Santa Anita January1, 2009

Santa Anita January1, 2009
Races can be seen on Horse Racing TV (HRTV)

Race 1 Pick: Red Neck Gal. She is the 2-1 ML favorite, but I think she has the edge in terms of speed figures and connections. I will stand against Jungle Girl (9-2 ML). Red Flag is worth a look to possibly come in underneath in your trifecta.

Race 2 Pick: Poker Dave. I am not crazy about the connections, but GHR Speed Figures show that she is a couple lengths faster than the main contenders like Massone and Scorewithcater, who have the top jockeys but you will be paying for their services built into the odds. Poker Dave is 7/2 third choice ML and is the value if he can run to the form he showed last time.

Race 6 Pick: Cat Brulay. He is lightly raced but his last race shows the highest GHR Number Speed Figure. I am not crazy about the trainer, and Wine on the Porch and Cape Hatchet look pretty good and have the better connections, but Cat Brulay is the pick here.

Race 7 Pick (The Paseana Handicap): Double Trouble. I would draw a line through the Milady Handicap back in May - that one was just a little too bad to be believed, and she may not have taken to the turf in the Beverly Hills Handicap two races back. Her Santa Margarita (G1) was outstanding and with Frankel and Gomez as the connections, she has every chance to return to that great form, if so, she will be tough.