Santa Anita January29, 2009

Santa Anita January29, 2009

Race 2 Pick: Forest Phantom The top contenders in this race are actually very evenly matched, including Wheaton Hall, Indian Weaver, and Stand Tall. Wheaton Hall has the advantage of Mike Mitchell as trainer and seems to be lone speed. However, Indian Weaver will stalk and try to keep him honest. It will be interesting to see whether Indian Weaver or Backus to his immediate outside (post 4) will be more forwardly placed. If Backus gets better position, Indian Weaver might be compromised. STand Tall and Forest Phantom are going to lay well off the pace, but I think Bejarano is aware that Wheaton Hall may benefit from a moderate pace and won't have him too far back. Stand Tall has closed and won on a slow pace from well back before. I am a little concerned about Forest Phantom coming off the layoff, but Bejarano sees fit to ride, so I am guessing the trainer has told him Forest Phantom is ready. Forest Phantoms GHR Number Speed Figures are a little stronger than the other contenders, so he will be the narrow choice. Extreme Notice outside chance to finish underneath in trifectas. He has run an 88 beyer before on the polytrack sprinting.

Race 5 Pick: Cool Haleigh, Bewitching Gem Cool Haleigh has better figures than Inspiration Within and Kula Girl (5/2) and Masterful Miss too. Watch for Bewitching Gem, she has a shot at 8-1 ML. The 81 beyer she received last time I estimate to be about 5 points understated based on GHR Number Speed Figures. Laurendean Gale is interesting here.