Notes on the Santa Anita Opening Day Program
December 24th, 2008By Jude T. Feld
“The Great Race Place” even before it was so aptly named.
1st Race) LIFELINE takes the all-important class drop from maiden allowance to maiden claiming and that gives him the edge. NASCAR JOHNNY is always right there but he seems to lack the will to win. HALO’S HIGHWAY should appreciate the longer distance after two decent sprint preps.
2nd Race) LOCKFORD was unlucky to lose last time out and should fire again under Garrett Gomez. CAVANAL looked good breaking his maiden. He is improving and dangerous. OCEANOGRAPHY steps up in class but might be up to the task after winning two of his last three starts for Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel.
3rd Race) TEVEZ THE TIGER is sitting on a win after two sharp efforts. UNIONIZE has been training well for solid debut trainer Cliff Sise and looks like the best of the first-time starters. SURPRISE MINISTER was just a length off the top pick and it would not be a shocker to see him in the winners’ circle.
4th Race) EL GREGO has been working lights out for his new trainer Jorge Periban. He has never raced this cheaply and could post a longshot upset if he takes to the hill. BROCTANE was scratched last week when his race came off the turf. The drop in class and addition of Garret Gomez points him out as a major contender. STREET LIGHTS is reliable for a good effort but drew the disadvantageous rail post position. Keep an eye on the scratches as EXCEEDING and RAMSGATE would both be major contenders should they draw in the fray.
5th Race) MI REY is a triple-advantage speed figure play, but he hasn’t been out in over a year. He drops to the lowest level he has raced at in recent memory and should win if Mullins has him fit off the bench. He will be a short price and is a risky proposition even in this weak field.
6th Race) Two top contenders, FEISTY SUANCES and LORDGIVEMEALIFT, are both “need the lead†types. They could set it up for a closer to win the Cal Breeders. UNBRIDLED ROMAN ran well in his debut, passing six horses from start to finish. He has several eye-catching workouts since that race and might get the candy for trainer Chris Paasch and jockey Mike Smith. ATTICUS JACK has also shown the ability to finish but he is taking a big jump in class and would need his best race to beat these.
7th Race) On paper, the Sir Beaufort (G3) shapes up as a match race between FIFTEEN LOVE and GIO PONTI. Both colts are solid milers and have the credentials to win. The tote board might give us the clue as to the best wager.
8th Race) COLONEL JOHN makes his return to the races in the Malibu (G1). The million dollar earner broke his maiden going seven furlongs at Santa Anita, as well as taking the Sham (G3) and the Santa Anita Derby (G1). He will be tough to deny. INTO MISCHIEF has yet to be out of the exacta in five lifetime starts. He has made steady improvement for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella and is on the verge of becoming an important horse. GEORGIE BOY is capable of big races on occasion. He likes extended sprints and might be part of the trifecta.
9th Race) KINKY RULE has run two decent races in his short career. He is on the upswing and looks like the logical winner of the nightcap. MORT ROBBINS takes a big drop in class for his return to the racing wars and might have the class to dominate this field if trainer Barry Abrams has him fit and ready off an extended vacation. MYSTIFICATION should be closing fastest and could pick up tiring foes for a tri or super spot.
