We are excited to announce a renewed partnership with the fine folks and handicappers at 1/ST BET. Jeremy Plonk and Jeff Siegel will be sharing their expertise Wednesday-Sunday on a weekly basis to pass along some ponies that they like for races at various tracks around the country, including Santa Anita.
For this Saturday, September 28 article, Jeff Siegel shares everything you need to know for today’s racing card at Santa Anita.
Santa Anita – 5th race – Post: 2:35 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Prime Gamble: 1-Dreamfyre
Other Contenders: 11-Toupie
Forecast: Dreamyfire didn’t pick an easy spot for her comeback in this year’s edition of the Unzip Me Stakes, but the speedy sophomore filly showed last year she can fire fresh (she won her debut) and earned speed figures in a pair of graded stakes victories that make her a strong fit despite tackling older foes for the first time in her first outing since last November. The rail post in these Hillside sprints isn’t ideal, but the daughter of Flameway should be quick enough to be on lead and then wire the field. Her comeback workouts up north should have her fit and ready, so at or around 5-1, she’ll offer excellent wagering value in the win pool and in the various exotics. Sharp Saratoga shipper Toupie is genuine and consistent and is worth including somewhere on your ticket as well.
Santa Anita 6th Race – Post: 3:04 PT. Degree of confidence: A-
Prime Gamble: 5-Going Deep
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: Going North finished a promising second in her debut in June and returns today for new connections following a private purchase and a series of recent workouts that indicate she’s probably a much better type now. The daughter of Bodexpress was a bit green through the lane but stayed on gamely to be beaten just a length while well clear of the rest in a good race for the level, so with that bit of experience behind her and three months of physical development in the interim the D. O’Neill-trained juvenile filly should be set for an explosive performance. She’s 2-1 on the morning line and worth every bit of that if you can get it.
A renowned bloodstock agent, Donato Lanni is a familiar sight at Thoroughbred auctions, regularly inspecting and later bidding on young equine prospects.
DEL MAR LEADERS (Through Sunday) Jockeys / Wins Hector Berrios / 6 Antonio Fresu / 6 Kazushi Kimura / 5 Tiago Pereira / 4 Juan Hernandez / 4 Umberto Rispoli / 4
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has had luck in the past in this Saturday’s feature at Del Mar, the $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. He
Photo: NYRA / Coglianese Photo Locked, winner of an optional-claiming allowance race at Aqueduct last month in his first start of the