Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Sunday, March 17, 2024

‍RACE 1

6-IRISH ROSE
Degree of confidence:  B+

•      Has a history of running well fresh and shows sharp comeback drills.
•      Strong runner-up over this course and distance in her debut last year.
•      Barn has solid stats with layoff runners; 8-1 morning line offers value.  

Others to consider: 3-Strikingly; 8-Special Flower.  


RACE 2

3-PAT’S PADDOCK PICK
Degree of confidence: B

•      Recent second at this level in a fast race; catches an easier field today.
•      Retains top jockey Juan Hernandez, projects to be on or near the lead.
•      Two easy breezes since raced and has room for another forward move.

Others to consider: 2-Thales; 1-American Cat.


RACE 3

1-CATMANSUE
Degree of confidence: B

•      Was green (lugged in) when nosed out facing similar last month.
•      Good rail draw ensures a ground-saving trip, can step forward.
•      Likes to settle early and accelerate late; H. Berrios stays aboard.  

Others to consider: 4-Two By Four; 5-Beer Money.


RACE 4

6-GAVEA
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Shows the classic two-sprints-and-a-stretch out angle, theft on agenda.
•      First time gelding after flashing speed, then fading, facing straight maidens.
•      Projects to easily clear this field without undue pressure and keep on going.  

Others to consider: 1-Ringtone.  


RACE 5

1-ZOFARELLI (IRE)
Degree of confidence:  C+

•      Back sprinting after flattening out over a mile at this level last month,
•      Was a clever winner over this course and distance two races back.  
•      Facing more early speed today but can be effective from a stalking spot.

Others to consider: 6-Mas Rapido; 7-Escape Route.


RACE 6

5-BIT’S TIGER MAGIC
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Bred to win early (Smiling Tiger) and looks live in a moderate affair.
•      Half mile gate breeze last Monday (:47 1/5) really caught the eye.  
•      Known element lacks early speed, so she could be long gone early.  

Others to consider: 2-Raising Silver; 6-Roberta’s Love.


RACE 7

4-CHANCERY WAY
Degree of confidence: B

•      Lost a heartbreaker over this course and distance in state-bred stakes.
•      Knows where the wire is; shows seven victories from 13 career starts.  
•      Most effective when able to control a race from beginning to end.  

Others to consider: 3-Stay and Scam.  


RACE 8

2-THE BULLION BOMBER (IRE)
Degree of confidence: C+

•      Stretched out after a series of sprints and dominated gate to wire.
•      Earned by far a career top speed figure; wheeled back in seven days.
•      Hooking other speed today (Departure); will have to work harder early.

Others to consider: 3-Departure.  


RACE 9

1-CALM SEA
Degree of confidence: B+

•      Gets the favorable rail and can take full advantage of the early dog leg.  
•      Clearly the controlling speed and based on pace projection will be tough.  
•      Finished fourth (beaten one length) facing similar but went too fast early.

Others to consider: 2-Maltese Falcon; 3-Order and Law.