Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Monday, January 1, 2024

RACE 1

8-Girl of My Dreams
Degree of confidence: B


•      Was worn down late by a filly who returned to win a stakes.
•      Improving speed figures and a solid work tab since raced.
•      Been vulnerable close home but the addition of Lasix may help.

Others to consider: 1-Ashley; 2-Hanmble.



RACE 2

4-CLUBHOUSE BRIDE
Degree of confidence: A-


•      Was a pleasing debut maiden winner at Los Alamitos.
•      Tackling tougher competition but should be up to it.
•       Speed figures makes her a heavy favorite right back.

Others to consider: 5-Prancingthruparis.



RACE 3

4-MAHINA
Degree of confidence: B+


•      Exits a powerful race; winner came back to score yesterday.
•      Looked good winning over this course and distance two back.
•      Needs patient handling and Umberto Rispoli knows her well.

Others to consider: 6-With Love; 7-Firstimeinforever.



RACE 4

1-IMAGINATION
Degree of confidence: B


•      Burned money as odds-on favorite in his most recent start.
•      First time Lasix user gets an easy chance to make amends.
•      Switches to barn’s “go-to” rider and lands the favorable rail.

Others to consider: 2-Leading.



RACE 5

5-MARGOT’S BOY
Degree of confidence: B


•      Moves up a notch following a $20,000 claim by Mark Glatt.
•      Barn hits at 25% with this angle so improvement is expected.
•      Long time since won but has three victories over the local lawn.

Others to consider: none.



RACE 6

2-SHE’S MY NIECE
Degree of confidence: B-


•      Freshened since mid-November; shortens up, first time Lasix.
•      Strong, healthy series of works should have her fit and ready.
•      Career top figure when runner-up at Del Mar last time out.

Others to consider: 4-Lightning and Reign; 9-Envisioned.



RACE 7

7-GREGORIAN CHANT
Degree of confidence: B+


•      Sparingly raced last two years and returns off two month rest.
•      Plenty of back class and has five wins over the local turf course.
•      Reunited with “win rider” Juan Hernandez, sharp recent breeze.

Others to consider: 1-Mas Rapido; 4-Don’t Swear Dave.



RACE 8

2-HOT PEPPERS
Degree of confidence: B


•      Away for 15 months but is good enough to win if cranked up.
•      Was a multiple stakes winner as a 3-year-old in New York.
•      Light tab for new trainer but shows a quick local gate drill.

Others to consider: 3-Sweet Azeca.



RACE 9

5-ALLURING
Degree of confidence: B+


•      Was gobbling up the ground late; galloped out far in front.
•      Gets Lasix and an extra furlong to work with, nice prospect.
•      Future is over a distance of ground but can winning sprinting.

Others to consider: 2-Not a Sinner.  


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