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.