Free: Santa Anita preview for Friday, April 19, 2019
The card looks chalky Friday at Santa Anita.
Race 1 – Before trainer Richard Mandella returned to Kentucky to prepare Omaha Beach for the Derby, a racing reporter that has known Mandella for 30 years wished him luck and said “don’t forget about your friends back here in California.” Mandella wisecrack reply: “What did you say your name was?”
Mandella starts Erotic (6) in the Friday opener at Santa Anita. Beyond a speed-figure advantage, she has a trainer stat in her favor. The past four years, Mandella is 7-for-11 with horses dropping in for a claim tag for the first time. Exotic, first-time tag, looks tough.
Race 2 – Five-horse field, no value, favorite Sturdy One (1) the one to catch.
Race 3 – Is today finally the day for Whata Flirt (6)? The 13-start maiden finished in the money five straight, including three losses by a neck or less. Whata Flirt is no cinch. Class-drop comebacker Hansen Tale Blues (4) is working well for her return, Caracortada (3) should improve second time out, Champagne Honey (2) also is working well for her return. Spread race.
Race 4 – If she actually does start at her 3-1 program odds, Time for Suzzie (3) would be one of the most appealing wagers on the card. Expect her odds to drop in a $25k claiming sprint for 3yo fillies that sets up for her stalking style. This handicapper will not knock program favorite Bam Bams Lil River (1), but not in love with her at 5-2. Her numbers are the same this season as last season when she was a 2yo.
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Race 5 – How far will Snazzy Dresser (8) carry his speed? Can top choice Encumbered (7) sit comfortably in second? Those are the key questions in this turf mile, $35k claiming N3L. Rails-at-30 stats, mile turf, since racing resumed: 7 races = 3 wire to wire, 4 winners from middle or back. The course is fair. Artie B Good (4) will rally late.
Race 6 – Class dropper Kochees (4) is fastest on numbers, up-in-class Monydontspenitself (1) was impressive crushing softer two weeks ago. ’Mony is stuck on the rail, but can win anyway if he runs two alike. His program price is an appealing 7-2. Matriculate (8) is 2-for-2 at this seven-furlong “specialty” distance. Up in class from $8k claiming to $16k, he actually figures as a contender.
Race 7 – Halo Darlin (2) stands out. For more: Everything points to Halo Darlin in starter allowance
Race 8 – Another at low odds, Royal Insider (5) drops from maiden special-weight to maiden-25. He is listed at 8-5, probably going lower.
Keys, mostly short prices: Erotic, race 1; Time for Suzzie, race 4; Monydontspenitself, race 6; Halo Darlin, race 7.
First post: Friday, 1 p.m. PT.
