Handicapper Tips & Picks

Good price, good connections

Weight off in saddle helps

Should take to surface

#9 DOUBLE FANTASY can be upgraded coming back from a wide trip on 12/16 and returning to claiming company. The recent layoff lines are a knock for #6 OPTIMAS to require value on an otherwise logical runner in this event. 

#1 SHVERE ARBETER can also be upgraded from the 12/17 event at Los Alamitos with trouble at the start and in running. 

With the Baffert pair of #4 WUDI and #5 DOINITTHEHARDWAY as the runners to beat, Mandella will take a swing with a pair. 

#7 TEENA ELLA moves up from her 11/12 Del Mar debut sitting up close to a fast contested early pace. First time starter #2 COFFEE IN BED moves a little on the "choppy" side though has been working in hand and in company holding her own against more seasoned barnmates. 

The race shape projects to be contentious and plays against both #2 HIGH HEATER and #3 LOOKIN FOR REVENGE. 

#3 ZIMBA WARRIOR could fall into the right trip stalking behind the first flight with #6 BIG BUZZ also capable of finding that same stalking trip. 

#4 PEPPERMAN is a deeper closer with that hurdle through should have contention and pace for his late run given a mention with the projected double digit odds to get into the mix. 

#5 RHYTHEM ON STAGE holds a major edge over the others with racing experience coming into this race. He showed a level of class working towards his debut and has since moved up in statebred company and showing versatility both on the turf and main track. 

#5 ARDIS has a pattern of lacking finish at the same time could hold in today's dynamic with their early speed. #8 FULL OF GRACE is improving in her current form cycle. Today's added ground and field complexion could be enough to assist in another move forward. #9 SECRET MANUVER comes into this race lighter on numbers though has some competitive races at today's distance to compensate. #3 SANGRE AZUL is also lighter on figures overall and compared to others though presents some upside for today's dynamic as a lightly raced type. 

Powell returns with a pair in this race with the barn improving this meet at Santa Anita following a colder Del Mar meet. #5 BATUKHAN seems logical as he transferred his form to the main track last out and remains at the $20k level. #9 COLLEGE BOY has been entered at this level twice since October including a mile main track race last month at Los Alamitos they were unable to draw into.

#1 HASKELLED is a new face to this condition. He will make his first start in for the claiming tag as well as stretch out in distance. In addition to those factors he carries some upside from the less-than-ideal ride on 12/18. 

#3 CHICKASAW moved up all around under today's similar conditions in July at Del Mar to suggest intent landing in a similar spot returning from the layoff. 

#6 MISS FIA holds hidden early speed to be effective in today's race shape with value also in play. The class relief was required for her when placed in allowance company and projected to move up with the class drop in October. In that event, she was restless in the gate, unprepared at the start and showed more run than the finishing position and line may suggest including a gallop out.

#3 HENNY'S CRAZY TRAIN finds class relief as she makes her second start off the layoff. The connections picked this spot following a trainer scratch/re-entered out of a turf sprint allowance on 12/30,

#1 KRISTI'S TIGER will shift to run for the claiming tag today and remains at the one-turn distance, the preferred for her. Her running style from off the pace requires a top effort as this race shape could find that trip tougher to overcome. 

#10 PACIFIC STATES moved up as projected on the class drop back in November. The wide trip played a role in the place finish though overall showed he fits at this level. 

#7 READY RUMOR can be upgrade from 11/24 racing up close to a very fast early pace duel. He took some contact though more impactful was taking part in that race shape. 

As noted, Powell has improved this meet and sending out live runners appears with first time starter, #8 CIRCLE THE MOON. This one brings in a steady local work tab with plenty of stamina moves along with some speed mixed in going back to his works from the summer at Del Mar. 

It appears the first choice for #1 STORM THE NIGHT was to run on the turf as they were unable to draw into a turf sprint on 12/31. Even though they will run on the main track, this class drop is welcome. 

#6 HENRY Q makes a belated second start debuting here last June. He idled in the lane on the left lead, something that might have played a factor in the time off that followed as well as the class change here on return. 

P 1 Nightline Seelster 2 Sly Eleanor 3 Darkshadeofpale

P 3 Palladium Hanover 5 William Hanover 6 Jack Panic

P 1 Im On The Edge 2 Music Box Noise 8 Maddigal

P 8 8 Kinder Sport 7 Ultimate Speed 2 Always B Best

P 6 Mach My Kiss 2 Majestic Virgin 4 Kounnis

P 5 Kcs Starlite 3 Meilleur Fromage 6 Mystic Wild Rose

P 2 Beyond The Sea 7 Come Roll With Me 5 Baby Bonita

P 5 Dont Poke The Bear 1 Bettingonthebeach 7 Flight Onefortysix

P 6 Dabarndawgswatchin 5 Sporty Tori 4 Need To Breathe

P 4 Mc Kella 5 P L Oooooooyah 9 Born A Dragon

T 2 Hawaii 9 Massive Profit 4 Stonebridge Zeus