Tucked away at Payson Park this winter, Hidden Scroll was overlooked by the betting public when unveiled Jan. 26 on Pegasus Day, starting at 8-1 and running like a horse who should have been odds-on. Sent to the lead over a sloppy track, he hit the front early down the backstretch in a one-mile race and extended his lead at every call, winning by 14 lengths.
Thursday, for the first time in memory, Santa Anita carded more races on turf than dirt. Five of the eight races are turf. Brad Free takes a look at the card.
Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Feb. 25, 2019
Mary Rampellini's Oaklawn Park horses to watch for the week of Feb. 27, 2019.
Trip notes by Michael Hammersly for stakes races run on February 23-24, 2019.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona provides his Highlight Horse for Sunday at Aqueduct.
Although average field size Sunday at Santa Anita is just 6.6 starters per race, the card might include one or two nuggets worth backing.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona highlights some contenders on Sunday's card at Aqueduct.
The opening leg of the early pick five contains the wake-up prospect PRINCESS DANIELA (2), who’s moving out to a mile with the pedigree of a router. She won’t have to break a track record to beat this modest group of $12,500 maidens, and I will key her before spreading out the rest of the way.
The main event at Santa Anita on Saturday is the Buena Vista at a mile on turf for fillies and mares, and VASILIKA (9) looks formidable yet again for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. There are alternatives who could be considered if you’re looking to take a shot against the big mare, but I’m not too keen on trying to beat her. However, there are other appealing races throughout the day; below are a few horses to consider.
