LOS ALAMITOS & SANTA ANITA
CELEBRATE LIFE: If you get my daily picks online you would have scored big on this first time starter who was given out as our key play in the race. He got home going wire to wire, paying $76.80. It pays to sign up and get our daily online plays every day Southern California runs.
BATIQUITOS: Second time starter was coming off a big win and a layoff. She was going five furlongs on the grass from post 1 and got trapped like a rat on the inside when looking to make a winning run. Once clear she got through on the inside to surge late for the place money. Will get the cash next time out. $$$
BILLY BIG: Took plenty of action in this 1-1/16 turf route but as luck would have it he got squeezed back at the start, costing him several positions. He was last until the top of the lane when unleashing a big late run to finish second just 1½ behind the winner, which happened to be his stablemate. Billy is just sitting on the win and we will be singling next out going long on the grass.
CHICKATINI: Was well bet in this debut race but broke slow and was far back in the five furlong turf sprint. She swung five wide into the stretch and was forced out even further in upper stretch. Still came running to just miss the show dough by a half-length. There was a lot to like with this filly and she will be one tough cookie next time out. $$$
THE BIG TRAIN: Threw his head at the start, bobbled and that cost him the race as he came running with a huge late kick to just miss by a dwindling head on the line. This one is in tip top form and a must use next out.
SCHOOLEY: Maiden was going a mile on the grass and was very rank along the inside in the early going. He came out into the stretch to make a run and was going good late. Was steadied in deep stretch when bumped hard and in tight, finishing a much better-than-looked fifth. We will give a big shot next out.
PANTSONFIRE: Ran too good to lose this mile turf race for optional fillies and mares. She just missed by a fast dwindling nostril on the line, motoring home like a freight train. Use next out going long on the grass.