Santa Anita Stakes Saturday

We roll into Stakes Saturday looking at an impressive grade one at a classic distance.

Santa Anita Park Race 9 {Gold Cup~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A talented group of eleven will venture onto the Santa Anita dirt in this annual affair brought over from the dearly departed Hollywood Park.  There is plenty of pace to drive frantic fractions. It could set up nicely for the lads coming from off the pace. Speed numbers are fairly close which should make for a contentious battle. It should be a great race.

#9 Catch A Flight [ARG] (Stevens / Mandella) has the edge with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three fierce workouts. He holds the second highest speed number at the distance with two in the money performances. This son of Giant's Causeway should track the pace, ready to rumble through the stretch.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Hoppertunity (M. Garcia / Baffert) should challenge with a couple of very good last out speed numbers, a two race progression, and three superb peaking workouts. He loves the Santa Anita course and holds the third highest speed number over dirt. This son of Any Given Saturday should be racing close to the frontend ready for an opening. He will be stretching out to this distance for the first time.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Moreno (C. Velasquez / Guillot) will contend with the highest speed number at the distance, the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and one sound workout. This speedy son of Ghostzapper will be part of the lead pack seeking make the most of a hot pace.

#2 Hard Aces (Espinoza / Sadler) should be in the mix with the fourth highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three hearty workouts. He holds the third highest speed number at the distance.  This son of Hard Spun will be rolling late into a contested pace.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Catch A Flight [ARG]  /  #6 Hoppertunity  /  #8 Moreno  /  #2 Hard Aces.



Furlong Friday Results
Prairie Meadows R6.  Iowa Sprint Handicap.  Our pick, Bobcat Jim, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 6-2-4-1.
Bankroll sputters to $4.28.  We will supplement with a Hamilton for today's racing.