Some great results from Santa Anita for UK and Irish racing (3 winners), lady trainers (Jo Hughes), ex-jockeys (Willie Carson - owns Chriselium), tall jockeys (Richard Hughes - rode Chrisellium), and this blog yesterday (3 winners).
Now fingers crossed for a repeat performance tonight!
Have you noticed the multitude of kitteny names in the US that are given to horses? I'm struggling to see the connotations. I can understand Panther (pouncing at the last minute) or tiger (brave, game and fierce) but kitten (cute, fluffy and cuddly?)?
Nope, I'm not getting it. Or do you think that more of the US owners let their daughters choose their racehorses names.....
....back to the matter in hand and I've reconsidered by stance on dirt! As in yesterday I wouldn't entertain a runner who hadn't previously run on the substance despite their breeding and pedigree! London Bridge bit me on the bum there so I'm hoping that Ms Hughes has given Mr O'Brien the benefit of her wisdom (hehe - girl power!) and have opted for Declaration of War over Game On Dude in the big one. In reality, I will probably back both though!
Here we go:
19:05
|
Untapable
|
19:43
|
Dank 1st
|
20:21
|
Groupie
Doll 1st
|
21:05
|
Mizdirection
1st
|
21:43
|
Havana
2nd
|
22:22
|
The
Fugue 2nd
|
23:01
|
Justin
Philip
|
23:40
|
No
Jet Lag
|
00:35
|
Declaration
Of War 3rd
|
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You have to admit that the US know how to lay on a racing extravaganza and what a stage with the San Gabriel mountains as a backdrop!
There are a couple of things to bear in mind when searching for winners at Santa Anita. Firstly there was a pro-track cushion surface in place from 2007 to 2010 before they reverted to good old dirt, so beware when looking back at past winners and draws etc during these years.
Secondly, this is the first year that the babies (2yo) will not be allowed to use Lasix (a medication used to prevent bleeding). This won't present a problem for most Euro runners and indeed it should be to their advantage. Some US runners though will have been used to running with this.
Finally (ok then, three things!) DIRT IS DIRT IS DIRT. I don't care what the breeding/pedigree says, until I've seen a horse act on this surface then I cannot entertain that it may win a race on it - too many European horses have set off favourite on this surface only to be whipping the field in at the business end of the race (ask Mr O'Brien!)
Here are my selections, taking into account my own compiled draw statistics, recent form, liking for sharp left handed tracks, use of Lasix (or not....where applicable), jockey & trainer form and all else that we love to battle with and ponder for hours in the pursuit of smug!
17:40
|
Kochees
|
18:15
|
Cat
Burgler 2nd
|
18:50
|
Cinmars
Dance
|
19:27
|
Moving
Desert 2nd
|
20:02
|
Gabriel
Charles 2nd
|
20:45
|
Pool
Play
|
21:25
|
Outstrip 1st
|
22:05
|
Goldencents 1st
|
22:50
|
Al
Thakhira
|
23:35
|
Beholder 1st
|
00:10
|
Ms
Dixie 3rd
|
Good Luck !
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