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Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Santa Anita | Saturday, March 9, 2024

by Jeff Siegel

March 9, 2024

RACE 1

5-CANE CREEK ROAD
Degree of confidence: B

• Freshened since November; shows a healthy recent work tab.
• Good and consistent recent form; likes this short sprint trip.
• Plenty of early zip but is most effective when held up early.

Others to consider: none.


RACE 2

10-JOHN DUNBAR
Degree of confidence: B

• Realistic class drop after finishing far back facing tougher foes.
• Earned strong number in maiden claiming score two runs back.
• Comfortable outside post; can pop and go or stalk and pounce.

Others to consider: 5-Mister Beams; 6-Golf Drama.


RACE 3

4-PROSPER
Degree of confidence: B-

• Pressed hot splits but weakened late in debut; certain to improve.
• Bullet five furlong drill (:58 4/5) was fastest of 97 for the distance.
• Cost $1.7 million as a yearling, so it is time to start earning his keep.

Others to consider: 2-Heart of the Night; 3-Logan’s Red Falcon.


RACE 4

4-PONY EXPRESS
Degree of confidence: B+

• Entered, scratched last summer at Del Mar when well regarded.
• Recent workouts stamp Gun Runner colt as fit and ready to roll.
• Probably not a quick type; should love this extended sprint trip.

Others to consider: 5-Ball Don’t Like; 6-Canada Gate.


RACE 5

3-IRRESISTBLE FORCE
Degree of confidence: B-

• Huge price (20-1) on the morning line in first try two turning.
• Clearly the controlling speed and may take them a long way.
• Has won sprinting over the local lawn; bred to handle a mile.

Others to consider: 7-Irish Patsy; 1-Thumps Dream (Ire); 2-Madiha.


RACE 6

4-KINZA
Degree of confidence: A-

• Unbeaten in two starts and is merely ticking over in this affair.
• Can win as a stalker but likely will employ gate-to-wire tactics.
• Extremely fast on figures and clearly has Grade-1 type ability.

Others to consider: none.


RACE 7

7-LANE WAY
Degree of confidence: B-

• Freshened since December; work tab says he is fit and ready.
• First or second in eight of nine career starts over the local lawn.
• Especially comfortable coming down the hill; ideal stalking style.

Others to consider: 3-Mucho Del Oro; 6-Ottoman Prince (Ire).


RACE 8

6-SWEET AZTECA
Degree of confidence: A-

• Lightly raced with immense natural talent; gets tested for class.
• Demolished a first level allowance field without taking a breath.
• Stretches out, will be the controlling speed, can wire the field.

Others to consider: none.


RACE 9

10-CASTAGNA
Degree of confidence: B-

• Wide open grass grab bag for maiden state-bred fillies.
• Has done some good work in the morning for top outfit.
• Listed at 8-1 on the morning line; seems better than that.

Others to consider: 4-Jane Kendeigh; 2-Have Patience.