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Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Friday, January 5, 2024

by Jeff Siegel

January 5, 2024

FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT

8-EXULTATION
Degree of confidence: B-

• Seeking fifth straight win over a 16 month time span.
• First or second in eight of 14 starts over the local lawn.
• Outside draw allows for an ideal pace stalking journey.

Others to consider: none.



SECOND RACE – Post: 12:31 PT

5-MISS KALINE
Degree of confidence: C

• Victimized by a wide trip when third facing similar last month.
• Has several back speed figures that are good enough to win.
• Shows a prior win over this track and can improve for Hess, Jr.

Others to consider: none.



THIRD RACE – Post: 1:02 PT

7-ZE’BUL
Degree of confidence: B-

• First time gelding, switches to grass, turns back to a sprint.
• Late running sprinter won his debut over the local lawn.
• Has the proper style for this extended sprint distance.

Others to consider: 1-Take Action



FOURTH RACE – Post: 1:34 PT

3-PACO’S PICO
Degree of confidence: C

• Overdue for a win; blanked in eight starts in 2023.
• Voided claim three back, has question of condition.
• Missed as the evening money choice at Los Alamitos.

Others to consider: 5-Tembo.



FIFTH RACE – Post: 3:06 PT

5-QUARIA THUNDER
Degree of confidence: B-

• Encountered some trouble when third in a similar spot.
• Lands a favorable pace scenario, will be closing late.
• Solid on figures, switches to F. Prat, has a slight edge.


Others to consider: 2-Chasingserendipity; 4-Woodbine Way.



SIXTH RACE – Post: 3:08 PT

3-GATE TO PARADISE
Degree of confidence: B

• Ran below expectations when a fading fifth in Chandelier Stakes.
• Freshened since the fall, returns to the maiden ranks, can improve.
• Healthy recent work tab should have her fit and ready for a big try.

Others to consider: 1-She’s a Tempest.



SEVENTH RACE – Post: 3:10 PT

8-SONG OF SHADOWS
Degree of confidence: B

• Missed by a neck (well clear of the rest) in similar Del Mar turf dash.
• Hooking other speed, might prefer to employ pace stalking tactics.
• Retains bug boy Torrealba; has solid and consistent speed figures.

Others to consider: none.



EIGHTH RACE – Post: 3:42 PT

7-PATRON D’ORO
Degree of confidence: B

• Takes a class drop; graduated over this track and distance.
• Stumbled badly at the start and was eliminated last time out.
• Likely to settle into a stalking position and have every chance.

Others to consider: 4-Disco Ball; 2-Top Gun Tommy.



NINTH RACE – Post: 4:14 PT

2-LEMON SUSHI
Degree of confidence: B

• Close fourth over a mile in a similar Del Mar starter event.
• Missed in a photo over this course and distance two back.
• Ideal stalking style, retains Juan Hernandez, solid pick.

Others to consider: 7-Kid Azteca; 6-Virat.