February 18, 2024
Jeff Siegel’s 1/ST Glance: Santa Anita – Sunday, February 18, 2024
RACE 1
3-AURATIUM
Degree of confidence: B-
• First time in a maiden claimer; can take advantage of the class relief.
• Removes the blinkers, projects to settle early and deliver a good kick.
• Rispoli-McCarthy powerful jockey/trainer combo (24% this season).
Others to consider: 4-Ellie Moore-GB.
RACE 2
4-BONAQUA
Degree of confidence: B+
• Finished strongly but ran out of room in a promising recent debut try.
• Gets an extra half furlong to work with, Pratt returns, solid top pick.
• Earned a solid speed figure; will not have to improve to beat this field.
Others to consider: 5-Nay V Belle.
RACE 3
7-FIRSTTIMEINFOREVER
Degree of confidence: B
• Clever winner over this course and distance, strong figure, can repeat.
• Moving up from starter allowance to the first level, can handle the hike.
• Likes to settle and take hold late; Frankie got to know her, stays aboard.
Others to consider: 5-Katerini.
RACE 4
3-UNKEPT SECRET
Degree of confidence: B-
• Has hit the board in six of nine career starts and is overdue for a win.
• Actually finished first at this level two runs back but was disqualified.
• Has enough speed to be on or near the lead, has little to worry about.
Others to consider: 5-Warren’s Showgirl.
RACE 5
8-NAUVOO
Degree of confidence: C+
• Double jumped in class by new outfit following runaway $12,500 romp.
• Earned a monster number in victory; will be a repeater with a similar fig.
• Form suggests he is a need the lead type, so expect gate to wire tactics.
Others to consider: 4-Good Juju.
RACE 6
6-SIR ATTICUS
Degree of confidence: B+
• Exits a stakes quality allowance sprint and finished a strong third.
• Lovely outside draw; projects to enjoy a comfortable stalking trip.
• Very fast on figures, shows a win over this track and distance.
Others to consider: 1-Escape Route.
RACE 7
6-STRIKINGLY
Degree of confidence: C+
• Has had 14 chances and cannot be trusted but rates the call by default.
• Shows four placings from six starts over the local lawn, best when held up.
• Solid runner-up facing similar older maiden foes, same effort beats these.
Others to consider: 1-Apple Fest; 4-Collectively.
RACE 8
2-BIG POND
Degree of confidence: B+
• Lost the head bob in the La Brea Stakes, is owed one today.
• Not a quick type but can be within striking range throughout.
• Retains Frankie, solid on numbers, reliable for an honest try.
Others to consider: 3-Daddysruby.
RACE 9
3-NITTI (Ire)
Degree of confidence: B+
• Displayed promise in Ireland in good company, can fit with these.
• Appeared fit and ready in recent breeze, can fire a big shot fresh.
• Nicely drawn inside, lands Juan Hernandez, Timeform ratings OK.
Others to consider: 8-American Glory (GB); 7-El Rey Rey.
