Jubilant Joanie cuts back as chalky favorite

ARCADIA, Calif. – Just miles from the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, the parade of odds-on chalk slows slightly Wednesday at Santa Anita. After an opening week in which 16 of 39 favorites were less than even-money (11 won), two of nine favorites are odds-on Wednesday.

Oveta’s Hobby in race 2 and Jubilant Joanie in race 6, both listed at 3-5, will be the most heavily favored on the card. As usual for a weekday, the most appealing races are positioned at the back end of the nine-race card.

Race 6 is a starter allowance for fillies and mares; Jubilant Joanie holds a conspicuous advantage in figures. Race 7 is a turf sprint for California-bred fillies and mares led by last-out runner-up Proof She Zips. Race 8 is a California-bred maiden sprint for new 3-year-olds; runner-up Letmein is reliable. Race 9 is a wide-open $25,000 claiming turf sprint with late-runner Whatmakessammyrun.

Trainer Jeff Mullins entered runners in five races Wednesday, including his most likely winner in race 6. Jubilant Joanie enters the starter-allowance/optional-claiming sprint 6 for 13 in her career, with speed figures superior to her rivals. However, she is shortening from a mile.

Is she quick enough for six furlongs?

“I think so,” Mullins said. “She won most her races going short. She’s just the best horse.”

The past year a half, Mullins is 17 for 22 with odds-on favorites. Edwin Maldonado rides Jubilant Joanie, whose main rival is Pleasanton shipper Morning Addiction.

Race 7, at six furlongs on turf, includes Proof She Zips, runner-up last out at five furlongs.

“She was unfortunate last time out, a little bit too short,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “Hopefully, the added furlong plays to her strength.”

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The best races by Proof She Zips are six furlongs and beyond. Umberto Rispoli rides Proof She Zips. Her main rival is last-out dirt winner Mirinda.

Race 8 includes a potential standout in Letmein, who can be treated with Lasix as a newly turned 3-year-old. Mark Glatt trains Letmein, runner-up in his first two starts.

“His number went up substantially,” Glatt said, comparing Letmein’s second-start 67 Beyer Speed Figure to his debut 54. “He’s got a little experience, and he ran two decent races. Hopefully, it’s time for him to step up and get the money.”

Letmein, the 5-2 program favorite, will be ridden by Diego Herrera. His main rival is Mr. Machupicchu, a nine-start maiden.

Race 9 late-runner Whatmakessammyrun, also trained by Glatt, faces a tough task getting up at a six-furlong distance shorter than he prefers. A veteran gelding who is a multiple stakes winner, including the Grade 2 Eddie D in 2022, Whatmakessammyrun runs for a $25,000 claim tag.

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“I wish it was six and a half,” Glatt lamented. “He’s a victim of whatever happens up front. He can overcome a slowish pace going six and a half, but I don’t know if he can going six.”

Whatmakessammyrun, listed at a generous 9-2, will be ridden by Antonio Fresu.

Rivals for Whatmakessammyrun include speedster Player B, My Summer Dream, and program favorite Cane Creek Road.

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