by Jeff Siegel
January 7, 2024
FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT
4-DERECHO DANDY
Degree of confidence: C
• Distinct advantage on speed figures; drops for the money run.
• Not particularly dependable and is a one-paced grinding type.
• Ran well when second under A. Freu two races back at Del Mar.
Others to consider: 6-Tokamak; 5-Tiz Tok.
SECOND RACE – Post: 12:30 PT
2-HAVANA ANGEL (IRE)
Degree of confidence: C+
• Winless in North America but exits a series of tough races.
• Switches to Frankie, nicely drawn inside, likely a pace factor.
• One of two Powell entrants; Kleen Karma has a shot, too.
Others to consider: 3-Kleen Karma; 5-Hennys Crazy Train.
THIRD RACE – Post: 1:00 PT
6-PRINCE PRANCEALOT
Degree of confidence: B
• Convincing state-bred win at Los Alamitos, fastest of figs.
• Lovely outside draw, can stalk and pounce or pop and go.
• Two nice breezes since raced including a bullet blowout.
Others to consider: 3-Mischiefs Causeway; 4-Catmansue.
FOURTH RACE – Post: 1:30 PT | $186K Carryover Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 Race
6-CROSBY BEACH
Degree of confidence: B-
• Remains above his claim level and picks up Flavian Prat.
• Two time winner over the local lawn, good stalking style.
• Career top speed figure in last, healthy pattern since.
Others to consider: 1-Goliad.
FIFTH RACE – Post: 2:00 PT | $186K Carryover Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 Race
2-ELWOOD BLUES
Degree of confidence: B
• Lightly raced, improving with each start, and is fast on figures.
• Second in both prior starts over local main track in hot races.
• Trainer-jockey combo (Baffert/Hernandez) has a high win rate.
Others to consider: 1-Desmond Doss.
SIXTH RACE – Post: 2:34 PT
6-SHADY TIGER
Degree of confidence: B-
• Strong runner-up in debut at Del Mar on turf; switches to dirt.
• Retains Juan Hernandez; adds Lasix, has a right to step forward.
• Earned a respectable speed figure and is a likely a pace presser.
Others to consider: 4-Petesoldfashioned; 9-J Dutton.
SEVENTH RACE – Post: 3:07 PT | $186K Carryover Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 Race
3-MEGA MOON
Degree of confidence: B-
• One-paced grinder lacks a turn of foot but always tries hard.
• In the frame in last four, project to be prominent throughout.
• Favorable pace flow, should have dead aim and every chance.
Others to consider: 4-St Ignacio.
EIGHTH RACE – Post: 3:40 PT
1-KOPION
Degree of confidence: A-
• Easy debut winner at Del Mar while earning a smart figure.
• Plenty of time between starts, should fire another big shot.
• Rail post should not be a problem; extra distance a plus.
Others to consider: 2-Tambo.
NINTH RACE – Post: 4:13 PT
3-CITY EXILE (GB)
Degree of confidence: C+
• Known element is not inspiring; Irish import should fit nicely.
• Barn always does well with Euro invades; Flavian Prat is a plus.
• Was a 10 race maiden overseas but Timeform ratings are okay.
Others to consider: 8-Khantaro d’Oro; 6-Devilish Desire; 2-Captain Choochkies.