The 19th Running of the G2 Santa Monica

Saturday, February 4, 2023

SA Race #10 $200.000

F&M 4+  123 Lbs (plus penalties) 7 Furlongs

Course Record-1:19.86 (Alpha Ultimo-2005)

Stakes Record-1:21.36 (Golden Chance-2013)

#1 Chatta Code (Ace Racing Stable/L. Detorri): Filly has always been a speedy sort, so it was odd seeing her chasing in the FG slop given the slow early fractions.  Should have a better grasp on the engine from that effort, but the last two haven’t been what we’re used to seeing from her.

#2 American Sky (Iolaus Racing/Mario Gutierrez): Sold for $20.000 on NYE and turned around a week later to find the winner’s circle.  Trainer takes away the life preserver here, so it’s sink-or-swim.  Relatively lightly raced, so perhaps there’s more improvement coming for her.

#3 Wicked Ride (High Voltage/J. Lezcano): Took three straight in the overnight/listed ranks prior to trying graded foes in her last three.  While she didn’t win any of the three, she didn’t exactly embarrass herself, either.  Mare has the speed to stay close throughout.

#4 Starting Over (TwinTowersRacing/D. Davis): Lass won her first two starts at 4 before ending the year on a seven-race losing streak.  Tried turf/dirt, sprinting/routing, but nothing seemed to click after last February.  Does get back to the seven-panels and this does seem like her preferred trip.

#5 Longclaws Maggie (Big Jd Racing/M. Murrill): 5yo ended ’22 in a good run of form with a win, a show, and two runners-up.  Faces tougher here, but she does so at a good time of the year to be facing the three 4yos in the race.  Definitely a class hike, but she may like running on this engine given her style.

#6 Baptisted By Fire (Mo Mentum Farm/D. Van Dyke): 7yo is back to try and make it back to the BC for the second consecutive year.  The BC defeat is the only blemish in her last five starts, and even that can be forgiven.  Should be heard from late, if she’s ready. 

#7 Hawkes Bay (Smokey Stover/Ru. Gonzalez): Lass finished her sophomore campaign with five wins, and 10 ITM finishes, in 13 races.  Has to conquer this post and overcome the 4yo weight dilemma, but there is no doubting she is talented enough if she comes back ready to produce her best.

Final Analysis: 6-1-8 is the way we see the G2 Santa Monica shaking out.  Good luck, everyone!

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES