Jeff Siegel’s Blog: “What You Need to Know” for – Santa Anita – Sunday, March 3, 2024

Jeff Siegel’s 1/ST Glance: Santa Anita – Sunday, March 3, 2024

RACE 1

5-ASADA FRIES
Degree of confidence: C+

• Solid runner-up in Cal Cup Oaks; class drop to the first level.
• First time Lasix; retains Juan Hernandez; good tactical speed.
• Moderate figures but has produced a series of forward moves.

Others to consider: 4-Sushi Sticks; 8-Loretta Lynn.

 

RACE 2

6-TOP GUN TOMMY
Degree of confidence: B

• Claimed in his last six starts and now in the K. Mulhall stable.
• Perfect in three starts over the local track and is fast on figs.
• Employs an effective stalking style; should love this distance.

Others to consider: 5-Disco Ball.

 

RACE 3

6-DEN OF INIQUITY (GB)
Degree of confidence: B-

• Second in both starts since arriving from Ireland; ready to win.
• Both local outings earned better than par figures for the level.
• Good stalking style ensures a comfortable trip, no excuses today.

Others to consider: 1-Well Funded; 2-Kelly’s Out (Ire).

 

RACE 4

3-BENDITTIJOE
Degree of confidence: B

• Important jockey change to Frankie; drops to his lowest level ever.
• Stretches out again to his best trip; recent figures point him out.
• Projects to enjoy a cozy second flight trip and have every chance.

Others to consider: none. 

 

RACE 5

5-CROSBY BEACH
Degree of confidence: B

• Returns to his claim level after a pair of solid outings facing tougher.
• Two time winner over the local lawn and picks up Frankie Dettori.
• Freshened for two months; shows a sharp recent half mile breeze.

Others to consider: 8-Truly Quality.

 

RACE 6

5-IMAGINATION
Degree of confidence: A-

• Career top effort when narrowly missing to top prospect Maymun.
• Cozy outside draw will allow him to secure a soft stalking position.
• Sharp six furlong breeze since raced, ready to step forward again.

Others to consider: none.

 

RACE 7

2-EASTER (FR)
Degree of confidence: A-

• Arguably the best middle distance older turf performer in the U.S.
• Seeks his fourth straight win and is perfect in two Santa Anita starts.
• Packs a wicked late kick; sharp works for first start since opening day.

Others to consider: 6-Du Jour.

 

RACE 8

2-HIGHLAND FALLS
Degree of confidence: B+

• Lightly raced Curlin colt is progressing with each start; gets a class test.
• Pedigree suggests he will love the classic mile and one-quarter distance.
• Effective stalking style; has speed figures that make him a major player.

Others to consider: 5-Newgate.

 

RACE 9

11-SUMMER LAKE
Degree of confidence: B-

• Easily handled state-bred competition over this course and distance.
• Tackling open company today but is nicely drawn on the far outside.
• Lightly raced mare has room for further improvement; retains A. Fresu.

Others to consider: 8-Don’ Ju Forget.

 

RACE 10

6-RUBY NELL
Degree of confidence: B+

• Respectable third in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Invitational.
• Tackling a bit easier today and is reunited with regular pilot Maldonado.
• Four time winner over the local lawn; three time winner at this trip.

Others to consider: 4-Bellabel (Ire); 11-Mouffy.

Jeff Siegel’s Blog: “What You Need to Know” for – Santa Anita – Sunday, March 3, 2024

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