They are back at it later this afternoon at Santa Anita Park after the start of a four-day racing week yesterday. The nine-race slate kicks off at the normal 3:30PM eastern/12:30PM local time and is headlined by the San Marcos (G3) at 10-furlongs over the Santa Anita sod. Here are the horses I like most on what should be a fun Saturday at the Great Race Place.

Race 1:
The opener is a state-bred MSW event at 6.5-furlongs over the grass and is one of the best wagering races of the day. #1 Troisieme Etoile and #6 Marla Hooch both should take a significant step forward in career start number two, but I will take a bigger swing with #7 Christa McAuliffe. The Nick Alexander homebred debuted on January 30 in a 5.5-furlong dash over the main track and while she was reluctant to load and only ran a bit in the middle stages, it was the money she took that was noticeable. The daughter of Grazen was bet heavily throughout the wagering finally going off at a bit over 4-1 for a barn that has certainly been cagey over the years. The move to the grass and rider switch to Edwin Maldonado both suggest its “go time” for a filly that should offer solid value to kick off the card.

Play: #7 Christa McAuliffe (12-1 ML)


Race 4:
There should be an honest pace in this state-bred optional claimer at one mile over the main track given the presence of #3 Stay in Line, #4 Theresasilverlinin, and #6 Syntax. This bodes well for the chances of #2 Dorie Miller. The daughter of Grazen drops out of an open company starter allowance spot on the grass and moves back to the main track where she ran a competitive third back on October. The 5YO mare has been far from a win machine throughout her 32-race career, but finds a favorable spot for trainer Leonard Powell. Jockey Mirco Demuro retains the mount.

Play: #2 Dorie Miller (2-1 ML)


Race 9:
The finale is a MSW event for fillies and mares at 6.5-furlongs over the grass where a number of top contenders in this spot exit a similar race on January 10 at 6 panels. The race was won by Claire Austin with four probables in this one finishing behind her. Those gals all have legitimate chances, but I was pretty underwhelmed as a whole by that turf sprint a little over a month ago, so I will try a fresh face. #8 Mancuso makes just her second lifetime start after debuting in August ‘24 at Del Mar. The Little Red Feather Racing filly ran a solid second to Tenma that day over the main track and has not been seen since, but comes into her return spot off a steady series of drills for trainer Phil D’Amato. She showed talent on debut and should get a favorable trip from her outside draw under jockey Kazushi Kiimura. Hopefully, she is ready to fire fresh.

Play: #8 Mancuso (9-2 ML)