Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Sunday, February 18, 2024

RACE 1

3-AURATIUM
Degree of confidence: B-

•      First time in a maiden claimer; can take advantage of the class relief.
•      Removes the blinkers, projects to settle early and deliver a good kick.  
•      Rispoli-McCarthy powerful jockey/trainer combo (24% this season).

Others to consider: 4-Ellie Moore-GB.


RACE 2

4-BONAQUA
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Finished strongly but ran out of room in a promising recent debut try.
•      Gets an extra half furlong to work with, Pratt returns, solid top pick.
•      Earned a solid speed figure; will not have to improve to beat this field.

Others to consider: 5-Nay V Belle.


RACE 3

7-FIRSTTIMEINFOREVER
Degree of confidence: B

•      Clever winner over this course and distance, strong figure, can repeat.
•      Moving up from starter allowance to the first level, can handle the hike.
•      Likes to settle and take hold late; Frankie got to know her, stays aboard.  

Others to consider: 5-Katerini.  


RACE 4

3-UNKEPT SECRET
Degree of confidence: B-

•      Has hit the board in six of nine career starts and is overdue for a win.  
•      Actually finished first at this level two runs back but was disqualified.
•      Has enough speed to be on or near the lead, has little to worry about.

Others to consider: 5-Warren’s Showgirl.


RACE 5

8-NAUVOO
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Double jumped in class by new outfit following runaway $12,500 romp.  
•      Earned a monster number in victory; will be a repeater with a similar fig.    
•      Form suggests he is a need the lead type, so expect gate to wire tactics.

Others to consider: 4-Good Juju.


RACE 6

6-SIR ATTICUS
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Exits a stakes quality allowance sprint and finished a strong third.  
•      Lovely outside draw; projects to enjoy a comfortable stalking trip.
• Very fast on figures, shows a win over this track and distance.

Others to consider: 1-Escape Route.  


RACE 7

6-STRIKINGLY
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Has had 14 chances and cannot be trusted but rates the call by default.  
•      Shows four placings from six starts over the local lawn, best when held up.
•      Solid runner-up facing similar older maiden foes, same effort beats these.  

Others to consider: 1-Apple Fest; 4-Collectively.  


RACE 8

2-BIG POND
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Lost the head bob in the La Brea Stakes, is owed one today.
•      Not a quick type but can be within striking range throughout.
•      Retains Frankie, solid on numbers, reliable for an honest try.  

Others to consider: 3-Daddysruby.  


RACE 9

3-NITTI (Ire)
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Displayed promise in Ireland in good company, can fit with these.
•      Appeared fit and ready in recent breeze, can fire a big shot fresh.
•      Nicely drawn inside, lands Juan Hernandez, Timeform ratings OK.  

Others to consider: 8-American Glory (GB); 7-El Rey Rey.



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