The main track and turf course both are listed “good” for the 11-race card Saturday at Santa Anita. Early first post 11:30. Preview …
Race 1 – Speed figures earned by Miss Voluptuous (6) are not as fast as the favorites. That is good, it means Miss Voluptuous could offer generous odds following a solid maiden win over Golden Gate creampuffs. A sibling to five multiple winners, Miss Voluptuous is listed at an appealing 4-1 in this Calbred filly-mare turf mile. The best is ahead for the Unusual Heat filly making just the third start of her career.
Race 3 – Another mile turf race, deep closer Tough It Out (2) returns to preferred footing (turf) and gets the call. He is no bargain at 3-1. Neither is program favorite Kristi’s Copilot (9). Probably a pass race, unless Tough It Out drifts up to 4-1 or higher.
Race 5 – Bellafina (3) should win the G2 Las Virgenes; she is 2-5 and a standout on class and speed. This handicapper is interested in improving Enaya Alrabb (2), runner-up in the G1 Starlet at Los Alamitos and training well for her first start in two months. Enaya Alrabb might be the real deal; this mile race is the test.
Race 6 – A lot of things must go right for trouble-prone Todos Santos (7) to defeat top choice favorite We Will Re Joyce (2) in this $8k claiming sprint. But on pure ability, Todos Santos is good enough. She is 12-1, and worth a longshot stab if her odds float up.
Race 7 – Not interested in betting on, or against, River Boyne (1) in this G3 turf mile. He is the best horse in the field, but the pace scenario is murky and turf is not “firm.”
Race 8 – Much Better (6) looks like a standout in this N1X sprint for 3yos. Will be surprised if he gets beat, also will be surprised if his price is close to his 8-5 program odds. Expect odds-on.
Race 9 – Thirteen entered this G2 at a mile and a quarter on turf. Epical (4) was gelded last summer (July 19, “first-time G”), and gradually improved since. Following impressive back-to-back allowance wins, he gets a class test and is worth backing at 4-1 or higher.
Key plays: Miss Voluptuous, race 1; longshot Todos Santos, race 6; Epical, race 9.
First post for the 11-race card is 11:30 a.m.