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Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Friday, February 16, 2024

by Jeff Siegel

February 16, 2024

RACE 1

3-SNEAK A SMILE
Degree of confidence: B+

• Strong runner-up over this course and distance in a similar spot.
• Fast on speed figures, most effective when given a patient ride.
• Late developing four-year-old gelding has room for improvement.

Others to consider: 5-Forty Niner Gold.


RACE 2

3-TIZZY TWISTER
Degree of confidence: B-

• Four time winner over the Santa Anita main track, fits this level.
• Finished in the money in eight of nine career starts at a flat mile.
• One paced grinding type is most effective when close to the pace.

Others to consider: 2-Sand to Sea.


RACE 3

3-STRESSED
Degree of confidence: C+

• Solid second off a layoff in a slightly tougher affair last month.
• Three time winner over the local lawn; appears set for her best.
• Dangerous as the controlling speed, lands a favorable race flow.

Others to consider: 4-Teen Drama.


RACE 4

5-PACE LANE
Degree of confidence: B-

• Bred to win early; shows a healthy work pattern at San Luis Rey Downs.
• One of two for Peter Miller; Avoir is making her first start on a dirt track.
• Attracts Flavien Prat; is facing a modest field and is a dangerous fresh face.

Others to consider: 4-Avoir; 1-Pacific Rose.


RACE 5

1-TOPOLINA
Degree of confidence: C

• Represents dangerous inside speed from a favorable rail draw.
• Has hit the board in three of six starts over the local turf course.
• Always suspect under pressure; will take them as far as she can.

Others to consider: 7-Inner Beauty (Ire); 2-Yolo Calls.


RACE 6

2-MISS COMMNDER
Degree of confidence: C

• Returns to her ($16,000) claim level and switches to the dirt strip.
• Shows the popular blinkers off angle; projects to be a pace stalker.
• Barn has enjoyed a good meet; the switch to Franco is a plus factor.

Others to consider: 8-Yo YO Mama.


RACE 7

5-ALIGATO
Degree of confidence: C+

• Winless in two years but his recent races have earned good figures.
• Lacks tactical speed, always susceptible to traffic and pace issues.
• In the money in his last eight starts; hoping for some help up front.

Others to consider: 11-Maltese Falcon.


RACE 8

4-MIDNIGHT FURY
Degree of confidence: B-

• Significant class drop after a poor run in a starter allowance turf race.
• Much more comfortable on dirt; likely to produce big improvement.
• Best work is on or near the lead; projected pace flow looks favorable.

Others to consider: 1-Elector; 8-Tiz Tok.


RACE 9

3-PRANCINGTHRUPARIS
Degree of confidence: B-

• Route-to-sprint angle; exits a stakes race, gets ideal trip and class level.
• Has displayed good sprint speed; projects to have a strong pace presence.
• One of several entrants with credentials to win in a tough, contentious heat.

Others to consider: 6-Safa; 8-Shamrockin; 7-Quick Kate.