by Jeff Siegel
January 14, 2024
RACE 1
4-RUNAMILEINMYSHOES
Degree of confidence: B
• Missed in debut as the favorite but had a legitimate excuse.
• Freshened since August, shows steady work pattern for return.
• Will enjoy the extra furlong, retains red hot Juan Hernandez.
Others to consider: 7-Jane Kendeigh.
RACE 2
2-JOHN DUNBAR
Degree of confidence: B+
• In the money in both starts with rising figures, ready to graduate.
• Two month freshening, can continue his improving pattern.
• Monumental jockey switch to Flavian Prat, looms a short price.
Others to consider: none.
RACE 3
3-MUTEKI
Degree of confidence: A-
• Million dollar American Pharoah filly is infinitely better than shown.
• Speed and fade in debut, returns with a series of eye-popping drills.
• Gets Lasix, removes blinkers, retains Hernandez, should love grass.
Others to consider: 7-Make It Snow.
RACE 4
4-DIAL A FRIEND
Degree of confidence: B+
• Toyed with maiden claiming foes in 10 length romp at Los Alamitos.
• Protected today in starter allowance, appears to be a likely repeater.
• Impressive workouts including a bullet five furlong drill at San Luis Rey.
Others to consider: 1-She’s My Niece.
RACE 5
2-LADY MONCLAIRE
Degree of confidence: B+
• Wide in turf miler at Del Mar in debut, shortens up, better than shown.
• Now in Richard Baltas barn, adds blinkers and Lasix, this is her distance.
• Healthy series of breezes at San Luis Rey Down and catches a soft field.
Others to consider: 6-The Shushala; 7-Wishes to Riches.
RACE 6
1-BIG RAINBOW
Degree of confidence: C
• Six race maiden has burned money but has little to beat today.
• Slow on numbers (so are the others) but rates edge by default.
• Rail post no bargain, must avoid trouble in an abbreviated dash.
Others to consider: 5-Stay Up.
RACE 7
9-ELM DRIVE
Degree of confidence: B-
• Proven winner over the tricky Hillside Turf Course, always tries hard.
• Projects to enjoy an ideal pace stalking trip and have every chance.
• Fast on speed figures, six weeks rest but always fires huge fresh.
Others to consider: 5-Kissed by Fire; 7-Wakanaka; 3-Nadette.
RACE 8
6-MIDNIGHT LOVE
Degree of confidence: B
• Second in last pair with rising speed figures and adds Lasix.
• In the money in four of five starts and is ready to graduate.
• Shows the sprint-to-route angle, likely to enjoy two turn trip.
Others to consider: 2-Thirsty Lov.
RACE 9
1-ENAHM
Degree of confidence: B-
• Wide open grass grab bag, drops to proper level, as good as any.
• Gets the rail and is assured an ideal ground-saving, stalking trip.
• Was given too much to do facing tougher foes in last outing.
Others to consider: 8-Thirty Four Coupe.