SANTA ANITA
CONQUEST TWO STEP
Ran an absolutely huge race when finishing second by a neck in the Grade 1 Malibu against Shared Belief, who won by a neck at 50 cents on the dollar. Conquest went off at 72-1.
MICKS MIRACLE
First time starter was in a very tough looking straight maiden field of 11 runners. He was 4-1 on the morning line, but the money just poured in on him and he eventually was sent off at 9/5, He stalked off the rail, made a three-wide move leaving the turn, and shifted into another gear. Stormed home under a long late hold by Talamo to win by more than five lengths. Super hot trainer Phil D’Amato looks to have himself a real runner. $$$$$
MAY B
Was bumped at the start but jockey Gary Stevens relaxed him and just stalked the pace till the turn. He took the lead in the stretch and won going away while under a tight hold late. This one looked to love this dirt course. Will move up and repeat.
BOLO
We have been on this guy in two straight races and he really strutted his stuff in the Eddie Logan, going a mile on the grass to win with total authority by more than four lengths under a tight Mike Smith hold late. Look for another big move up the class ladder as trainer Carla Gaines will place him in a stakes race next out. By the way, Logan was not a jockey, trainer or owner but the long time shoe shine master at Santa Anita. They have a beautiful room there in his name, a must see.
FANTASTIC STYLE
First time starter was sent off at 9/5. She was sent right to the front and led all the way but could not hold off the winner. Finished second more than four lengths clear of the rest in this 12 horse field.
GNARLY HARLY
Was making his first start as a gelding and showed some big life finishing fourth at 11/1. He will be a must use next out at this $50k maiden claiming level or lower, and the price just may be ok.
HIJRA
Finished eighth in his last start at Del Mar but her works here said she likes this dirt course and trainer Hollendorfer had her on go. She was breaking from the far outside but got a good position and ran on late to pick up the place money. She is sitting on the win next out.
HOWDY
Just could not handle the odds-on winner but was more than 10 lengths clear of the rest. Will be a solid single next time out.
Richard Saber, a former director of race and sports at the famed Stardust book, is GamingToday’s horse racing and sports handicapper. Follow Richard on Twitter @SabesBet. Contact Richard at [email protected].