Jan
22
No. 9
Filed Under Uncategorized
For the ninth time in 20 days of racing, we have a Pick Six carryover. Heading into Wednesday’s card there will be a massive double carryover of more than $723,000. Why all the carryovers? Two reasons: full fields and extremely competitive races. Plus, I think the switch from Cushion Track at Hollywood Park to the traditional dirt at Santa Anita has made for some form reversals. Toss into the mix that traditionally strong barns like Doug O’Neill and Jeff Mullins are struggling right now and all the ingredients are there for a perfect storm of longshot winners.
Yesterday, six more double digit winners, including the last four winners on the card. I could definitely see trying to beat odds-on TIME SQUARED in the 6th race and heavy favorite BOBOMAN in the feature. But coming up with SUBLET in the finale? That was tough.
Two winners each for Garrett Gomez and John Sadler, who is now tied with Baffert at the top of the trainer standings. They teamed up with LARGO in the 1st and BACHELORETTE ONE in the 5th. Gomez is now running away in the jockey race, extending his lead to nine over Espinoza.
One rider who flies under the radar but quietly is having a strong meet is Danny Sorenson, who has won a handful of races and been on the board consistently, usually with long-priced horses.
ONE OFF ran down NOTABLE GUEST late to take down the San Marcos Stakes while BOBOMAN (who I thought received a strange, too-close-to-the-pace ride by Gomez) floundered at the top of the stretch. Although Richard Mandella certainly deserves his place in racing’s Hall of Fame, is there any less productive barn on the circuit considering his stock? For months his stable has underachieved, winning at a low percentage while consistently blowing with horses priced at under 5-1. He is currently winless at the SA meet.
The 6th race for maidens was bizarre. SPANKEY COME HOME drifted out badly into the stretch, taking TIAGO out with him. TIAGO got straightened out to make the lead in deep stretch but it was shocking to see SPANKEY re-rally (despite drifting out again badly in mid-stretch) for the “win”. His number had to come down (although electrifying rider Gerry Olguin seemed surprised) but it doesn’t say much about those who finished behind him, including overhyped Biancone-trainee TIME SQUARED.
Rest up and get fresh money. Wednesday should be a blast.
To view a Free Sample of yesterday’s Premium Plays, click on the link below: Premium Plays for Jan. 21
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