Santa Anita 1st Race – Post: 1:00 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Prime Gamble: 5-English Icon
Other Contenders: 6-Laugier Night (Ire).
Forecast: English Icon was given an educational run in his debut yet still performed admirably when fifth beaten only three lengths in a grass miler for older maidens last month at Del Mar. We anticipate a significant forward move with blinkers being added combined with the shortening to a sprint. Also, second timers from the M. Glatt barn hit at a strong 23%, so with a couple of easy breezes since raced and with D. Herrera riding him back the son of English Channel has plenty to be enthusiastic about. We’re expecting him to be within range throughout, so if he can kick home like we think he can, a gamble at or near his 5-1 morning line seems appropriate.
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Santa Anita – 7th race - Post: 4:03 PT. Degree of confidence: A-
Prime Gamble: 1-Alpha Belle
Other Contenders: 2-Flying Connection
Forecast: Alpha Belle has been primarily a turf horse throughout her career, but the way she has been breezing on dirt since arriving West and joining the J. Sadler give hope that the daughter of Justify will improve a bunch over the Santa Anita main track. She has plenty of speed and projects to be close up throughout – especially from her favorable rail position – so let’s make her a strong play in the win pool and a major key in rolling exotic play. The best of the locals is Flying Connection, a willing runner-up behind top class Adare Manor in her most recent outing at Del Mar. She’s worth tossing in as a saver.
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