Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Monday, January 15, 2024

RACE 1

6-GIVE ME THE LUTE
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Seeks fourth straight win after a desperate score in a similar spot.
•      Made hard work of it in last win but knows where the wire is.
•      Dangerous on the lead or from off the pace, retains Hernandez.

Others to consider: 3-Barristan the Bold.


RACE 2 :

5-MONIQUE
Degree of confidence: C

•      Hits rock bottom in her first start for a tag, once was well regarded.
•      Stretches out again, not one to trust but has numbers that fit.
•      One-paced grinding style, projects to settle into a stalking position.

Others to consider: none.


RACE 3

3-ZOMBO BOMBO
Degree of confidence: B

•      Clever maiden claiming win at Del Mar with a sharp speed figure.
•      Pressed the pace, then came away stylishly in the final furlong.
•      Protected today in a sign of confidence, capable of repeating.  

Others to consider: 4-Express Line.  


RACE 4

7-AIR FORCE THUNDER
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Chased straight maidens in first two starts, drops to the bottom.  
•      Bargain basement ($3,000) yearling purchase gets realistic today.
•      Shows the two sprints and a stretch out angle, bred to run long.  

Others to consider: none.



RACE 5

4-BIG COUPE
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Reunited with “win rider” Flavian Prat while remaining protected.
•      In the frame in four of five starts over the Santa Anita turf course.
•      Makes this third start off a layoff with sharp and improving figures.

Others to consider: 1-Explain the Audit; 6-Comradery (Ire).


RACE 6

1-BIG NOVEL
Degree of confidence: B

•      Crushed first level state bred rivals at Del Mar, open company today.
•      Numbers are solid and steadily rising, lands the favorite inside post.
•      Must pick up weight while switching to Rosario but looks pretty solid.  

Others to consider: 6-Class Clown.



RACE 7

2-HOT BOX
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Two-time winner over the Santa Anita lawn; hits hard at this level.
•      Freshened for two months, steady work tab; should fire his best shot.
•      Most effective on the lead, good inside draw, may be able to hang on.  

Others to consider: 7-Silardi.


RACE 8

6-ISSA COURT
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Game win at Los Alamitos, claimed by good outfit, tough right back.
•      Most comfortable on the lead, draw outside with speed inside of her.
•      Must avoid losing ground into the clubhouse turn to have best chance.

Others to consider: 5-Cornelia Fort.  



RACE 9

1-BEER MONEY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Tough beat when just missing facing similar foes at Los Alamitos.
•      Back on turf today, graduated gamely over the Del Mar lawn.
•      Gets the rail, picks up top rider Juan Hernandez, and adds Lasix.

Others to consider: 6-Good Lovin.


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