September 28, 2024
Jeff Siegel’s “What You Need to Know”
Santa Anita
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Santa Anita 4th Race – Post: 2:04 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Prime Gamble: 5-Ready to Pounce
Other Contenders: 3-Pony Express.
Forecast: Trainer J. Sadler has two strong contenders in this main track miler for entry level allowance older horses, the speedy front-runner #3 Pony Express, and his recent $25,000 claim #5 Ready to Pounce, a highly rated winner from $25,000 foes last time. Though moving up considerable in class for his new connections, ‘Pounce has an ideal second flight, stalking style that should be quite effective due to the projected race shape (fast early), and if he can duplicate his most recent performance he should be difficult to deny right back. Winning rider H. Berrios stays aboard, so we’re anticipating a solid gamble at or near his morning line of 3-1. His stable mate probably is worth including in the exotics as well on the chance that he can get loose on the lead over a track that generally is kind to speed.
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Santa Anita – 5th race – Post: 2:35 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Prime Gamble: 1-Dreamfyre
Other Contenders: 11-Toupie
Forecast: Dreamyfire didn’t pick an easy spot for her comeback in this year’s edition of the Unzip Me Stakes but the speedy sophomore filly showed last year she can fire fresh (she won her debut) and earned speed figures in a pair of graded stakes victories that make her a strong fit in her first start despite tackling older foes for the first time her first outing since last November. The rail post in these Hillside sprints isn’t ideal but the daughter of Flameway should be quick enough to be on lead the lead and then hopefully proceed to go one and wire the field. Her comeback workouts up north should have her fit and ready, so at around 5-1 or so she’ll offer excellent wagering value in the win pool and in the various exotics. Sharp Saratoga shipper Toupie is genuine and consistent and is worth including somewhere on your ticket as well.
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Santa Anita 6th Race – Post: 3:04 PT. Degree of confidence: A-
Prime Gamble: 5-Going Deep
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: Going North finished a promising second in her debut in June and returns today for new connections following a private purchase and a series of recent workouts that indicate she’s probably a much better type now. The daughter of Bodexpress was a bit green through the lane but stayed on gamely to be beaten just a length while well clear of the rest in a good race for the level, so with that bit of experience behind her and three months of physical development since the D. O’Neill-trained juvenile filly should be set for an explosive performance. She’s 2-1 on the morning line and worth every bit of that if you can get it.
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