by Jeff Siegel
February 24, 2024
RACE 1
5-BANDWAGON
Degree of confidence: B-
• Continued his improving pattern with clever recent maiden win.
• Earned a career top speed figure in his first try over the local lawn.
• Shorter trip is no issue and appears to be the best of the closers.
Others to consider: 7-Miracle Mark; 3-Rastaman Vibe.
RACE 2
2-DANCING DANA
Degree of confidence: B-
• Third in a slightly stronger affair; shortens to a more favorable trip.
• Third start off an extended layoff and should be set for her best try.
• Yet to win in six starts over the local track but lands a very soft spot.
Others to consider: 6-La Paloma Blanca.
RACE 3
3-SNEAKER
Degree of confidence: B
• Excellent second over this course and distance facing similar foes.
• Was more than six lengths clear of the rest and is ready to graduate.
• Projects as the controlling speed in a race that should have soft splits.
Others to consider: none.
RACE 4
6-MR. DREAMCYCLE
Degree of confidence: B+
• Moves up a notch after crushing $25,000 foes while on the pace.
• Earned a career top speed figure and looms very tough right back.
• Lovely outside draw, can pop and go or press and pounce if needed.
Others to consider: none.
RACE 5
5-KINGS RIVER KNIGHT
Degree of confidence: B+
• Multiple state-bred stakes winner faces open allowance company.
• Does his best on the front end but can stalk if the pace dictates.
• Three-for-three) at this one mile trip and loves the Santa Anita lawn.
Others to consider: 1-Cathkin Peak (Ire).
RACE 6
7-APPRECIATE TODAY
Degree of confidence: B
• Was a short horse in debut and weakened late after stalking the pace.
• Likely to be fitter and sharper today and is cozily drawn on the outside.
• Vegas Burner (slow start) was best in the same race our top pick exits.
Others to consider: 6-Vegas Burner.; 2-Duran.
RACE 7
6-LINDA’S GIFT
Degree of confidence: B+
• Never been better (three wins in last five starts) and can score again.
• Was the controlling speed in last pair but can stalk if pace flow requires.
• Lightly raced daughter of Arrogate has room for further improvement.
Others to consider: 5-Khinjani (GB).
RACE 8
4-JUDGE MILLER
Degree of confidence: B+
• Has the classic two-sprints-and-a-stretch-out pattern; mile no issue.
• Very fast on speed figures and projects to be the controlling speed.
• Royally bred son of Curlin has a chance to develop into a good one.
Others to consider: 5-Clouseau.
RACE 9
5-VIRAT
Degree of confidence: B+
• Blistering win sprinting on the flat course; tries his luck down the Hill.
• Likes to settle in mid-pack and then blast home; conditions are ideal.
• Been sparingly raced but has hit the board in six of 11 career outings.
Others to consider: 7-Grazed.
RACE 10
2-JOHNNY DRAMA
Degree of confidence: B
• Graduated in game fashion over this course and distance last month.
• Earned a career top figure in victory; nothing more will be needed here.
• Freshened for six weeks but love his work pattern and can step forward.
Others to consider: 9-National Generaux (Ire).