Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | February 24, 2024

RACE 1

5-BANDWAGON
Degree of confidence:  B-

•      Continued his improving pattern with clever recent maiden win.
•      Earned a career top speed figure in his first try over the local lawn.
•      Shorter trip is no issue and appears to be the best of the closers.  

Others to consider: 7-Miracle Mark; 3-Rastaman Vibe.



RACE 2

2-DANCING DANA
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Third in a slightly stronger affair; shortens to a more favorable trip.
•      Third start off an extended layoff and should be set for her best try.
•      Yet to win in six starts over the local track but lands a very soft spot.

Others to consider: 6-La Paloma Blanca.



RACE 3

3-SNEAKER
Degree of confidence: B

•      Excellent second over this course and distance facing similar foes.
•      Was more than six lengths clear of the rest and is ready to graduate.
•      Projects as the controlling speed in a race that should have soft splits.

Others to consider: none.  



RACE 4

6-MR. DREAMCYCLE
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Moves up a notch after crushing $25,000 foes while on the pace.
•      Earned a career top speed figure and looms very tough right back.
•      Lovely outside draw, can pop and go or press and pounce if needed.  

Others to consider: none.



RACE 5

5-KINGS RIVER KNIGHT
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Multiple state-bred stakes winner faces open allowance company.
•      Does his best on the front end but can stalk if the pace dictates.
•      Three-for-three) at this one mile trip and loves the Santa Anita lawn.

Others to consider: 1-Cathkin Peak (Ire).



RACE 6

7-APPRECIATE TODAY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Was a short horse in debut and weakened late after stalking the pace.
•      Likely to be fitter and sharper today and is cozily drawn on the outside.
•      Vegas Burner (slow start) was best in the same race our top pick exits.

Others to consider: 6-Vegas Burner.; 2-Duran.



RACE 7

6-LINDA’S GIFT
Degree of confidence:  B+

•      Never been better (three wins in last five starts) and can score again.
•      Was the controlling speed in last pair but can stalk if pace flow requires.  
•      Lightly raced daughter of Arrogate has room for further improvement.  

Others to consider: 5-Khinjani (GB).



RACE 8

4-JUDGE MILLER
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Has the classic two-sprints-and-a-stretch-out pattern; mile no issue.
•      Very fast on speed figures and projects to be the controlling speed.
•      Royally bred son of Curlin has a chance to develop into a good one.

Others to consider: 5-Clouseau.



RACE 9

5-VIRAT
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Blistering win sprinting on the flat course; tries his luck down the Hill.  
•      Likes to settle in mid-pack and then blast home; conditions are ideal.
•      Been sparingly raced but has hit the board in six of 11 career outings.  

Others to consider: 7-Grazed.



RACE 10

2-JOHNNY DRAMA
Degree of confidence: B

•      Graduated in game fashion over this course and distance last month.
•      Earned a career top figure in victory; nothing more will be needed here.  
•      Freshened for six weeks but love his work pattern and can step forward.

Others to consider: 9-National Generaux (Ire).

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