A full field of twelve runners have come to Santa Anita along with myself, who will definitely be sampling some of the finer Napa Valley offerings while I’m on the west coast. Each runner is coming from a different level of competition, so will make for an interesting affair.
- Daytona Stakes – Grade III Purse $100.000
- Santa Anita Park – For Four year olds and Upward
- Six and a half furlongs- Downhill Turf Course
- May 25th, 2019
While the showers are not expected to hit until Sunday, we should see some nice speeds posted for this event. Mb Stables has returned with two new names for this event after claiming it last season with Champion Farley, who has since been retired and sent off to stud. Jkk Racing Stables Jamfest has been the only two time winner, winning back to back in 2014/15, as a then six and seven year old. I also would like to announce the arrival of Handicapper Hank and Steel Eye Shafi with their picks for each event, and we will see how we all do.
Here’s this years field;
1. Lawmen ( Chili King Stables ) Comes into this event off a victory over this surface and distance against Alw59 company, after failing to earn a share in the $100 Sensational Star at this track as well. Has not competed against Graded company in fourteen career starts, but has been ITM in ten of them. Prat stays aboard, so that will make a difference.
2. Fort Myers ( High Voltage ) – Has been on the fringes in five of his last six starts, but his most recent race here at six and a half had him placing second by a head. That was for non winners of three lifetime, and he still has just one victory in thirteen career starts. Looks like he may be just a fringe player once again for this event.
3.Reuleaux ( Mb Stables ) – First of two for this trainer, has been in OpClm75 for his last two tries on the grass, and has finished runner-up in both events. Is out of the Commanding bloodline, so has the pedigree, and his SRF figures have been nothing to sneeze at lately. Trainer has been in a bit of slump as of late, so lets hope this four year old colt has what it takes to turn it all around.
4.Great Broomstick ( Smokey Stover ) – Another one in here who was in against OpClm75 at this surface and distance, and he too was able to walk away with a victory. Should be sitting off the front end speed of Captain Cuttle who should try to get out front from his outside post. The addition of the blinkers has kept him focused on the top prize at the end of this event. While be charging late.
5.Big Tuna ( Maxmillion Farm ) Has been absent from the grass since his juvenile season while he tried to break his maiden. Has a third and two place finishes when racing on the sod, and recent works of 1:22 flat seven furlongs here say the switch back will be a welcomed change. Has been in against Grade III company his last two starts, and that should give him the edge. Factor today.
6.Cannon ( Spankys Barn ) – First entry for this trainer as well, was a recent purchase at the beginning of this month, so trainer still needs some time with him. A record of ( 2-4-1 ) in sixteen starts on the grass, so he has the potential for the turf. Has been absent from the winners circle for some time, and we may very well see the rider get him in the struggle early on. Has been competing at longer events, so hopefully he gets to the top and stays there.
7.Bold God ( Riggins Racing ) – Has raced nine of his fourteen career starts on the turf, earning all three of his victories over that surface. In his most recent Gr. III San Francisco Miler over at GG, he stayed back of the pack throughout the event while closing to within three lengths. Prior to that event, he had back to back wins here at this very distance. Looks to be actively seeking another victory once again. Consider.
8.Gleaming Spirit ( Mb Stables ) Second entry for this trainer, and will probably find himself the post time favorite come race time. Is coming off a victory here in the Sensational Star at six and a half, and has considerable top notch events in his portfolio to show for his talent. Has a really sharp 56 and one work leading up to this event after a sixty day layoff. Top contender.
9. Baie Baie ( Spankys Barn ) – Has competed in three straight six and a half furlong events here at SA this season, with a runner-up in the Gr. III San Simeon two starts ago, then just last month missed by a neck as the post time favorite against Alw63 company. Van Dyke was aboard for both of those events, and I doubt he will be letting that happen once again. Does have the one to beat to his inside, so he will definitely be keeping a watchful eye.
10.Got What I Need ( Onlineracingclub.com ) – This black now four year old found himself being claimed out of his final event last season. Has just one start this year for new interests, and it was a good one as he brought home a win by a nose against Clm75 company. That was only his second start on the turf, but has finished in the money in both. Might have been considering being placed elsewhere with his most recent dirt work, but should be in a group of late runners here.
11.Walkin Broomstick ( John Henry ) – Opened his season with a victory in the HOU Sprint event over the dirt at six furlongs, then had difficulty against two Allowance company races. Found a buyer, and his new interests tossed him right up into the Gr. II Kona affair, placing seventh of nine. Drops back one level and is trying the turf for the first time in his career. Works have been nice, and this would definitely be a big upset if he wins today.
12. Captain Cuttle ( Rheingold Stables ) – Five of his six career victories have come on the turf, as well as over 85% of his earnings. Won a Clm75 event at this track in his season opener at this distance, then found a yielding go in his next OpClm62.5 affair and still pulled off a runner-up placing. Is back after winning a five eights event at PRX, and he hasn’t missed a paycheck in his past seven starts. Should be the front runner here trying to steal it on top.
Picks
Dogs Up Duffer- ( 8-6-4 )
Handicapper Hank- ( 5-8-12 )
Steel Eye Shafi- ( 8-9-12 )
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
