Jeff Siegel’s Blog: “What You Need to Know” for Santa Anita – Friday, January 26, 2024

Jeff Siegel’s 1/ST Glance: Santa Anita – Friday, January 26, 2024

RACE 1

6-LAMPORGHINI
Degree of confidence: B

• Tough beat when second facing similar over course and distance.
• First time Lasix, rising speed figure, likely to inherit a pressing trip.
• Five easy breezes since raced to have her sharp, fit, and ready.

Others to consider: 2-Lady Monclaire.

 

RACE 2

1-MR. DREAMCYCLE
Degree of confidence: B

• Plummets to the $25,000 level, looks to have found his friends.,
• Lands the rail, quick enough to use his post to good advantage.
• Career top speed figure when second facing tougher last month.

Others to consider: 2-Handsome Harry.

 

RACE 3

5-ELEVADO
Degree of confidence: B-

• Raise in class to restricted $20,000 by new barn following a claim.,
• Facing less early heat today and should draft into a stalking spot.
• Solid recent form with consistent figures, should fire a big shot.

Others to consider: 8-Tangledupingrey.

 

RACE 4

2-MORE TRY
Degree of confidence: B-

• Intriguing stretch out play after a series of solid grass sprints.
• Switches to speed rider Edwin Maldonado, theft on agenda?
• Family suggests he will get a mile, best chance is the first time.

Others to consider: 3-Ghostly Act.

 

RACE 5

4-DUTY FIRST
Degree of confidence: B

• Up a level following a $16,000 Knapp claim, fast recent figures.
• Took early heat and then lengthened with authority in last heat.
• Projected pace flow appears moderate; capable of repeating.

Others to consider: 2-Princip.

 

RACE 6

8-BOOK SMART
Degree of confidence: B

• Set blazing pace down the Hill, was worn down late, sharp effort.
• Tries the flat course today and should stick better in this league.
• Switches to go-to stable rider (Desormeaux), catch him and win.

Others to consider: 1-Gregorian Chant (GB).

 

RACE 7

4-GHOST OF MIDNIGHT
Degree of confidence: B+

• Four wins in five starts, lone defeat was to a rocket ship (Hejazi).
• Earned career top figure in recent win over this track and distance.
• Not quick but produces a good kick, pace flow compliments his style.

Others to consider: 2-Departure; 1-Direct Line.

 

RACE 8

1-ON THE WHIM
Degree of confidence: B

• Clever debut grass win, far back on dirt, returns to his preferred surface.
• Has the classic two-sprints-and-a-stretch out angle, bred to run long.
• Favorable rail draw ensures a ground-saving trip, facing a modest field.

Others to consider: 10-Red Cross Knight; 11-Moogie Son.

Jeff Siegel’s Blog: “What You Need to Know” for Santa Anita – Friday, January 26, 2024

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