Santa Anita Park Recaps (May 18-21, May 25-29)

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 18

Fast main track and firm turf course. All five dirt races were won by front runners or dueling pace prompters (4.5f, 6f, 6f, 8f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner one mile, a front runner at nine furlongs, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 20 feet).

Flavien Prat booted home two flat mile turf winners.

Ismelucky went on my watch list after TRD clockers gave her the thumbs up going into her May 4 debut (clearly second best). In today’s second race, she dueled inside and pulled clear to win by 2-1/2 lengths as the 2-1 second choice. Post time favorite Mondaymorningblues found trouble more than once (steadied turn, tight inside midstretch) under Maldonado in an uncomfortable 4th place debut (missed 3rd by nose, 4.5 lengths clear of rest). She can go better next time for Miller.

Check out The Runaway Horse for free picks, news, Triple Crown 2017 updates, full card reports, and more!

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 19

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The winning turf course running styles were a closer at one mile, a downhill closer, and two stalkers at one mile (rail at 30 feet).

Rafael Bejarano and apprentice Evin Roman both booted home a pair.

Two of my three watch horses scored on May 19. I played Sheza Milky Way on April 9 and was impressed with her late burst. She came back to win today’s opener as the favorite. I thought Incredible Luck ran a winning race on April 22 (did all pace dirty work, finished 2nd). This time, he comfortably tracked Particlacelerator and inched clear by 1-1/4 lengths as the strong favorite. My third watch horses did note fare as well. Whiskey Ginger blew the break and was up for 3rd in his April 15 bow. In today’s sixth race, he was a bit slow to begin, pulled hard to stalk the pace, and weakened to finish 6th under Bejarano.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 20

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile, a stalker at nine furlongs, a closer at ten furlongs, and a patient runner at one mile.

Rafael Bejarano, Flavien Prat, and Joe Talamo each booted home a pair. Phil D’Amato saddled two winners including Ransom the Moon in the G2 Kona Gold.

A couple of my watch horses ran today beginning with Smokey Image in the Crystal Water. I like how he came again for the show March 31. In today’s opener, he stalked fleet flat mile turf specialist What a View and lost 2nd late in an okay effort at 12-1.

My other watch horse, Ransom the Moon, ran to his sharp works in a big sprint win on April 30 and had earned quality TRD all-weather numbers at WO prior to that. In today’s G2 Kona Gold, he settled nicely in 6th and powered home by 2-1/2 lengths at 7-2 for Prat/D’Amato.

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 21

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on the card and that was Moon Kitty (5.5f) under Evin Roman’s aggressive handling. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at nine furlongs and patient runner Moonless Sky (placed first via DQ) in the Fran’s Valentine (rail at 10 feet).

Hat trick for Kent Desormeaux. Apprentice Evin Roman booted home a pair.
JARROD HORAK'S SANTA ANITA PARK REPORT (May 25-29)

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 25

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners on a speed favorite dirt oval (6f, 4.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a presser at ten furlongs, a downhill dueler, a patient runner at one mile, and a patient midpack stalker at nine furlongs (rail at 20 feet).

Flavien Prat booted home a pair. Peter Miller saddled two winners and both looked good (Te Amo Mamo, Avicci).

Saudi Chroma was a $360k purchase for Doug O’Neill/Zedan Racing Stables. In today’s second race, she went straight to the front and won under a hand ride at 5-2. Her stablemate Tyfosha outworked her recently and is tentatively scheduled to debut on June 8.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more!

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 26

Fast main track and firm turf course.

Edwin Maldonado and Flavien Prat both guided him two winners. Peter Miller saddled two more winners.

Allaboutmike went on my watch list on April 15 after he was fractious at the gate, made a nice outside middle move to get into the top three, and flattened out to finish 4th in the eighth race. That was his first SoCal start for Miller and in today’s finale, he was sent to the lead under Maldonado and kept on going at 4-1.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 27

Fast main track and firm turf course.

Irad Ortiz Jr. rode two winners including Lady Eli in the Grade I Gamely. Jerry Hollendorfer saddled two winners.

The pace figured to be hot in the Grade I Gold Cup and Cupid was in the right place throughout for Bejarano/Baffert. Follow Me Crev was the unlucky runner-up. He was bumped at the start by Baffert chalk American Freedom and that incident cost him valuable lengths early. He was parked eight lengths behind eventual winner Cupid and made up more than half of that deficit. Things could have gotten very interesting in the stretch with a clean beginning.


In other stakes action, red-hot gelding Stormy Liberal won the Grade III Daytona by a measured neck over Ambitious Brew.

Avenge, making her first start in 6+ months, looked like the controlling speed on paper but classy mare Lady Eli never let her get away and held off a late bid from Goodyearforroses. Mokat was training well but was in a bit too deep. She is a flat mile specialist and can bounce back if she shows up in a softer spot at eight furlongs next time.

The pace was took quick for Enola Gray (held best of 4 speed horses) and she faded out of the superfecta late in the Grade II Monrovia. 2016 Gamely winner Illuminant wisely cut back in distance and steered clear of Lady Eli. Prat gave her a great ground saving ride in the stretch and she beat longshot Coniah by a 1/2 length. Sharp downhill specialist Anita Partner was on the scene late in 3rd. 

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 28

Fast main track and firm turf course. Five front running winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6,5f, 6.5f, 6f, 5.5f, 5.5f)

Hat trick for hustling apprentice Evin Roman.

The top four finishers (Ashleyluvssugar, Frank Conversation, Syntax, Liam the Charmer) in the Grade II Charles Whittingham saved ground at some point but post time favorite Itsinthepost was not so fortunate. He went up four wide to stalk the pace under Tyler Baze and raced wide throughout. He was the fifth horse on the line and Texas Ryano was a neck behind him and had a wide trip from post 10.

Monday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 29

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 5f). The winning turf course running styles were a downhill stalker, a patient first timer breaking from the rail down the hill, and a stalker at nine furlongs (rail at 10 feet).

Joe Talamo booted home a pair including Marckie’s Water in the Snow Chief. Richard Baltas saddled two turf winners (Del Mar Ann, Marckie’s Water).

It is not easy for a first timer to win from the rail down the hill but Meadowsweet ran to her strong works and got up on the line under Mike Smith to nip She’sashocker.

Santa Anita Park Horses to Watch for May 4-7

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 4

Fast main track and firm turf course. The only wire-to-wire winner on dirt was 2-year-old first timer Gorgeous Ginny at 4.5f. The winning turf course running styles were two dueling front runners down the hill and a downhill stalker (rail at 30 feet).

No riding or training doubles on Thursday.

Anita Partner is very sharp right now. She had been closing down the hill but broke running from the rail and kept on going in a good looking 3.25 length tally in the hillside opener. She posted back-to-back 86 FIRE Numbers prior to today’s win.

Ismelucky broke slow and was clearly second best behind easy wire job winner and strong favorite Gorgeous Ginny in her juvenile debut for Bonde. According to Today’s Racing Digest clockers, she was training well in advance of this race. She might graduate next time.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! September Stars capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.  

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 5

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (7f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were two front runners down the hill and a stalker at one mile (rail at 20 feet).

Joe Talamo rode the final three winners on the Friday card. Edwin Maldonado booted home a pair. Agapito Delgadillo and Richard Baltas teamed up for two wins. Phil D’Amato saddled three winners.

Once again, Little Bit Lovely went all the way in a downhill sprint (opening race). According to Today’s Racing Digest stats, Ramon Guce and Jack Carava are now 6-for-8 together.

Danzing Candy went all the way to defeat Accelerate in the salty optional claiming feature at one mile on dirt. The top two were well clear of the rest and could face each other again in upcoming stakes races. On 2-4-16, Danzing Candy posted a 102 FIRE + 146 CPR in a flat mile optional claiming win at SA and appears to be back in that stakes quality form for Baffert.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 6

Wet Fast (sealed) main track and firm turf course (downhill races moved to dirt). Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (4.5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile (Sircat Sally) and a closer at one mile (Bowies Hero).

Edwin Maldonado booted home a pair. Apprentice Austin Solis and new trainer Mick Ruis teamed up to win with a pair of longshot first timers (Summer Buddha at $21.20 and The Critical Way at $92.00). Phil D’Amato saddled three more winners including Bowies Hero in the Singletary.

Sircat Sally controlled the pace and remained unbeaten in the Grade III Senorita. Late runner Beau Recall got up late for 2nd and might be able to get to Sircat Sally at some point if she gets more pace help. Promising second timer Pacific Wind missed 2nd by a head in an encouraging effort.

Bowies Hero stumbled at the start, got plenty of pace help, and outfinished fellow closer Bird Is The Word in the Singletary. Post time favorite Sharp Samurai dueled through quick splits, opening up a 2-length lead in the stretch, and weakened to 4th in an okay effort. In his prior start on April 6, Sharp Samurai uncorked an 86 FIRE + 147 CPR and might be able to get back to that next time.

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 7

Wet Fast (sealed) main track and good turf course (downhill races moved to dirt). Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (Chalon - 6.5f, off the turf). The lone race to remain on the turf (nine furlongs) was nabbed by patient favorite September Stars (rail at 10 feet).

No riding or training doubles on Sunday.

September Stars had an interesting journey in the grassy eighth race. She stalked in 4th after the first 1/4 under Stevens, fell back to last of eight after six furlongs, and rallied to get up late as the betting favorite. She has stamina and a decent late kick and might be a threat in long distance turf stakes later this year. In her US bow on March 23, she earned an 83 FIRE + 136 CPR and finished up in a strong :35.7.
 

Santa Anita Park Report with Horses to Watch (April 20-23)

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 20

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on a speed favoring dirt oval (6.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner down the hill, a downhill presser, and a downhill stalker (rail at 20 feet).

Joe Talamo rode the early double.

Jill Madden coasted to a wire job maiden win as the heavy favorite in the fourth (Mcl-30k, 8f) but Warrior Vixen is the horse to watch. The latter stalked moderate splits, gained 2nd at the 6f mark, and pulled well clear of the rest (show finisher 9+ back) while cutting into the winning margin in the lane. She can graduate next time with a similar effort.

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 21

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8.5f, 6, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at 12f, and a downhill stalker (rail at 10 feet).

Tyler Baze booted home a pair.

County Lineman raced wide throughout and ended up an okay 3rd as the favorite (beaten 1.5 lengths) in the flat mile turf opener for the productive Bejarano/Cerin team.

Chocolate Coated did well to rally for the place in the hillside finale after a slow start under Stevens. Kenda was the perfect trip stalk/pounce winner as the chalk from the outside post while Chocolate Coated broke from the difficult inside post and was clearly second best.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 22

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on a speed favoring dirt oval (5.5f, 6.5f, 9f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a downhill closer (last-to-first), a stalker in the 14f San Juan Capistrano, a stalker at 9f, and a pace prompter in the 6.5f Mizdirection.

Martin Garcia and Bob Baffert teamed up for two wins including Collected in the G2 Californian. Richard Baltas saddled two turf winners including Inordinate in the G3 San Juan Capistrano.

Incredible Luck ran a winning race in the seventh (MSW, 9T). He dueled on the lead and fought hard throughout but eventual winner Marckie’s Water sat a perfect stalking trip and ran him down under Bejarano. The top two were well clear of the rest.

Collected was much the best in the G2 Californian but Follow Me Crev did well to rally for the place on the speed favoring surface. They may meet again in the Gold Cup at SA.

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 23

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 7f, 8f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at 9f and two downhill stalkers (rail at 20 feet).

Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair. Peter Miller saddled two winners including razor sharp downhill specialist Stormy Liberal in the Siren Lure.

Patentar got back to his winning distance and beat stakes winners Frank Conversation and Up With the Birds in the grassy nine furlong opener. He was my top choice based on his strong Today’s Racing Digest numbers earned in his last SA victory at 9f. 

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Santa Anita Park Winter Meet Recap (Feb 24-26)

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Feb 24

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire on dirt (7f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at nine furlongs, a stalker at ten furlongs, and a patient runner down the dip (rail at 30 feet).

Joe Talamo booted home the early double.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Feb 25
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire sprint winners on dirt (5.5f, 7f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a downhill presser, a front runner at ten furlongs, and a downhill closer.

In a virtual replay of Friday, Joe Talamo booted home a pair.

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Feb 26
Fast main track and firm turf course. The two downhill turf sprints were moved to the main track. Four wire-to-wire sprint winners on dirt (7f, 6.5f, 6f, 6f). The lone turf race at one mile was nabbed by a front runner (rail at 20 feet).

Hat trick for Tyler Baze. Doug O’Neill saddled two winners including Avanti Bello in the Tiznow.

Longshot Jockey: Rito Almanza. Rides for Doug O’Neill and guided home Latest Craze ($17.40) for O’Neill on Feb 26.

A couple of claims worth following. Phil D’Amato took Basinca out of the third race for $20k. Peter Miller reached out and nabbed show finisher Moments Notiz out of the finale for $6,250.

My daily Santa Anita Park fulls cards are available at The Runaway Horse 

Santa Anita Park 2017 Winter Meet Rewind: Feb 9-12

Wet weather is the new normal at Santa Anita Park and some rain made for an off track on Saturday. On Sunday, we were treated to a nice performance by Iliad in the G2 San Vicente and a Kentucky Derby 2017 two turn prep race is next for the exciting sophomore prospect.

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Feb 9

Fast main track and firm turf course. No wire-to-wire winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a downhill stalker, a stalker at one mile, and a last-to-first closer at ten furlongs (Rail at 20 feet).

Richard Baltas saddled two turf winners.

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Feb 10

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 6.5f, 6f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were an inside presser down the hill and a stalker at one mile (rail at 30 feet).

Joe Talamo booted home a pair.

You can read the rest of my Santa Anita Park Report at The Runaway Horse...

Del Mar week 4 recap: Exciting juveniles Champagne Room, Straight Fire impress

In case you missed it at The Runaway Horse, here is my week four recap from Del Mar.

Wednesday, August 3

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at five furlongs and a stalker sitting in 3rd behind a runaway early leader at one mile (rail at 30 feet).

No riding or training doubles on Wednesday.

Green With Eddie ($4.60) pressed the pace from the outside post and kicked away to post a 3-1/2 length win in the Graduation Stakes for Mario Gutierrez, Doug O'Neill, and Reddam Racing. California Diamond was 2nd and Milton Freewater (also O'Neill) was another length back in 3rd.

Thursday, August 4

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners late in the card (6th and 8th races) on dirt (6f, 5f). The winning turf course running styles were a pace presser at five furlongs and a stalker at a mile and a sixteenth (rail at 30 feet).

Santiago Gonzalez and Wesley Ward teamed up for two turf wins.

Arrogate auditioned for the Travers against two rivals and was a very comfortable 1-3/4 length winner under Rafael Bejarano after sitting at the back of the compact field for the first half-mile or so. The Baffert/Juddmonte runner is lightly raced and talented.

Friday, August 5

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 5.5f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a midpack stalker at 8.5f, an outside stalker at one mile, and an inside stalker at five furlongs (rail at 18 feet).

No riding or training doubles on Friday.

So Sweetitiz stalked and pounced her way to a 4-1 victory in the Daisyutter Handicap under leading rider Flavien Prat. Late Spring got 2nd by a head over Long Hot Summer. Post time favorite and defending champ Shrinking Violet stalked and weakened to finish 7th. She is in foal to American Pharoah.

Saturday, August 6

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (Straight Fire – 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at 8.5f, a stalker at a flat mile, a front runner at one mile, and a front runner at 8.5f (rail at 18 feet).

Kent Desormeaux and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.

Champagne Room got the better of Miss Southern Miss in the G2 Sorrento with front runner Auntjenn checking in 3rd. The winner was graduating in her second career start and the top two finishers should both get better as distances increase.

Straight Fire put on a show for Team Desormeaux in his fast, romping maiden win at six and one-half furlongs. The aforementioned Sorrento girls stopped the clock in 1:16.35 and the son of Dominus got the same distance in 1:14.94 (98 BSF).

Speed was strong on turf and Free Rose ($59.80) took full advantage in the G3 La Jolla for Talamo/Baltas. Lucky Bryan was 2nd and Moonlight Drive was 3rd. Monster Bea, the upset winner of the Oceanside, ended up an even 4th as the overbet favorite.

Sunday, August 7

Fast main track and firm turf course. No wire-to-wire winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs, a patient runner at 8.5f, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 18 feet). 

Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano.

Noted and Quoted ran into subsequent G2 Sorrento winner Champagne Room in her debut and had no trouble graduating (1st by 9.5 lengths) second time out for Bejarano/Baffert.

Sobradora Inc ($20.40) made her US debut a winning one for Bejarano/Callaghan in a competitive renewal of the Osunitas. The pace fell apart in this one and the winner was able to outfinish Prize Exhibit by a 1/2 length with Elektrum another head back in 3rd.

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If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling DEL MAR full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from DEL MAR at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Photo by Stacy Edwards. 

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club week 2 recap (July 20-24)

Two weeks down and eight live racing days are in the books at Del Mar. There is a good rider race brewing at this early stage with Santiago Gonzalez and Flavien Prat tied at the top of the heap (10 wins each). 

Wednesday DEL MAR Recap: July 20

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire sprint winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6.5f, 7f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were an outside stalker at five furlongs and a patient stalker behind dueling speedsters at nine furlongs (rail at 30 feet).

No riding/training doubles on Wednesday.

Thursday DEL MAR Recap: July 21

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at nine furlongs, a patient type at one mile, and a closer at 8.5f (rail at 30 feet).

Santiago Gonzalez booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled two winners.

Friday DEL MAR Recap: July 22 

Fast main track and firm turf course. One wire-to-wire winner on the dirt oval (7f). Stalking types won the other four main track races. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs, a front runner at eleven furlongs, and  and a closer at one mile (rail at 6 feet).

Tyler Baze and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair.

Saturday DEL MAR Recap: July 23 

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four more wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6f, 6.5f, 6f, 7f). Stalking types won the other two main track races. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at 8.5f, two closers at one mile, and a closer at 8.5f (rail at 6 feet).

Victor Espinoza and Martin Pedroza both booted home a pair. Mark Glatt saddled two winners.

Sunday DEL MAR Recap: July 24

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three more wire-to-wire winners on the dirt oval (5.5f, 12f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile, a patient type at one mile, a closer at 8.5f, and a front runner at one mile (rail at 6 feet).

Santiago Gonzalez rode three winners. Flavien Prat and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.

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If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling DEL MAR full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from DEL MAR at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Photo by Stacy Edwards. 

Last week at Santa Anita Park (June 23-26)

Rafael Bejarano forged to the lead in the rider standings but don't count out Flavien Prat with two weeks to go.

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 23

Two wire-to-wire winners (both at five furlongs) on the fast main track.

Rafael Bejarano and Alonso Quinonez both booted home a pair.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 24

Early/pressing types dominated on the fast main track with six of the races won by front runners or duelers.


No riding or training doubles on Friday.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 25

Three wire-to-wire winners on the fast main track (6f, 5f, 6f).

Rafael Bejarano rode three winners and Mike Smith booted home a pair. Jerry Hollendorfer saddled three winners and Mike Smith rode two. Bob Baffert saddled two winners.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 26

Six wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring fast main track (5.5f, 8f, 4.5f, 6f, 5.5f. 8.5f).

Kent Desormeaux rode three winners. Joe Talamo booted home a pair.

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If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards. 

Last week at Santa Anita Park (June 9-12)

Rafael Bejarano and Flavien Prat continue to lock horns in the battle for leading rider. It looks like this race is going to come right down to the wire!

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 9 (Winning 5 out of 6 Ticket)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (both at 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a flat mile stalker and a patient type from midpack at a flat mile (rail at 20 feet).

Flavien Prat booted home a pair. Rosemary Trela saddled back-to-back claiming dirt sprint winners (both 5.5f wire jobs).

I had a winning 5 out of 6 ticket at Pick 6 blog on Thursday. The winning 5 out of 6 consolation prize returned $722.20.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 10

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8.5f, 5f). The winning turf course running styles were a flat mile front runner and a nine furlong stalker (rail at 30 feet).

Stewart Elliott booted home a pair. Bob Baffert saddled two winners.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 11

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were three flat mile closers and a stalker at one mile.

Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano. Joe Talamo booted home a pair. Mike Puype saddled two winners.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 12

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (4.5f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were a flat mile stalker, a leader/pace prompter (came again) at one mile, and a stalker at twelve furlongs (rail at 30 feet).

Drayden Van Dyke booted home a pair.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards. 

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (May 19-22)

It was a very good week for Tyler Baze with a trio of riding doubles. 

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 19

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (4.5f, 6f, 7f, 6f). The winning turf running styles were a downhill closer and a downhill dueler (rail at 20 feet).

Tyler Baze booted home a pair. Joe Talamo and Mike Puype teamed up for two wins.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 20 

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (4.5f, 5.5f). The winning turf running styles were a flat mile front runner, a downhill front runner, and a 9f stalker (rail at 30 feet).

Tyler Baze, Santiago Gonzalez, and Martin Pedroza each booted home a pair.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 21

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 6.5f). The winning turf running styles were two downhill closers, a patient runner at 12f, and a downhill front runner.

Tyler Baze booted home a pair. Vladimir Cerin, Phil D’Amato, and Jerry Hollendorfer each saddled two winners.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 22

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 6f, 6.5f, 6f). The winning turf running styles were a nine furlong dueler and a patient runner down the hill (rail at 10 feet).

Gary Stute saddled two winners.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards. 

Last week at Santa Anita Park (May 5-8)

Opening week of the Santa Anita spring/summer meet was a big soggy. I ended the week on a high note with winning Daily Double & Early Pick 3 tickets at Pick 6 Blog. 

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 5

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire sprint winners on dirt. The three turf races were captured by a 9f stalker (rail at 20 feet), a virtual wire job down the dip (rail at 20 feet), and a patient runner in the G2 Royal Heroine Mile.

Edward Freeman saddled two winners.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 6

Wet Fast (Sealed) main track and off the turf. Four wire-to-wire sprint winners on dirt (4.5f, 5.5f, 6.5f, 6.5f).

Hat trick for Joe Talamo. Two wins for Santiago Gonzalez and Apprentice Brayan Pena and Hector Palma teamed up for two sprint winners. Phil D’Amato saddled two winners and Talamo rode both. Mark Glatt saddled two winners.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 7

Fast main track and good turf course. The Desert Code Stakes was originally scheduled for the downhill turf course and was moved to the main track. Two wire-to-wire sprint winners on dirt (6f, 6.5f). The winning turf running styles were stalker (9f), stalker (8f), and closer (8f).

Edwin Maldonado and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: May 8 

Fast main track and good turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The winning turf running styles were inside stalker (6.5f), outside stalker (8f), outside stalker (9f), and an outside patient type (9f). Turf rail at 20 feet.

Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano. Two wins for Tyler Baze.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards. 

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (March 24-27)

Jockey Edwin Maldonado followed up a riding triple last Sunday with three more wins Thursday and a riding double Friday.  

Thurs­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 24

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 6f). The two turf races were captured by a nine furlong closer and a flat mile stalker (rail at 20 feet).

Hat tricks for Rafael Bejarano and Edwin Maldonado.

Fri­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 25

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8.5f, 8f). The two turf races were captured by a flat mile early runner/presser (dead-heat), a patient runner at ten furlongs, and a last-to-first winner in the downhill finale (rail at 30 feet).

Riding doubles for Kent Desormeaux and Edwin Maldonado.

Satur­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 26

Fast main track and firm turf course. Five wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 6f, 6.5f, 6f, 8.5f). The three turf races were captured by a nine furlong stalker, a flat mile stalker, and a late runner at nine furlongs.

Riding doubles for Joe Talamo and Drayden Van Dyke. Trainer Richard Baltas saddled two winners.

Sun­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 27 

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 6f). The three turf races were taken by a nine furlong gate-to-wire winner, a downhill stalker, and a downhill wire-to-wire winner (rail at 10 feet).

Riding doubles for Martin Garcia and Fernando Perez. Trainer Phil D’Amato saddled two winners.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards.

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (March 17-20)

A rough way to end the racing week for jockey Santiago Gonzalez. After booting home two winners on Friday, he suffered a fractured jaw when his mount Follini (uninjured) clipped heels and fell in the fifth race on Sunday. He is expected to be out for six weeks. Edwin Maldonado had a riding hat trick on Sunday and leading rider Rafael Bejarano and Joe Talamo both had two riding doubles last week. 

Thurs­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 17

Fast main track and good turf course (turf rail at 30 feet). Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 8f, 6.5f). The three turf races were captured by a patient runner at a flat mile and two downhill stalkers.

Joe Talamo booted home a pair.

Fri­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 18

Fast main track and firm turf course (turf rail at 20 feet). Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 7f, 5.5f). The three turf races were captured by a stalker (8f) and two closers (8f, 6.5f).

Santiago Gonzalez and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.

Satur­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 19

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6.5f). The four turf races were captured by a downhill stalker, a flat mile closer, a downhill closer, and a 9f wire-to-wire winner.

Rafael Bejarano (2 dirt routes), Flavien Prat (2 downhill turf wins), and Fernando Perez each booted home a pair. Doug O’Neill saddled two turf winners including Smoove It in the Irish O’Brien.

Sun­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 20

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5f, 6f, 6f). The three turf races were captured by a downhill frontrunner, a flat mile stalker, a downhill closer, and a wire-to-wire winner at one mile (rail at 20 feet).

Hat trick for Edwin Maldonado. Two more wins for leading rider Rafael Bejarano. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer saddled two winners.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards.

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (March 3-6)

A hat trick and a pair of riding doubles gave Rafael Bejarano a commanding lead in the rider standings. 

Thurs­­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 3

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (one mile). A downhill stalker and a prominent throughout type at ten furlongs made up the two turf winners (rail at 20 feet).

No riding/training doubles on Thursday.

Fri­­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 4

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 6.5f). Two wire jobs and a patient runner made up the three flat mile turf winners (rail at 30 feet).

Hat trick for leading rider Rafael Bejarano. Agapito Delgadillo booted home a pair.

Satur­­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 5 

Fast main track and firm turf course. One wire-to-wire winner on dirt (Songbird – 8.5f). A downhill stalker, a flat mile stalker, and a flat mile wire job made up the three turf winners (rail at 10 feet).

Riding doubles for Rafael Bejarano, Santiago Gonzalez, Mike Smith, and Joe Talamo.

Sun­­­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 6 

Fast main track and off the turf. Five wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8.5f, 6f, 9f, 6f).

Riding double for Rafael Bejarano. Kristin Mulhall saddled two winners.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  
Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards.

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (Feb 19-21)

Following a special 5-day week of live racing, Santa Anita's live action was limited to three days last week. 

Flavien Prat was the jockey star with a pair of riding doubles. Main track speed was strong on Sunday.  

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: February 19

Fast main track and off the turf. Three wire-to-wire winners (6.5f, 6.5f, 8f).

Joe Talamo booted home the late double.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: February 20 

Fast main track and good turf course. Stalking types dominated on dirt. A 9f closer and a flat mile stalker made up the two turf winners.

Flavien Prat guided home two winners. Doug O’Neill saddled two winners.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: February 21

Fast main track and good turf course. Five wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 8.5f, 6.5f, 5.5f, 5.5f). A stalker and a closer (both a one mile) made up the two turf winners.

Hat trick for Santiago Gonzalez. Riding double for Flavien Prat. Two winners for trainer John Sadler.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards.

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (Jan 28-31)

The race week began with fast, dry conditions and ended with a wet, speed favoring track (off the turf) on Sunday.

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: January 28

Fast main track and good turf course (turf rail at 20 feet). Early/pressing types dominated on dirt (5 wire jobs – 6.5f, 8f, 5.5f, 6f, 6f).  A downhill stalker and a 9f wire job made up the two turf winners.

Riding double for Joe Talamo. Vladimir Cerin saddled two winners.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: January 29

Fast main track and good turf course (turf rail at 30 feet). Early/pressing types dominated again on dirt (4 wire jobs – 9f, 8f, 7f, 5.5f).  A flat mile wire job and a downhill stalker made up the two turf winners.

Riding double for Flavien Prat.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: January 30

Fast main track and good turf course. Early/pressing types strong again on dirt (4 wire jobs – 6f, 8.5f, 6f, 6f).  A downhill stalker, a flat mile presser, another downhill stalker, and a 9f presser made up the four turf winners.

Riding doubles for Kent Desormeaux (turf stakes) and apprentice David Lopez (6f dirt sprints). Phil D’Amato saddled two dirt sprint winners including Sunday Rules in the Cal Cup Sprint.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: January 31 

Wet fast (sealed) main track and off the turf. Early/pressing types dominated on dirt (6 wire jobs – 8f, 8f, 8f, 6.5f, 6f, 6.5f).

Rafael Bejarano guided home three winners. Flavien Prat booted home a pair. Trainer David Jacobson saddled his first winner of the meet (Can Can Babe in the opener) and finished a close 2nd with Eighty Three in the 7th race.

Final Thoughts: Speed ruled at Santa Anita Park with 19 wire-to-wire winners on the main track. A couple of riding doubles for Flavien Prat made him the riding star of the week. 

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Photos by Stacy Edwards.