by Jeff Siegel
January 13, 2024
RACE 1
9-TRAVELIN’ SHOW
Degree of confidence: B-
• Off slowly and raced greenly but finished willingly in recent debut.
• Adds blinkers and Lasix, switches to grass, very likely to improve.
• Good mover with a nice stride, barn has something to work with.
Others to consider: 10-Stagger Lee; 5-Western Grit.
RACE 2
2-NEVER SEEN BEFORE (IRE)
Degree of confidence: C+
• Realistic class drop to lowest level ever, may tag the speed.
• Adds blinkers, retains Juan Hernandez, should have no excuses.
• Has a one-paced grinding style but is a strong fit on figures.
Others to consider: 3-Oncoming.
RACE 3
7-ON PURPOSE
Degree of confidence: C+
• Returns to dirt, logical class drop, switches to Joel Rosario.
• Long time since won but her numbers fit well at this level.
• Lacks a solid late kick so a pace stalking trip is preferred/
Others to consider: 8-Dancing Dana; 1-La Paloma Blanca.
RACE 4
5-WILD JEWELS
Degree of confidence: B
• Seeks fourth straight win and is versatile and genuine.
• Bay Area invader tries dirt but should handle the surface.
• Likely to be the controlling speed if he wants to be.
Others to consider: 1-Last Call London; 3-Stolen Treasure.
RACE 5
3-R SWEET CANDY
Degree of confidence: B-
• Displayed promise in two starts up north, likely to enjoy turf.
• Athletic mover with an effective closing style, good price chance.
• Healthy work tab since race, expecting another forward move.
Others to consider: 4-Asada Fries; 2-Prancingthruparis.
RACE 6
7-BAG’S GOLD
Degree of confidence: B+
• Lost his best chance at start, moved up but then paid the price.
• Two month freshening, steady work tab, switches to Frankie.
• Not much pace signed on; projects to be on or near the lead.
Others to consider: 3-Minister Shane.
RACE 7
2-ROSE MADDOX
Degree of confidence: B
• Returns to state-bred company and should regain winning form.
• Loves the Santa Anita turf course and is effective down the hill.
• Switches to Flavian Prat, likes to settle early and then blast home.
Others to consider: 6-Stay and Scam; 8-Chancery Way.
RACE 8
2-THE CHOSEN VRON
Degree of confidence: A-
• Regains his top form with a sharp score in the Cary Grant Stakes.
• Has seven wins from nine starts over the Santa Anita dirt track.
• Big edge on speed figures and projects to be a very short price.
Others to consider: none.
RACE 9
3-BALLY’S CHARM
Degree of confidence: B
• Strong second to high class Easter in Lure Stakes at Del Mar.
• Back with Cal-breds, has won four of eight starts on this course.
• Two-time winner at nine furlongs, likely the controlling speed.
Others to consider: 5-Kings River Knight; 7-Aligato.