Wet track and off turf Saturday at Santa Anita, where 3-year-old fillies meet in the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel. Morning preview (before scratches) below …
Race 1 – Due to the surface switch, Minister’s Glory (1) is not a standout. This Cal-bred turf mile will be run on the main track. Scratches are likely.
Race 2 – Maiden 3yos go a mile, More Honor (2) stretches out from two sprints and adds small-cup blinkers. This handicapper believes More Honor is a “good thing.” But full disclosure – I thought the same before More Honor’s last race, when he finished second.
Race 3 – Wet-track specialist City Steel (5) can upset favorite Lewis Vale (4) in this $10k claiming mile. City Steel has trained well since being claimed by Bob Hess, Jr. The single-level drop following the claim is acceptable in this case.
Race 4 – This Cal-bred maiden mile is a split of race 1, and also moved to dirt. Good luck.
Race 5 – Rafael Bejarano has one mount Saturday – Camino de Estrella (4) in this N1X/optional $40k claiming mile. He is one of three main contenders, with favorite Lookie Loo (6) and Donworth (3).
Race 6 – Race advance, Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes:http://bit.ly/2tbS7PT.
Race 7 – Treasure Hunter (4) and Honeymoonz Over (3) are top contenders in this starter allowance for 3yo sprinters, but this deep race is a “spread” for multi-race exotics.
Race 8 – This N1X for fillies and mares is moved from the downhill to the main track. Ms Wakaya (5) remains the top choice. Scratches are likely.
Race 9 – Yolanda’s Stone (2) ran better than looked in her return; she has an upset chance in this maiden-20 despite no recorded works since she raced Feb. 8. First-time starter No Honey Money (3) has worked well and is a sibling to debut winner Short of Ez, owned and trained by the same connections. The program favorite is Wild Edie (9).
Race 10 – A softer pace scenario and shorter distance benefits Rick’s Dream (6), who is listed at a tempting 4-1 in this $16k claiming sprint, N3L.
First post Saturday is 12:30.