Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Friday, February 23, 2024

RACE 1

1-ANTIBES
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Tough beat when missing in a photo facing similar foes last month.
•      Lands the preferred rail post and is guaranteed a ground-saving trip.
•      Retains Juan Hernandez, solid on figures, appears ready to graduate.

Others to consider: 5-Maxville; 4-City of Angels.  


RACE 2

2-TANGLEDUPINGREY
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Makes a trainer change, tries a drop in class, seems as good as any.
•      Shows several better than par speed figures for this $12,500 level.
•      Soft pace projection, likely to settle into a comfortable stalking spot.  

Others to consider: 6-Elevado.


RACE 3

3-ARROGATES SPIRIT
Degree of confidence: B

•      Away since November of 2022, workouts on solid, should fire fresh.
•      Returns as a first time gelding, removes blinkers, first time in seller.  
•      Has some early speed, first time two turns, projects as pace factor.  

Others to consider: I Got a Guy; 6-Hardmoneymuchachos.


RACE 4

4-DON’T BRING CRAZY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Distant but respectable second in Santa Ynez Stakes, tackles easier.  
•      First time Lasix, projects to have a strong pace presence throughout.  
•      Solid on speed figures, healthy work pattern, ready for a career top.  

Others to consider: 3-Tambo; 6-Blackprink (Ire).


RACE 5

6-WEEMISSGRAMMY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Showed improving form last year before having her season cut short.
•      Comeback drills indicate she might be a better type this time around.
•      Goes for red hot jockey/trainer combo; employs an ideal stalking style.  

Others to consider: 3-Etheric; 2-Sunglasses (GB).


RACE 6

3-E J WON THE CUP
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Burned money as the favorite in three of his last four outings.
•      Deserves one more chance with a drop into a maiden optional.
•      Returns to the main track and stretches out for the first time.  

Others to consider: 6-Winsitwell.  


RACE 7

7-GYPSY QUEEN
Degree of confidence:  B

•      Freshened since November, class drop to $30,000 is a bit suspicious.
•      Brief work tab on the comeback trail is another concerning factor.  
•      However, lands top rider Juan Hernandez and is fastest on figures.  

Others to consider: 5-The Bullion Bomber (Ire).  


RACE 8

8-WISHTHEYALLCOULDBE
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Second in last pair and earned career top speed figure facing similar.  
•      Comfortable outside draw ensures an ideal pace stalking journey.
•      Never worse than second in five career starts over the local strip.  

Others to consider: 1-Uncontrollable.


RACE 9

3-RED CROSS KNIGHT
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Four wins in eight career starts with consistent figs for this level.
•      Versatile colt can be tough on the lead or from a stalking position.
•      Much better post position, projects to be prominent throughout.  

Others to consider: 1-Moogie Son; 2-Billy’s Bet.  


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