LA Weekly’s Brunch at the Races is today at Santa Anita. While you are tasting all the delicious food and drinks, you may not have enough time to study the Racing Form. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are some picks for novices and experienced players alike to consider from a trusted source, Ted Kane (my husband, and also a damn good handicapper). Good luck!
Race 1:
The favorite #8 Holy Mosey, is ridden by Hall of Famer Gary Stevens, looks like the one to beat. #2 It’s Not so Easy is an interesting long shot at 12-1; sired by Kafwain, he has a good pedigree for sprinting and has an excellent jockey in Rafael Bejarano. #9 Woot Woot comes from the barn of trainer Peter Miller, who is good with 2 year olds.
Race 2:
#1 Mimi’s Big Boy was second last time, looks like the best choice to get the win here. #7 Alston could upset, but has to bring his best race. #2 Gavination should finish somewhere in the money.
Race 3:
#2 My Uncle Al was a fast second in his first race, ought to be good enough this time around. #3 King’s Palace is making his racing debut, has shown some speed in workouts for trainer Kenneth Black, whose horses always do well for jockey Kent Desormeaux. #1 Hot Rodin will likely set the pace, and could be gone in this sprint.
Race 4:
#7 Dissension looks like the class of this field, should come on to win this one on the downhill turf course. #2 Pearl de Vere should be there late as well. #9 Whisk figures to set the pace and try to hold off the late runners.
Race 5:
#3 Queen Bee to You offers tremendous value at 6-1, Bejarano riding for trainer Steve Miyadi, just as in the opener. Slight hike in class is a concern, but she has a good chance. #1 Laura’s Babydoll has been competitive in all three starts. There are a couple of promising first time starters at big odds: #9 Seeking Sofia at 20-1 and #7 Secret Agent Girl at 12-1.
Race 6:
#7 Anatolian Heat, by a sire that produces nothing but Santa Anita turf course winners, a turf course specialist in Brice Blanc aboard, and not mired in the condition like so many of the others. #3 Temple Keys does everything you could want but win. #5 Ward and Jerry has improved with every race and, again, has lost less than most of this field.
Race 7:
#11 California Clone has raced twice, both times well, with a second and a third. He was the favorite last time and deserves to be that again. #4 Extreme Heat, a first time runner by the very productive sire Unusual Heat, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Desormeaux and trained by Carla Gaines, who has a history of saddling winners on their first try. #3 Close to Midnight is by champion sprinter Midnight Lute and has shown speed early in his races before tiring. Jockey Martin Pedroza, who does some of his best work with these types of horses, might get a little better out of him today
Race 8:
#5 Gloryzapper has all the class for trainer Phil D’amato and jockey Stewart Elliot in the Grade III LA Woman stakes. #1 Wild at Heart was very impressive last time after a break and should be strong again with the great Mike Smith keeping the mount. #4 Luminance will be the favorite and has done nothing wrong for trainer Bob Baffert, figures to be the one to beat.
Race 9:
#10 Alaskan Son has the genes to win the turf finale, seems like the likeliest winner, but I’m not crazy about him as the favorite; if his odds stay at 7/2, fine, but I wouldn’t want to take much lower odds in a race with so many contenders. #11 Rye is well bred, no pun intended, as is #7 Letithappen, who offers the eye-popping odds of 15-1.
