by Jeff Siegel
April 6, 2024
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RACE 1
8-STOP DIGGING
Degree of confidence: B+
• Good speed over the dead Del Mar in debut, then was stopped on.
• Returns on turf (bred for it) and shows a solid series of workouts.
• Sophomore California-bred filly adds Lasix and looks like a live item.
Others to consider: 4-Danzingwith Maxine.
RACE 2
4-BALL DON’T LIKE
Degree of confidence: B+
• Flashed sharp speed in debut, weakened late, should be fitter today.
• Shortens to six furlongs; Glatt barn has strong stats with second timers.
• Frankie stays; best of the known element; Broheim is the stranger danger.
Others to consider: 6-Broheim.
RACE 3
9-RUGELACH
Degree of confidence: B
• Genuine, consistent, and versatile; never off the board over local lawn.
• Effective pace stalking style; retains Hernandez; healthy recent work tab.
• Likely to inherit a cozy outside trip and have very chance through the lane.
Others to consider: 3-Big Summer.
RACE 4
2-MIRINDA
Degree of confidence: B
• Runaway maiden winner but then failed at odds-on and was turned out.
• Returns in a stakes in a sign of confidence; workouts should have her fit.
• Plenty of early zip and is the likely controlling speed, fastest on figures.
Others to consider: 1-Safa.
RACE 5
11-STRIKE WHEN READY
Degree of confidence: B+
• Was a visually pleasing third (of 14) in her Irish debut before importation.
• Has some early speed and is dangerous in local bow despite outside post.
• Timeform rating (68) makes her a solid fit on this circuit against maidens.
Others to consider: 6-Loterie (Ire); 3-Kathynmarissa.
RACE 6
2-KINZA
Degree of confidence: A-
• Perfect in three starts and has earned a stakes-quality figure in each race.
• Easily handled main contender Kopion in a Grade 3 dirt miler in February.
• Continues to impress in the morning; certain to be the controlling speed.
Others to consider: 3-Kopion.
RACE 7
8-PASTICHE (GB)
Degree of confidence: B+
• English form is solid (better than looked) and makes her a fit at this level.
• Recent drills are sharp and indicate she is fit and ready off the bench.
• First time Lasix; Timeform Ratings are strong; offers a good price gamble.
Others to consider: 4-Summer Lake; 5-Mrs. Astor; 12-Just Nails.
RACE 8
3-CALIFORNIA TIGER
Degree of confidence: B-
• Re-equipped with blinkers and shows the popular route-to-sprint angle.
• Earned huge figure two runs back when sprinting over the local dirt strip.
• Pace scenario projects to be comfortable; likely to simply bust out and go.
Others to consider: 2-Big Bet Jafinsafa; 5-Tizz a Good Thing.
RACE 9
6-AG BULLET
Degree of confidence: B+
• Returned off 11 month layoff in peak form in the Wishing Well Stakes.
• Santa Anita course specialist (three-for-three) and can handle the Hill.
• Won her last race gate-to-wire; similar tactics will be employed again.
Others to consider: 1-Gracelund Gray.
RACE 10
3-STRONGHOLD
Degree of confidence: A-
• Loved his Sunland Park Derby win; tougher task today but can handle it.
• Ghostzapper colts generally continue to improve with age and maturity.
• Recent dirt workout was spectacular; easily handled older stable mates.
Others to consider: 4-Imagination.
RACE 11
7-MAN AMONG MEN
Degree of confidence: A-
• Now five years old with just four starts but has retained all of his speed.
• Lost a toughie in his recent comeback down the Hill, stretches out today.
• Better distance today, long strider has plenty of talent and athleticism.
Others to consider: 6-Ottoman Prince (Ire); 8-Aligato.
RACE 12
7-TOM SEAVER
Degree of confidence: B+
• Perfect in two starts (both grass); the switch to dirt should not be an issue.
• Out of the classy race mare Enola Gray but is not as quick as mom was.
• Likes to settle early and explode late; extended sprint trip seems ideal.
Others to consider: 3-Shady Tiger; 8-Two By For.