Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Saturday, February 3, 2024

RACE 1

2-QUEEN OF POIMPEII
Degree of confidence:  B-

•      Freshened; two tough beats sprinting over the local lawn last fall.
•      Likes to settle early and produce a late run, jockey fits her well.  
•      Shows a good recent series of workouts, has a history of firing fresh.  

Others to consider: 1-Issa Court.


RACE 2

7-BARTHOLDY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Away for two months, sharp recent workouts, bred to love grass.
•      First start with Lasix and without blinkers; picks up Frankie Dettori.
•      Likely to settle into a stalking position outside and have every chance.

Others to consider: 2-Island Cruiser; 6-Laugier Night (Ire).


RACE 3

6-DERECHO DANDY
Degree of confidence: C

•      Not one to trust but drops to his claiming level and gets Maldonado.
•      Failed in each of his last four recent races when leaving as the favorite.
•      Projects to be forwardly placed in a race lacking in early speed.

Others to consider: 5-Montana.


RACE 4

7-CLOSING REMARKS
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Veteran mare still is going strong at age six; always tries hard.
•      First or second in eight of 16 starts over the Santa Anita lawn.
•      Will need to work out a trip from her outside post position.

Others to consider: 1-Mouffy; 5-Bellabel.


RACE 5

6-NYSOS
Degree of confidence:  A

•      Unbeaten and never asked in two runaway wins with big numbers.
•      Continues to train like a top class prospect; will be a very short price.
•      First time around two turns; pedigree suggests he will enjoy the trip.

Others to consider: none.  


RACE 6

3-RUGELACH
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Winner of three of her last four starts with consistent numbers.  
•      Speed to be in front but can stalk if the race flow requires it.
•      In the money in nine of 10 career starts, always gives her best.  

Others to consider: 10-Miss Lizzy.


RACE 7

4-TOKAMAK
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Racing in good form, fifth but was beaten one length in similar affair.  
•      Reunited with win rider Umberto Rispoli; projects to be a pace stalker.
•      Race flow projects to be moderate, will have every chance close home.

Others to consider: 7-Arrest.  


RACE 8

5-TIO MAGICO
Degree of confidence: B

•      Strong numbers, excellent third behind Easter in San Gabriel Stakes.
•      Versatile gelding can be effective on the lead or from off the pace.
•      Retains Flavian Prat; lightly raced 6-year-old has room to improve.

Others to consider: 6-Goliad; 3-Balnikhov.


RACE 9

3-THREE WITCHES
Degree of confidence:  

•      Excellent third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint last fall.
•      Never off the board in five starts at this extended sprint distance.
•      Joins the Michael McCarthy barn; has shown she can win off a layoff.

Others to consider: 6-Hot Peppers.


RACE 10

5-AUSPICIOUS STYLE
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Northern California shipper shows numbers that fit at this level.
•      Has 10 wins from 22 career starts and always gives a top effort.
•      Can win on the lead, from a stalking spot, or from off the pace.

Others to consider: 7-True Quality.

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