Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita Handicap Day | Sunday, March 3, 2024

RACE 1

5-ASADA FRIES
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Solid runner-up in Cal Cup Oaks; class drop to the first level.
•      First time Lasix; retains Juan Hernandez; good tactical speed.
•      Moderate figures but has produced a series of forward moves.

Others to consider: 4-Sushi Sticks; 8-Loretta Lynn.  


RACE 2

6-TOP GUN TOMMY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Claimed in his last six starts and now in the K. Mulhall stable.
•      Perfect in three starts over the local track and is fast on figs.
•      Employs an effective stalking style; should love this distance.  

Others to consider: 5-Disco Ball.  


RACE 3

6-DEN OF INIQUITY (GB)
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Second in both starts since arriving from Ireland; ready to win.  
•      Both local outings earned better than par figures for the level.  
•      Good stalking style ensures a comfortable trip, no excuses today.

Others to consider: 1-Well Funded; 2-Kelly’s Out (Ire)


RACE 4

3-BENDITTIJOE
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Important jockey change to Frankie; drops to his lowest level ever.
•      Stretches out again to his best trip; recent figures point him out.
•      Projects to enjoy a cozy second flight trip and have every chance.

Others to consider: 4-Tokamak.


RACE 5

5-CROSBY BEACH
Degree of confidence: B

•      Returns to his claim level after a pair of solid outings facing tougher.  
•      Two time winner over the local lawn and picks up Frankie Dettori.
•      Freshened for two months; shows a sharp recent half mile breeze.  

Others to consider: 8-Truly Quality.


RACE 6

5-IMAGINATION
Degree of confidence: A-

•      Career top effort when narrowly missing to top prospect Maymun.
•      Cozy outside draw will allow him to secure a soft stalking position.
•      Sharp six furlong breeze since raced, ready to step forward again.

Others to consider: none.  


RACE 7 | $10K Late Pick 4 Hit & Split Begins Here

2-EASTER (FR)
Degree of confidence: A-

•      Arguably the best middle distance older turf performer in the U.S.
•      Seeks his fourth straight win and is perfect in two Santa Anita starts.
•      Packs a wicked late kick; sharp works for first start since opening day.

Others to consider: 6-Du Jour.  


RACE 8

2-HIGHLAND FALLS
Degree of confidence:  B+

•      Lightly raced Curlin colt is progressing with each start; gets a class test.  
•      Pedigree suggests he will love the classic mile and one-quarter distance.
•      Effective stalking style; has speed figures that make him a major player.

Others to consider: 5-Newgate.


RACE 9

11-SUMMER LAKE
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Easily handled state-bred competition over this course and distance.
•      Tackling open company today but is nicely drawn on the far outside.
•      Lightly raced mare has room for further improvement; retains A. Fresu.

Others to consider: 8-Don’ Ju Forget.


RACE 10

6-RUBY NELL
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Respectable third in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Invitational.  
•      Tackling a bit easier today and is reunited with regular pilot Maldonado.  
•      Four time winner over the local lawn; three time winner at this trip.  

Others to consider: 4-Bellabel (Ire); 11-Mouffy.  


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