SAL
12-29-2008, 03:07 PM
Picks for Santa Anita Monday:
R1 #4 Athenry-Runs his best races when he can establish a clear lead early, which is very likely to happen in this paceless field.
R2 #12 Love Song Mellody-I'm hoping her early speed can overcome this terrible post. Figwise she's pretty consistent, plus her even sprints will probably carry over well to this longer distance. She has an excuse in her only route try.
R3 #8 Distinctive Afleet-Didn't get a great trip in return off a layoff. Drops to a reasonable level and gets back regular rider Talamo today. Expect better today.
R4 #2 Savannah Peach-Responded to the drop back to 3yo's with a gutty win. Pace scenario looks similar today and I will stick with her at an ok price.
R5 #5 Trainspotting-Makes a sensible drop back to last winning level for new barn. Pace scenario seems good as he should be able to establish a clear early lead here.
R6 #2 Papa Clem-Barn does well with runners stretching out for the first time. Several notable works since last, Bejarano adds to the appeal. Not likely to see 5/1 here.
R7 #1 Modification-O'Neill runner seems to be a versatile runner, showing good early lick in a few of her races. Lack of legitimate speed here may give her an edge if Bejarano decides to gun her which would make sense from her post.
R8 #8 Racketeer-Had no chance in last when they ran the last quarter faster than the first. The added 1/8 of a mile should help his late run.
R9 #3 Alex's Wish-Looks like the ML favorites are vulnerable here. This one is making a reasonable drop and has some nice drills off the brief layoff.
R1 #4 Athenry-Runs his best races when he can establish a clear lead early, which is very likely to happen in this paceless field.
R2 #12 Love Song Mellody-I'm hoping her early speed can overcome this terrible post. Figwise she's pretty consistent, plus her even sprints will probably carry over well to this longer distance. She has an excuse in her only route try.
R3 #8 Distinctive Afleet-Didn't get a great trip in return off a layoff. Drops to a reasonable level and gets back regular rider Talamo today. Expect better today.
R4 #2 Savannah Peach-Responded to the drop back to 3yo's with a gutty win. Pace scenario looks similar today and I will stick with her at an ok price.
R5 #5 Trainspotting-Makes a sensible drop back to last winning level for new barn. Pace scenario seems good as he should be able to establish a clear early lead here.
R6 #2 Papa Clem-Barn does well with runners stretching out for the first time. Several notable works since last, Bejarano adds to the appeal. Not likely to see 5/1 here.
R7 #1 Modification-O'Neill runner seems to be a versatile runner, showing good early lick in a few of her races. Lack of legitimate speed here may give her an edge if Bejarano decides to gun her which would make sense from her post.
R8 #8 Racketeer-Had no chance in last when they ran the last quarter faster than the first. The added 1/8 of a mile should help his late run.
R9 #3 Alex's Wish-Looks like the ML favorites are vulnerable here. This one is making a reasonable drop and has some nice drills off the brief layoff.