Santa Anita handicapping roundup: Week of Jan. 11

FIELD SIZE

The diminished field size this winter at Santa Anita is the result of a scheduling blunder that allowed Hollywood Park to remain open through Dec. 22, which allowed for a mere three-day break prior to opening day of the Santa Anita winter meet. Through Jan. 5, Santa Anita’s average field size was a paltry 7.73 horses per race (603 starters, 78 races).

One year ago, Hollywood closed Dec. 16, allowing the circuit a 10-day break before opening day at Santa Anita. The respite provided benefits – average field size during the first two weeks last winter (through Jan. 6, 2013) was 8.85 starters per race (708 starters, 80 races).

BRED TO WIN EARLY

Certain sires get a high percentage of debut winners from progeny, including Wildcat Heir and In Excess. But “win-early” inclinations also come from the broodmare, as breeder and trainer David Bernstein reminded bettors in the final race Jan. 5.

First-time starter Ruff Proof was overlooked in the $30,000 maiden-claiming sprint, which she won by a half-length, paying $59. Bernstein said he believes her debut victory was influenced by her dam.

On March 14, 2002, Bernstein sent out Ruff Proof’s dam, Hello Ruffie, in a similar maiden claimer at Santa Anita. Hello Ruffie won by 4 1/2 lengths and paid $87.80.

Bernstein, whose best horse was 1994 multiple Grade 1 winner The Wicked North, savored the win.

“It was nice to cause a carryover,” he said.

Bernstein’s stable has downsized; he currently trains five horses. The upset win by Ruff Proof created a pick six carryover of $87,195 into Jan. 9.

NEW ZEALAND HOTSHOTS

A sharp third-place comeback by Remise on Jan. 3 stamped the New Zealand import as a next-out contender against second-level allowance fillies and mares. But expectations will be much higher than allowance races when owner George Strawbridge and trainer Dan Blacker unveil a second New Zealand import later this year. The sky is the limit for a 5-year-old mare who arrived in the United States with outstanding credentials.

Habibi won the Group 1 New Zealand Derby against males last March after winning two Group 2 races. Strawbridge acquired a majority interest in Habibi last spring; she is nearing her first California breeze for Blacker. Habibi has won 6 of 9 races and $566,935 in New Zealand and Australia. She is a good one. Stay tuned.

SCRATCHED

Dubai You X Y Z might not have defeated Jeranimo in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes on Jan. 4, but it would have been fun to watch him try. Dubai You X Y Z, unfortunately, was scratched by owner and trainer Mark Tsagalakis the day of the race.

“Came down with a low-grade virus a couple days out from the race,” Tsagalakis said via text message. “He stopped eating, and I just couldn’t see running him like that. He got very quiet and depressed in his stall, and there was no way to expect a good effort from him.”

The good news is that early this week, Dubai You X Y Z was on the path to recovery. “He’s bouncing back well right now, so we hopefully will get a chance to try again soon,” Tsagalakis said.

A 7-year-old gelding, Dubai You X Y Z has won 6 of 10 starts and $198,400.

GOODBYE

In any occupation, all of us occasionally are lucky to become acquainted with someone who starts as coworker and then becomes a friend. Rob Jimenez was such a person. He was among the top cameramen at Southern California racetracks and one of the warmest and most personable people at the track.

As one of his friends said this week, “Rob never had a bad day.” Jimenez was only 44 when he died suddenly Tuesday. He will be dearly missed.