Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Saturday, January 13, 2024

RACE 1

9-TRAVELIN’ SHOW
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Off slowly and raced greenly but finished willingly in recent debut.
•      Adds blinkers and Lasix, switches to grass, very likely to improve.  
• Good mover with a nice stride, barn has something to work with.

Others to consider: 10-Stagger Lee; 5-Western Grit.



RACE 2

2-NEVER SEEN BEFORE (IRE)
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Realistic class drop to lowest level ever, may tag the speed.
•      Adds blinkers, retains Juan Hernandez, should have no excuses.
•      Has a one-paced grinding style but is a strong fit on figures.

Others to consider: 3-Oncoming.



RACE 3

7-ON PURPOSE
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Returns to dirt, logical class drop, switches to Joel Rosario.
•      Long time since won but her numbers fit well at this level.
•      Lacks a solid late kick so a pace stalking trip is preferred/

Others to consider: 8-Dancing Dana; 1-La Paloma Blanca.  



RACE 4

5-WILD JEWELS
Degree of confidence: B

•      Seeks fourth straight win and is versatile and genuine.
•      Bay Area invader tries dirt but should handle the surface.
•      Likely to be the controlling speed if he wants to be.

Others to consider: 1-Last Call London; 3-Stolen Treasure.  



RACE 5

3-R SWEET CANDY
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Displayed promise in two starts up north, likely to enjoy turf.
•      Athletic mover with an effective closing style, good price chance.
• Healthy work tab since race, expecting another forward move.

Others to consider: 4-Asada Fries; 2-Prancingthruparis.



RACE 6

7-BAG’S GOLD
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Lost his best chance at start, moved up but then paid the price.
•      Two month freshening, steady work tab, switches to Frankie.
•      Not much pace signed on; projects to be on or near the lead.

Others to consider: 3-Minister Shane.



RACE 7

2-ROSE MADDOX
Degree of confidence: B

•      Returns to state-bred company and should regain winning form.
•      Loves the Santa Anita turf course and is effective down the hill.
•      Switches to Flavian Prat, likes to settle early and then blast home.

Others to consider: 6-Stay and Scam; 8-Chancery Way.



RACE 8

2-THE CHOSEN VRON
Degree of confidence: A-

•      Regains his top form with a sharp score in the Cary Grant Stakes.
•      Has seven wins from nine starts over the Santa Anita dirt track.
•      Big edge on speed figures and projects to be a very short price.

Others to consider: none.



RACE 9

3-BALLY’S CHARM
Degree of confidence: B

•      Strong second to high class Easter in Lure Stakes at Del Mar.
•      Back with Cal-breds, has won four of eight starts on this course.
•      Two-time winner at nine furlongs, likely the controlling speed.

Others to consider: 5-Kings River Knight; 7-Aligato.

continue reading