getting up by a half a length. (Aug. 3) Comment: Yeah, a nice race.

#FourStarStormy – Owner Gary Barber’s decision to wheel his filly Got Stormy back in the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap seven days after she won the De La Rose Stakes at Saratoga paid dividends as she bested eventual Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Uni to become the first filly to capture the race, doing so in course-record fashion. (Aug. 10) Comment: Big if you were at Saratoga, elsewhere, more of a “isn’t that nice.”

#BelvoirBayBC – Less than two years after having to run for her life during the Lilac Fire that decimated San Luis Rey Training Center, Belvoir Bay again demonstrated her heart when she toppled male rivals to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in course-record time. (Nov. 2) Comment: Really good story, but kind of got lost on BC day.

#BricksBC – After having his career nearly derailed in 2017, Bricks and Mortar stamped himself the favorite for 2019 Horse of the Year honors when he capped an unbeaten campaign with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. (Nov. 2) Comment: Best horse of the year deserves to be in top category but Bricks and Mortar having a great race seems routine. Wouldn’t argue if you wanted to move it up a category.

Are you kidding me?

#BodexpressRun – After unseating jockey John Velazquez at the start of the Preakness Stakes, Bodexpress proceeded to take a joyride alongside the field around the Pimlico Racecourse oval before being caught by outrider Kaymarie Kreidel. Comment: I never understood the fascination people had with a horse running loose in a race. If that were the case, maybe the Del Mar Futurity should have been nominated.

#VinoRossoBC – Vino Rosso provided trainer Todd Pletcher one of the few accolades missing from the seven-time Eclipse Award winner’s resume when he captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic to give his conditioner his first victory in the prestigious test. (Nov. 2) Comment: It was a great run by Vino Rosso but that race will not be remembered for his win. It’s akin to Stronach executive Mike Rogers saying that except for the deaths, Santa Anita had a good meeting.

Disqualified

#IradBC – Irad Ortiz Jr. showed again why he is one of the best riders in the game when he booted home four winners during the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships. (Nov. 1-2) Comment: It’s not a moment. Plus, you should get points off for using “booted” as another way of saying “rode.”

#ChadSweep – In one of the most impressive displays of strength from his powerhouse stable, three-time Eclipse Award winning trainer Chad Brown saddled the winners of all four graded stakes – including three Grade 1 races – on the Arlington Million card. (Aug. 10) Comment: See previous.

Santa Anita review

Friday’s feature was a little on the light side, an allowance/optional claimer for 3-year-old fillies going a mile on the dirt for a purse of $57,000. Gingham was the winner in a last-to-first performance over the five-horse field.

Drayden Van Dyke had a very patient ride, waiting until the middle of the far turn to unleash Gingham. Even though the winning margin was only three-quarters of a length. Her last race was a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Starlet at Los Alamitos.

Gingham paid $3.40, $2.20 and $2.10. Savvy Gal was second followed by Rare Find, Shanghai Keely and Navy Queen.

“She was a little keen last time at Los Alamitos,” Jimmy Barnes, Baffert’s main assistant, told Mike Willman of Santa Anita. “So, we took the blinkers off [Friday] and it helped her settle today.”

Van Dyke did some recon to help him ride the horse.

“I looked at the video of her when [Joel] Rosario rode her [in her maiden win on Oct. 31] and this is how she wants to run,” Van Dyke said. “Once I tipped her out there from behind horses turning for home, she took off. Taking the blinkers off definitely helped.”

Santa Anita preview

It’s another big race card in terms of number of races and quality. There are 10 races starting at 11:30. Five of the races are on the turf. There are two graded stakes and three allowance races. Not bad at all.

Let’s look at the two stakes.

Grade 3 $100,000 Sham Stakes: This is a Kentucky Derby points race for, obviously, 3-year-olds going a mile. The winner only gets 10 points, so it’s not like this in any way gets you to the Derby. Authentic is the 8-5 favorite for trainer Baffert and jockey Van Dyke. He’s only raced once and won by 1 ½ lengths. He’s got a bullet work on Dec. 22 over five furlongs. He was a $350,000 Keeneland purchase.

There are two horses at 5-2. Azul Coast is also trained by Baffert and ridden by Joel Rosario. He won his only start by four lengths at Los Alamitos. Taishan won his second start by a length at Santa Anita and is trained by Richard Baltas and ridden by Aaron Gryder.

Grade 2 $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes: It’s a 1 1/8-mile turf race for horses 4 and up. Cleopatra’s Strike is the 2-1 favorite for Phil D’Amato and Abel Cedillo. He’s won four-of-26 lifetime and two back won the John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita. Since he’s moved to the D’Amato barn the 7-year-old gelding has a win, two seconds and a fourth.

Again, there are two horses at second favorites at 3-1. Desert Stone is two-of-15 lifetime and runs for Baltas and Geovanni Franco. He hasn’t won since June 1, 2018 and is coming off a ninth in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile. Majestic Eagle also goes off at those odds for Neil Drysdale and Rafael Bejarano. He has won three of 20 and is coming off a fourth in the Seabiscuit Handicap. He last won on July 19, 2018.

Here are the field sizes in order: 9, 8, 8, 8, 6, 12, 6, 7, 8, 11.

Ciaran Thornton’s SA picks of the day

RACE TWO: No. 5 Malibu Morning (20-1)

Malibu Morning is 20-1 for the second career race and first time turf. Last out under the lights the horse sat at the back of a short field and hugged the rail late to make a nice closing move. On the gallop out Malibu passed the winner. The horse was bet to 4-1 in that debut race. Dam has five turf winners from eight starters. This 20-1 price is great value for us today! This race has been won by horses over a 10-1 value 5 of 12 times for a 42% win rate.

Friday’s result: Avalon Ride was set up perfectly into the turn to win the race but could not catch the runaway winner and lost a photo for second place.

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

Big races preview

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

12:00 Gulfstream (7): $100,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes, 3-year-olds, 7 ½ furlongs on turf. Favorite: Irish Mias (3-1)

12:55 Aqueduct (8): $100,000 La Verdad Stakes, NY-bred fillies and mares 4 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Pauseforthecause (3-5)

1:00 Gulfstream (9): $100,000 Ginger Brew Stakes, fillies 3-years-old, 7 ½ furlongs on turf. Favorite: Abscond (9-5)

1:30 Gulfstream (10): $100,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes, 3-year-olds, 1 mile. Favorite: Chance It (9-5)

1:40 Santa Anita (5): Grade 3 $100,000 Sham Stakes, 3-year-olds, 1 mile. Favorite: Authentic (8-5)

3:24 Santa Anita (8): Grade 2 $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes, 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Cleopatra’s Strike

Chris Wade’s LA pick of the day

RACE EIGHT: No. 1 All Prettied Up (10-1)

My price play of the night is this still improving sprinter, as she gets better on my charts in each subsequent outing. In her last start 22 night ago, she became rambunctious in the gate, veered inward at the start, lost almost two lengths to the leaders, while also striding out of the gate with no early momentum. After the tough getaway, the filly finished well while racing in close quarters late while finishing sixth. If this entrant can leave the number one post in decent fashion tonight, she could reward her backers with an excellent win payout.

Final thought

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

Santa Anita Charts Results for Friday, January 3.

Click Here: Italy Football Shop

Copyright 2020 by Equibase Company. Reproduction prohibited. Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. 4th day of a 60-day meet. Clear & Fast

FIRST RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $12,500. Time 25.10 49.60 1:14.47 1:27.46 1:41.22


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

6 Fast as Cass 124 6 3 2–½ 2–2 1–½ 1–5 1–1 Fuentes 1.70
2 Gryffindor 124 2 4 6 6 5–2½ 4–2 2–nk Payeras 12.90
4 R B Eye 124 4 2 3–1 3–1 3–hd 3–½ 3–1¾ Roman 17.70
1 Union Station 119 1 5 5–hd 5–½ 4–hd 5–5 4–3¾ Diaz, Jr. 3.60
5 Norski 119 5 1 1–1 1–hd 2–4 2–hd 5–8¼ Velez 2.20
3 Tiz a Slayer 124 3 6 4–½ 4–½ 6 6 6 Blanc 4.50

6 FAST AS CASS 5.40 3.40 2.60
2 GRYFFINDOR 9.40 5.20
4 R B EYE 4.80

$1 EXACTA (6-2)  $17.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (6-2-4-1)  $37.96
50-CENT TRIFECTA (6-2-4)  $60.60

Winner–Fast as Cass Dbb.g.5 by Unusual Heat out of Silber, by Bertrando. Bred by Abrams, Huston Racing Stables, Loverso& Perez (CA). Trainer: Lorenzo Ruiz. Owner: Antonio R. Mojarro. Mutuel Pool $142,952 Exacta Pool $87,315 Superfecta Pool $34,901 Trifecta Pool $57,977. Scratched–none.

FAST AS CASS three deep early, stalked outside a rival then bid alongside the pacesetter, took the lead on the second turn, inched away into the stretch, kicked clear under urging and held. GRYFFINDOR chased between horses then outside a rival, went up four wide into the second turn then three deep leaving that turn and into the stretch and closed the gap to the winner to edge a rival for the place. R B EYE stalked between horses then inside on the backstretch, continued between rivals on the second turn, drifted in a bit in the stretch and was edged for the place. UNION STATION saved ground stalking the pace throughout and lacked the needed response in the drive. NORSKI between horses early, tugged his way to the front, set the pace a bit off the rail then dueled inside on the backstretch and second turn, came out into the stretch and weakened. TIZ A SLAYER a bit slow into stride, came out into the first turn and chased three deep then outside a rival, dropped back between horses on the second turn, came out into the stretch, gave way and was eased late.

SECOND RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $22,000. Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $16,000. Time 22.33 45.62 57.91 1:11.04


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ Str Fin Jockey $1

3 I Belong to Becky 124 3 2 1–1½ 1–2½ 1–5 1–6¼ Fuentes 1.30
5 Roaring Fork 124 5 1 4–hd 3–1½ 2–hd 2–1¾ Gryder 2.80
2 Toothless Wonder 119 2 5 3–hd 2–hd 3–3 3–1 Velez 2.20
1 Imagineiamfastest 124 1 4 2–hd 4–½ 4–hd 4–¾ Cedillo 14.10
4 Black Storm 124 4 3 5 5 5 5 Figueroa 6.80

3 I BELONG TO BECKY 4.60 2.80 2.10
5 ROARING FORK 3.80 2.60
2 TOOTHLESS WONDER 2.40

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (6-3)  $9.80
$1 EXACTA (3-5)  $7.80
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-5-2)  $7.00

Winner–I Belong to Becky Dbb.g.4 by Vronsky out of Pinky’s Posh, by Bold Badgett. Bred by Old English Rancho (CA). Trainer: Peter Miller. Owner: Rockingham Ranch. Mutuel Pool $158,218 Daily Double Pool $34,146 Exacta Pool $87,946 Trifecta Pool $62,514. Claimed–Roaring Fork by Altamira Racing Stable, Kagele, Tom and Shaw, Ken. Trainer: Peter Miller. Claimed–Toothless Wonder by Kelly, Glyn C. and MacLennan, Anne. Trainer: Sean McCarthy. Claimed–Black Storm by Huston Racing Stable and Sanora, Steve. Trainer: Gary Stute. Scratched–none.

I BELONG TO BECKY sped to the early lead and angled in, set the pace along the inside, edged away on the turn then drew off in the stretch under left handed urging and steady handling then a long hold late. ROARING FORK stalked outside then four wide leaving the backstretch, continued outside a foe on the turn and three deep into the stretch and was second best. TOOTHLESS WONDER a step slow to begin, went up between horses to stalk the pace, continued a bit off the rail on the turn and into the stretch and held third. IMAGINEIAMFASTEST saved ground stalking the pace, continued inside on the turn and in the stretch and weakened. BLACK STORM stalked between horses then three deep between foes leaving the backstretch, continu3ed outside a rival on the turn, came out some into the stretch and also weakened.

THIRD RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $57,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 22.25 45.92 1:10.42 1:36.06 1:48.50


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

5 Sapphire Kid 124 5 1 2–3½ 2–4 2–2 1–3 1–3¾ Pereira 5.50
1 Quinnie 122 1 2 3–½ 3–1 4–2½ 2–hd 2–hd Franco 2.60
3 Avalon Ride 117 3 4 4–1 4–1½ 3–hd 3–hd 3–2½ Diaz, Jr. 8.50
4 Lucky Ms Jones 124 4 6 6 6 6 5–½ 4–3¼ T Baze 2.10
2 Moonless Sky 124 2 3 5–hd 5–hd 5–hd 6 5–¾ Van Dyke 3.10
6 Brahms Command 122 6 5 1–5 1–6 1–3½ 4–2 6 Maldonado 10.30

5 SAPPHIRE KID 13.00 5.60 3.80
1 QUINNIE 3.60 3.20
3 AVALON RIDE 4.80

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-5)  $35.40
$1 EXACTA (5-1)  $22.90
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-1-3-4)  $29.63
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-1-3)  $69.60

Winner–Sapphire Kid Dbb.m.5 by Richard’s Kid out of Sensitive Soul, by Bernstein. Bred by Dahlberg Farms LLC (CA). Trainer: Steve Knapp. Owner: Beerman Family Trust and Sayjay Racing LLC. Mutuel Pool $183,656 Daily Double Pool $21,261 Exacta Pool $82,315 Superfecta Pool $30,084 Trifecta Pool $53,145. Scratched–Rose Dunn.

50-Cent Pick Three (6-3-5) paid $20.95. Pick Three Pool $49,671.

SAPPHIRE KID angled in and stalked inside, came out leaving the second turn, bid alongside the pacesetter into the stretch to gain the lead in upper stretch, drifted and drew clear under left handed urging then steady handling late. QUINNIE saved ground chasing the pace, split horses in midstretch and edged a rival for the place. AVALON RIDE between horses early, chased outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and was edged for second. LUCKY MS JONES three deep early, chased outside a rival to the stretch and lacked the needed rally. MOONLESS SKY saved ground chasing the pace, came out some in midstretch and lacked the necessary response. BRAHMS COMMAND broke out a bit, had speed outside foes then crossed to the inside and set the pace along the rail, dueled briefly into the stretch and weakened.

FOURTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $12,500. Time 21.81 45.45 1:13.07 1:20.69


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ Str Fin Jockey $1

3 Bellazano 124 3 2 2–1 2–1½ 2–3 1–2½ Espinoza 2.40
2 Diosa 124 2 5 1–hd 1–1 1–½ 2–1¾ Cedillo 1.20
6 At the Margin 124 6 4 5–hd 6 3–hd 3–1 Rojas Fernandez 17.40
5 Jabber Now 124 5 1 4–3 4–3 4–hd 4–½ Pereira 7.00
4 Queen Carmelita 124 4 3 3–hd 3–hd 5–1 5–1¼ Figueroa 10.90
1 Laker Jet 119 1 6 6 5–1 6 6 Velez 4.40

3 BELLAZANO 6.80 3.20 2.40
2 DIOSA 3.00 2.20
6 AT THE MARGIN 3.40

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-3)  $39.40
$1 EXACTA (3-2)  $8.00
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-2-6-5)  $12.62
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-2-6)  $22.25

Winner–Bellazano Ch.f.4 by Verrazano out of Martita Sangrita, by Johar. Bred by Machmer Hall, Craig Brogden &Carrie Brogden (KY). Trainer: Shelbe Ruis. Owner: Ruis Racing LLC. Mutuel Pool $168,293 Daily Double Pool $13,035 Exacta Pool $99,110 Superfecta Pool $39,228 Trifecta Pool $65,699. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-5-3) paid $35.00. Pick Three Pool $28,779.

BELLAZANO had speed between horses then dueled outside the runner-up, stalked off the rail on the turn, re-bid outside that one in the stretch under urging to gain the lead a sixteenth out and inched away late. DIOSA sped to the early lead, dueled inside, inched away on the turn, fought back along the fence in the stretch but could not match the winner late while besting the others. AT THE MARGIN settled off the rail then well outside a rival, angled in alongside a foe on the turn and into the stretch, split horses in midstretch and picked up the show. JABBER NOW had speed four wide then stalked outside a foe, came four wide into the stretch and lacked a rally. QUEEN CARMELITA dueled between horses then stalked off the rail on the backstretch and turn, came a bit wide into the stretch and did not rally. LAKER JET a step slow to begin, saved ground chasing the pace throughout and could not offer the necessary response in the drive.

FIFTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $25,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $25,000. Time 23.51 47.20 1:11.18 1:23.79 1:36.10


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

9 Point Hope 124 8 7 5–2½ 5–3½ 3–hd 2–hd 1–1¼ Van Dyke 2.40
8 Invincibella 124 7 2 4–1 3–1½ 2–hd 3–1 2–½ T Baze 1.70
2 Harper’s Gallop 124 2 4 1–1 1–1½ 1–1½ 1–hd 3–nk Puglisi 7.70
3 Diamond of Value 124 3 3 7–2½ 6–hd 5–2 4–5 4–4¾ Fuentes 5.10
1 Greater Glory 117 1 6 8 8 8 6–½ 5–4¼ Flores 36.80
5 Dairy Kid 124 4 8 6–hd 7–3½ 7–3 7–4½ 6–2¾ Payeras 31.20
6 Daddy’s Melody 124 5 1 2–1½ 2–½ 4–2½ 5–1 7–11¼ Cedillo 6.60
7 Shelbydoodle 124 6 5 3–hd 4–1 6–½ 8 8 Talamo 15.60

9 POINT HOPE (IRE) 6.80 3.40 2.60
8 INVINCIBELLA (GB) 3.00 2.40
2 HARPER’S GALLOP 4.40

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-9)  $15.40
$1 EXACTA (9-8)  $6.40
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (9-8-2-3)  $11.68
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (9-8-2-3-1)  $759.30
50-CENT TRIFECTA (9-8-2)  $23.05

Winner–Point Hope (IRE) B.m.5 by Kodiac (GB) out of Frosted (GB), by Dr Fong. Bred by Knocktartan House Stud (IRE). Trainer: Ronald W. Ellis. Owner: MJ Stables, LLC, Finder, Gary and Maciariello, Pat. Mutuel Pool $144,545 Daily Double Pool $24,294 Exacta Pool $91,235 Superfecta Pool $49,375 Super High Five Pool $28,315 Trifecta Pool $69,584. Claimed–Harper’s Gallop by Macy, Michael and Plumer, Scott. Trainer: Steve Knapp. Scratched–Tinnie.

50-Cent Pick Three (5-3-9) paid $36.80. Pick Three Pool $33,168. 50-Cent Pick Four (3-5-3-9) 806 tickets with 4 correct paid $102.60. Pick Four Pool $108,296. 10-Cent Pick Five (3-7-4-1/4/9/15-9(STRONACH5)) 5 correct paid $1,187.20. Pick Five Pool $214,528. 50-Cent Pick Five (6-3-5-3-9) 1169 tickets with 5 correct paid $277.65. Pick Five Pool $377,374.

POINT HOPE (IRE) broke out some and a bit slowly, angled in and chased outside a rival then a bit off the rail, found the inside into the second turn, came out leaving that turn and three wide into the stretch, bid three deep in the drive, gained the lead under a couple of left handed taps of the whip on the shoulder and steady handling in deep stretch and inched away late. INVINCIBELLA (GB) crossed to the inside and saved ground stalking the pace, came out into the stretch, bid between rivals in the drive, fought back between foes in the final furlong and edged a rival for the place. HARPER’S GALLOP sped to the early lead, set the pace inside, fought back along the rail in the stretch, could not match the winner late and was edged for second. DIAMOND OF VALUE stalked a bit off the rail then inside into and on the second turn and into the stretch, came out for room in midstretch and was edged for third three deep on the line. GREATER GLORY unhurried along the inside for six furlongs, came out into the stretch and improved position. DAIRY KID a bit slow to begin, settled outside a rival then inside on the second turn and lacked a rally. DADDY’S MELODY had speed outside a rival then stalked a bit off the rail, was between foes leaving the second turn and weakened. SHELBYDOODLE (IRE) three deep early, chased outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and also weakened.

SIXTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $57,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies. 3 year olds. Claiming Price $80,000. Time 23.37 47.58 1:12.86 1:25.77 1:39.36


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

1 Gingham 122 1 4 5 5 3–1½ 1–1 1–¾ Van Dyke 0.70
5 Savvy Gal 122 5 2 1–1 1–½ 1–1½ 2–4½ 2–5¾ Rosario 2.30
4 Rare Find 122 4 5 4–2½ 4–1½ 4–½ 4–5 3–1½ Cedillo 7.50
3 Shanghai Keely 120 3 1 2–hd 2–1 2–½ 3–3½ 4–17 T Baze 4.80
2 Navy Queen 122 2 3 3–2 3–hd 5 5 5 Pereira 32.00

1 GINGHAM 3.40 2.20 2.10
5 SAVVY GAL 2.60 2.20
4 RARE FIND 2.40

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (9-1)  $11.80
$1 EXACTA (1-5)  $3.80
50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-5-4)  $4.40

Winner–Gingham B.f.3 by Quality Road out of Chapel, by Pulpit. Bred by Stone Farm (KY). Trainer: Bob Baffert. Owner: Kelly, Sarah and Wiltz, Jane. Mutuel Pool $233,187 Daily Double Pool $16,004 Exacta Pool $98,544 Trifecta Pool $82,023. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-9-1) paid $8.15. Pick Three Pool $44,739.

GINGHAM saved ground chasing the pace, came out and moved up three deep on the second turn and into the stretch, gained the lead in upper stretch, battled outside the runner-up under left handed urging in the final furlong and gamely prevailed. SAVVY GAL had speed three deep then angled in and set the pace inside, fought back along the rail through the stretch and went on willingly to the wire. RARE FIND a bit slow into stride, chased outside a rival then a bit off the rail, continued alongside a foe on the second turn and picked up the show. SHANGHAI KEELY had speed between horses then stalked a bit off the rail to the stretch and weakened. NAVY QUEEN pulled her way along inside, saved ground stalking the pace, dropped back on the second turn, came out some in the stretch, gave way and was eased late.

SEVENTH RACE.

5½ Furlongs Turf. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. 3 year olds. Time 22.56 45.46 57.06 1:03.12


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ 3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1

9 Rookie Mistake 122 9 4 3–1 1–½ 1–3½ 1–3¼ Gutierrez 1.00
1 Coalinga Road 122 1 1 1–hd 2–hd 2–3 2–2¾ Van Dyke 2.30
2 Austin’s Boy 122 2 8 4–2 4–3 3–2 3–1½ Hernandez 15.60
8 Luvluv 122 8 5 8–3 8–2 5–hd 4–1½ T Baze 9.40
7 El Diablo Rojo 117 7 7 7–4 7–4 6–hd 5–2½ Velez 28.30
3 Big Billy 122 3 2 5–1½ 5–½ 8–5 6–1 Cedillo 13.10
5 World O Luck 122 5 6 6–hd 6–1½ 4–hd 7–2¾ Delgadillo 19.60
4 George Herman Ruth 122 4 9 9 9 9 8–¾ Talamo 13.20
6 Bernie’s Big Boy 122 6 3 2–hd 3–1½ 7–½ 9 Roman 79.30

9 ROOKIE MISTAKE 4.00 2.40 2.20
1 COALINGA ROAD 2.80 2.40
2 AUSTIN’S BOY 4.00

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (1-9)  $8.20
$1 EXACTA (9-1)  $4.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (9-1-2-8)  $12.08
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (9-1-2-8-7)  $375.80
50-CENT TRIFECTA (9-1-2)  $15.35

Winner–Rookie Mistake Ch.c.3 by Square Eddie out of Meetmeinthewoods, by General Meeting. Bred by Reddam Racing, LLC (CA). Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill. Owner: Reddam Racing LLC. Mutuel Pool $239,221 Daily Double Pool $32,629 Exacta Pool $139,335 Superfecta Pool $65,417 Super High Five Pool $4,924 Trifecta Pool $96,335. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (9-1-9) paid $7.05. Pick Three Pool $34,743.

ROOKIE MISTAKE dueled three deep, took the advantage on the turn, inched away and angled in just off the rail into the stretch, drew clear under urging then steady handling late. COALINGA ROAD had good early speed and dueled inside, fought back midway on the turn, was not a match for the winner in the drive but clearly second best. AUSTIN’S BOY broke a bit slowly, saved ground stalking the pace, came out leaving the turn and three wide into the stretch and bested the others. LUVLUV three deep early, chased off the rail then angled to the inside leaving the backstretch, saved ground on the turn and into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. EL DIABLO ROJO broke a bit slowly, was between horses early, settled outside a rival chasing the pace to the stretch and lacked the necessary response. BIG BILLY stalked outside a rival then a bit off the rail, went outside a foe on the turn and three deep into the stretch and weakened. WORLD O LUCK broke a bit slowly, angled in and stalked inside, cut the corner into the stretch and also weakened. GEORGE HERMAN RUTH dwelt then hopped to be away behind the field, settled just off the rail, came out into the stretch and did not rally. BERNIE’S BIG BOY had good early speed and dueled between horses, fought back midway on the turn and weakened in the stretch.

EIGHTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $20,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 21.87 45.30 1:11.45 1:18.43


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ Str Fin Jockey $1

5 Buyback 124 5 4 2–hd 2–2½ 1–hd 1–2¾ Maldonado 1.90
7 Suezaaana 124 7 1 1–1½ 1–1½ 2–4 2–½ Johnson 20.20
6 Info’s Treasure 124 6 2 9 9 7–1½ 3–2¼ T Baze 27.30
9 Katsaros 124 9 5 5–1½ 4–hd 3–½ 4–½ Figueroa 1.70
4 Manresa 124 4 6 7–2 6–hd 6–1 5–1¼ Blanc 3.70
3 Chirp 119 3 3 3–hd 3–½ 5–1½ 6–2½ Velez 15.40
1 Osteria 119 1 7 4–½ 5–2 4–hd 7–5¼ Diaz, Jr. 43.20
2 Vidalia 124 2 9 6–½ 7–1 8–hd 8–1½ Pereira 43.10
8 Root Beer Rag 124 8 8 8–7 8–6 9 9 Delgadillo 12.00

5 BUYBACK 5.80 3.80 3.40
7 SUEZAAANA 13.00 6.60
6 INFO’S TREASURE 8.80

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (9-5)  $12.20
$1 EXACTA (5-7)  $31.70
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-7-6-9)  $81.13
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-7-6-9-4)  $2,950.50
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-7-6)  $113.40

Winner–Buyback Ch.f.4 by Mucho Macho Man out of Carmelita, by North Light (IRE). Bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & RobertTraynor (KY). Trainer: Jeff Bonde. Owner: Barton, Richard and Traynor, Robert. Mutuel Pool $197,019 Daily Double Pool $21,530 Exacta Pool $141,258 Superfecta Pool $75,016 Super High Five Pool $3,866 Trifecta Pool $100,124. Claimed–Katsaros by Richard Barton. Trainer: Jeff Bonde. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (1-9-5) paid $6.70. Pick Three Pool $33,808.

BUYBACK stalked three deep between horses then a bit off the rail on the turn, bid outside the runner-up to gain the lead in the stretch and won clear under urging. SUEZAAANA sped to the early lead, set the pace a bit off the rail then inside, came a bit off the fence again in the stretch and just held second. INFO’S TREASURE dropped back off the rail then inside, angled in on the turn, came out into the stretch, went around a rival in midstretch then finished with interest inside to be edged for the place. KATSAROS stalked four wide on the backstretch and three deep on the turn, came four wide into the stretch and lacked a rally. MANRESA chased outside a rival, came out into the stretch, drifted in and split rivals under some urging then had the rider lose the whip a sixteenth out and could not offer the necessary response. CHIRP stalked between horses then a bit off the rail on the turn and outside a rival into the stretch and weakened. OSTERIA saved ground stalking the pace, came a bit off the rail in the stretch and also weakened. VIDALIA broke a bit slowly, steadied between horses early, saved ground chasing the pace and also weakened. ROOT BEER RAG also broke a bit slowly, settled off the rail, came four wide into the stretch and was not a threat.

NINTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $33,000. Starter Allowance. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $50,000. Time 23.40 46.89 1:11.16 1:23.28 1:35.55


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

9 Flying to the Line 117 9 2 1–3 1–2½ 1–2 1–4 1–3¼ Diaz, Jr. 25.00
5 Shanghai Truffles 122 5 5 4–hd 4–2 5–½ 4–hd 2–ns Bejarano 18.80
6 Persephone 122 6 7 5–1 5–hd 7–1 5–1 3–¾ Prat 7.20
1 Red Bunting 122 1 6 8–1½ 6–hd 4–1 2–hd 4–¾ Van Dyke 16.80
2 Querelle 122 2 4 7–½ 9–1½ 8–1½ 7–hd 5–1¼ Rosario 0.80
8 Dulverton Darling 124 8 9 9–½ 8–½ 6–½ 8–½ 6–¾ Fuentes 22.90
7 Trust Fund Kitty 122 7 8 10 10 9–½ 9–5 7–1 Cedillo 5.50
3 Untouched Elegance 122 3 1 2–½ 2–½ 2–hd 3–½ 8–2¼ Blanc 6.30
4 Bella Figura 119 4 3 3–1 3–1½ 3–½ 6–1 9–4½ Velez 23.30
10 Samandah 122 10 10 6–hd 7–hd 10 10 10 Gutierrez 70.10

9 FLYING TO THE LINE 52.00 20.60 11.40
5 SHANGHAI TRUFFLES 19.00 10.80
6 PERSEPHONE 6.20

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-9)  $139.40
$1 EXACTA (9-5)  $431.00
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (9-5-6-1)  $1,529.98
10-CENT SUPER HIGH FIVE (9-5-6-1-2)   Carryover $8,915
50-CENT TRIFECTA (9-5-6)  $1,613.85

Winner–Flying to the Line B.f.4 by Boisterous out of Sky Diver, by Tale of the Cat. Bred by Gary Barber (CA). Trainer: Adam Kitchingman. Owner: Firsthome Thoroughbreds and Bach, Robert. Mutuel Pool $322,181 Daily Double Pool $72,673 Exacta Pool $216,297 Superfecta Pool $108,489 Super High Five Pool $11,681 Trifecta Pool $154,507. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (9-5-9) paid $63.05. Pick Three Pool $106,531. 50-Cent Pick Four (1-9-5-9) 2449 tickets with 4 correct paid $133.40. Pick Four Pool $428,050. 50-Cent Pick Five (9-1-9-5-9) 616 tickets with 5 correct paid $440.30. Pick Five Pool $355,400. 20-Cent Pick Six Jackpot (3-9-1-9-5-9) 150 tickets with 6 correct paid $510.20. Pick Six Jackpot Pool $142,632. Pick Six Jackpot Carryover $194,110.

FLYING TO THE LINE sped to the early lead outside foes then angled in and set the pace along the inside, came a bit off the rail into the stretch, drifted in some and won clear under some urging and a strong hand ride. SHANGHAI TRUFFLES three deep into the first turn, chased outside a rival then inside into and on the second turn and into the stretch and went up the rail to gain the place. PERSEPHONE chased between horses then inside, came out on the second turn and three deep into the stretch, was four wide in midstretch and was edged for second. RED BUNTING (IRE) came off the rail into the first turn and chased between horses, angled three wide into the stretch, was between foes in midstretch and was edged for the show. QUERELLE settled inside then a bit off the rail leaving the backstretch, came out on the second turn and four wide into the stretch and was outfinished for a minor share. DULVERTON DARLING chased three deep then outside a rival, went up four wide on the backstretch and three wide on the second turn and into the stretch and lacked a rally. TRUST FUND KITTY angled in early and saved ground chasing the pace to the stretch and could not offer the necessary response in the stretch. UNTOUCHED ELEGANCE saved ground stalking the pace, was between horses in midstretch and weakened in the final furlong. BELLA FIGURA (IRE) between foes early, stalked outside a rival to the stretch and also weakened. SAMANDAH hopped in a bit of a slow start, went up four wide into the first turn then chased three deep, dropped back between horses on the second turn and had little left for the stretch.


Attendance Handle
On-Track 3,512 $576,785
Inter-Track N/A $1,399,325
Out of State N/A $5,001,585
TOTAL 3,512 $6,977,695

Santa Anita Entries for Saturday, January 4.

Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. 5th day of a 60-day meet.

FIRST RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies. 3 year olds. State bred.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Bluegrass Sky Tyler Baze 122 Mark Glatt 7-2
2 On Mars Abel Cedillo 122 Philip D’Amato 4-1
3 Elgofranco Mario Gutierrez 122 Ben D. A. Cecil 5-2
4 Shenandoah Star Ruben Fuentes 122 Steven Miyadi 8-1
5 Lets Get Wild Efrain Hernandez 122 J. Eric Kruljac 10-1
6 Aristeia Brice Blanc 122 Jay Nehf 12-1
7 Lucky Long Legs Edwin Maldonado 122 Clifford W. Sise, Jr. 5-1
8 Chromes Lil Sis Eswan Flores 122 Vernon E. Aguayo 20-1
9 Oui Say No Drayden Van Dyke 122 Steven Miyadi 8-1

SECOND RACE.

5½ Furlongs Turf. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. 3 year olds.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Absolute Unit Flavien Prat 122 Peter Eurton 3-1
2 Restoring Dreams Joseph Talamo 122 Ryan Hanson 6-1
3 Keno’d Mario Gutierrez 122 Doug F. O’Neill 4-1
4 Phast Pharoah Joel Rosario 122 Jeff Bonde 5-2
5 Malibu Morning Eswan Flores 122 Felix L. Gonzalez 20-1
6 Dude’s Dream Evin Roman 122 Robert B. Hess, Jr. 6-1
7 Liam’s Pride Abel Cedillo 122 Doug F. O’Neill 5-1
8 Port Saint Joe Tiago Pereira 122 Doug F. O’Neill 12-1

THIRD RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $20,000. Maiden Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Strong Ruler J.C. Diaz, Jr. 119 Patricia Harrington 30-1 20,000
2 Royal Ranger Agapito Delgadillo 124 Juan Carlos Lopez 2-1 20,000
3 Mike Operator Joel Rosario 124 Victor L. Garcia 9-5 20,000
4 My Journey Evin Roman 124 Richard Baltas 7-2 20,000
5 Silver Fury Ruben Fuentes 124 Blake R. Heap 3-1 20,000
6 J C’s Henrietta Jorge Velez 119 Edwin Alvarez 30-1 20,000
7 Creeds Revenge Mauro Donoe 114 Neil A. Koch 50-1 20,000
8 Wild Cat Canyon Fernandez Rojas 124 Jesus Mendoza 15-1 20,000

FOURTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. 4 year olds and up. State bred.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Big City Bane Joel Rosario 124 Carla Gaines 15-1
2 Brix Heriberto Figueroa 124 Richard Baltas 5-1
3 Sea of Liberty Jorge Velez 119 John W. Sadler 4-1
4 Kakistocracy Drayden Van Dyke 124 Carla Gaines 5-2
5 Abusive Gary Edwin Maldonado 124 Philip D’Amato 10-1
6 Fravel Flavien Prat 124 Richard E. Mandella 7-2
7 Bud Knight Abel Cedillo 124 Leonard Powell 8-1
8 Jetovator Joseph Talamo 124 Peter Eurton 5-1

FIFTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $100,000. ‘Sham Stakes’. 3 year olds.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Authentic Drayden Van Dyke 120 Bob Baffert 8-5
2 Zimba Warrior Jose Valdivia, Jr. 120 J. Keith Desormeaux 6-1
3 Uncaptured Hero Flavien Prat 120 Richard Baltas 6-1
4 Azul Coast Joel Rosario 120 Bob Baffert 5-2
5 Scoring Abel Cedillo 120 Doug F. O’Neill 15-1
6 Taishan Aaron Gryder 120 Richard Baltas 5-2

SIXTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. State bred.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Lady Ember Joseph Talamo 124 Peter Eurton 20-1
2 Oh Pretty Woman Joel Rosario 124 Jeff Mullins 6-1
3 Durga Heriberto Figueroa 124 Leonard Powell 12-1
4 Probable Jose Valdivia, Jr. 124 Matthew Chew 30-1
5 Slew South Jorge Velez 119 Neil French 20-1
6 Sothalis Edwin Maldonado 124 Philip D’Amato 12-1
7 Y Not Sizzle Umberto Rispoli 124 Jeff Mullins 4-1
8 Scarlet Heat Flavien Prat 124 Dan Blacker 3-1
9 Hot Magistrate J.C. Diaz, Jr. 119 Carla Gaines 4-1
10 Lovely Finish Ignacio Puglisi 124 Joe Herrick 12-1
11 Too Hot for Curlin Abel Cedillo 124 Philip D’Amato 6-1
12 Lonsdaleite Efrain Hernandez 124 Robert A. Bean 30-1

SEVENTH RACE.

1 1/16 Mile. Purse: $57,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Proverb Abel Cedillo 124 Richard Baltas 4-5
2 Street Class Joel Rosario 124 Michael W. McCarthy 5-1
3 Bold Endeavor Flavien Prat 122 George Papaprodromou 6-1
4 Meistermind Umberto Rispoli 124 Mark Glatt 5-1
5 Mongolian Hero Assael Espinoza 122 Enebish Ganbat 12-1
6 Impression Tiago Pereira 122 William Spawr 4-1

EIGHTH RACE.

1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $200,000. ‘San Gabriel Stakes’. 4 year olds and up.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Desert Stone Geovanni Franco 120 Richard Baltas 3-1
2 Chosen Vessel Tyler Baze 120 Craig Dollase 10-1
3 Cleopatra’s Strike Abel Cedillo 124 Philip D’Amato 2-1
4 Overdue Mike Smith 120 Philip D’Amato 6-1
5 North County Guy Mario Gutierrez 120 Richard Baltas 8-1
6 Majestic Eagle Rafael Bejarano 122 Neil D. Drysdale 3-1
7 Acker Joel Rosario 120 Neil French 8-1

NINTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $57,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Soldier Boy Joel Rosario 124 John W. Sadler 5-1
2 Heartfullofstars Ignacio Puglisi 124 Edwin Alvarez 12-1
3 Hot Sean J.C. Diaz, Jr. 119 Bob Baffert 5-2 40,000
4 Truck Salesman Evin Roman 124 Doug F. O’Neill 4-1
5 Tiger Dad Victor Espinoza 124 Carla Gaines 7-2
6 Sigalert Tyler Baze 124 John W. Sadler 8-1
7 Italiano Flavien Prat 124 Vann Belvoir 5-1
8 Order and Law Jorge Velez 119 Vladimir Cerin 12-1

TENTH RACE.

5½ Furlongs Turf. Purse: $57,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000.

PP Horse Jockey Wt Trainer M-L Claim $
1 Hello Bubbles Rafael Bejarano 124 Neil D. Drysdale 15-1
2 Queen of the Track Joel Rosario 122 Jeff Bonde 6-1
3 An Eddie Surprise Mario Gutierrez 124 Doug F. O’Neill 6-1
4 Swing Thoughts Drayden Van Dyke 124 Robert B. Hess, Jr. 12-1 40,000
5 Anonymously Abel Cedillo 124 Vladimir Cerin 7-2
6 Rockin Ready Jorge Velez 119 Philip D’Amato 15-1
7 Magical Gray Umberto Rispoli 124 Victor L. Garcia 12-1
8 Silken Spy Efrain Hernandez 124 J. Eric Kruljac 6-1
9 Dearborn Ruben Fuentes 122 Jeff Bonde 4-1
10 Mariah Girl Agapito Delgadillo 124 Mike Puype 6-1
11 Mongolian Window Assael Espinoza 122 Enebish Ganbat 20-1 40,000