Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita

Sunny Southern California is the place for this weeks Stakes Saturday.  We look at a highly competitive route contest.

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Strub~G2~1 1/16 mile~4 year old~Stakes}
A modest field of eight will enter into the gate for this graded stakes race.  There is a slight amount of speed which will make the race seriously contentious.  A couple have not raced over dirt, a few have not gone this exact distance, and a few others have not raced over the Santa Anita race.  It could make for a very exciting race.

#5 Govenor Charlie (M. Garcia / Baffert) could be the big surprise if they send him.  This son of Midnight Lute is coming off an extended layoff and looks ready to fire fresh.  He was last seen at last year's Preakness which is a much longer route.  He holds the fourth highest last out speed number in winning the Sunland Derby last year.  Prepping for this race he has put in five sensational peaking workouts.
$2 WIN / $3 SHOW.

#6 Hear the Ghost (Nakatani / Hollendorfer) should be striding along in a tracking position looking to strike in the stretch.  He holds the third highest last out speed number at longer route, a two race progression, and five supreme peaking workouts.  This son of Ghostzapper has notched a win at this distance and loves the Santa Anita track.
$2 SHOW.

#2 Rookie Sensation (Espinoza / Shirreffs) should contend with the fourth highest last out speed number at longer route, a three race progression, and four superb peaking workouts.  A son of Unbridled's Song, he should be tracking the pace ready for an opening.  He too has notched a win at this distance.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Zeewat (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four robust peaking workouts.  This son of Harlan's Holiday loves the Santa Anita track earning the second highest speed number over the surface.  He will be stretching out in tracking style from his last.

#3 Shakin It Up (Smith / Baffert) will be in the hunt with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three excellent workouts.  Another prodigy of Midnight Lute, this guy holds a 100% in the money record over the Santa Anita track in four starts.  He too should be tracking and closing well.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Govenor Charlie  /  #6 Hear the Ghost  /  #2 Rookie Sensation  /  #4 Zeewat,  #3 Shakin It Up.



Friday's Results
Gulfstream Park R7.  Optional Claiming.  Our first pick, Bombaguia, finished 2nd for show money of $1.40.  Our second pick, Sleepless Knight, finished 5th.
Superfecta went 4-5-2-7.
Bankroll sheds seven dimes falling to $36.54.