Jeff Siegel’s 1/ST Glance: Santa Anita – Saturday, February 3, 2024
(Updated 11:00 AM PT)
RACE 1
2-QUEEN OF POIMPEII
Degree of confidence: B-
• Freshened; two tough beats sprinting over the local lawn last fall.
• Likes to settle early and produce a late run, jockey fits her well.
• Shows a good recent series of workouts, has a history of firing fresh.
Others to consider: 1-Issa Court.
RACE 2
7-BARTHOLDY
Degree of confidence: B
• Away for two months, sharp recent workouts, bred to love grass.
• First start with Lasix and without blinkers; picks up Frankie Dettori.
• Likely to settle into a stalking position outside and have every chance.
Others to consider: 2-Island Cruiser; 6-Laugier Night (Ire).
RACE 3
5-MONTANA
Degree of confidence: C
• Returns to his claim level and rates top billing by default.
• Winless in eight Santa Anita starts but usually hits the board.
• One-paced grinder should draft into a cozy stalking position.
Others to consider: 1-Incredibe Mo.
RACE 4
7-CLOSING REMARKS
Degree of confidence: B+
• Veteran mare still is going strong at age six; always tries hard.
• First or second in eight of 16 starts over the Santa Anita lawn.
• Will need to work out a trip from her outside post position.
Others to consider: 1-Mouffy; 5-Bellabel.
RACE 5
6-NYSOS
Degree of confidence: A
• Unbeaten and never asked in two runaway wins with big numbers.
• Continues to train like a top class prospect; will be a very short price.
• First time around two turns; pedigree suggests he will enjoy the trip.
Others to consider: none.
RACE 6
3-RUGELACH
Degree of confidence: B+
• Winner of three of her last four starts with consistent numbers.
• Speed to be in front but can stalk if the race flow requires it.
• In the money in nine of 10 career starts, always gives her best.
Others to consider: 10-Miss Lizzy.
RACE 7
3-THRUST
Degree of confidence: C+
• Now in the Baltas barn and catches a field without much early speed.
• Broke his maiden sprinting at Los Alamitos and has trained well since.
• Likely to try gate-to-wire tactics and could get brave if not pressured.
Others to consider: 7-Arrest.
RACE 8
5-TIO MAGICO
Degree of confidence: B
• Strong numbers, excellent third behind Easter in San Gabriel Stakes.
• Versatile gelding can be effective on the lead or from off the pace.
• Retains Flavian Prat; lightly raced 6-year-old has room to improve.
Others to consider: 6-Goliad; 3-Balnikhov.
RACE 9
3-THREE WITCHES
Degree of confidence:
• Excellent third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint last fall.
• Never off the board in five starts at this extended sprint distance.
• Joins the Michael McCarthy barn; has shown she can win off a layoff.
Others to consider: 6-Hot Peppers.
RACE 10
5-AUSPICIOUS STYLE
Degree of confidence: B-
• Northern California shipper shows numbers that fit at this level.
• Has 10 wins from 22 career starts and always gives a top effort.
• Can win on the lead, from a stalking spot, or from off the pace.
Others to consider: 7-True Quality.
