20:30 Super Patriot @ 6/4
SUPER PATRIOT failed to fire in a Grade 2 here when last seen, but the five-year-old can be given another chance having hit the crossbar in a Grade 3 over C&D two starts ago. Warren’s Showtime, Pulpit Rider and Hollywood Hills are others with strong form claims.
21:01 Foxborough
Herd Immunity and Sonic Brees appeal as the most likely winners among the newcomers, but FOXBOROUGH sets a very respectable standard following a promising debut performance here late last month.
21:31 Kneedeepinsnow
KNEEDEEPINSNOW, who represents a barn in decent form right now, can make amends for his narrow defeat in this grade last time by beating Dreams Of Valor and Horse Greedy to the victory this evening.
22:01 Rookie Mistake @ 11/4
ROOKIE MISTAKE just failed to last home over 6 furlongs in a $150k event here last time and he could prove difficult to beat now dropped in both trip and class. Feared most are El Tigre Terrible and She’s So Special.
22:32 Merneith
Swiss Skydiver sets a good standard but she’s had a busy schedule, running at Tampa in January, Fair Grounds in February, Gulfstream in March and Oaklawn in May and, having since trained at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, she now finds herself here.
MERNEITH has potential and is preferred by us. She was turned over on her first two starts but showed she’s going the right way with a wide-margin maiden win last time. Albeit that was gained sprinting, and being an expensive, well-bred filly who goes for a top local barn, there’s a fair chance she’ll prove up to this. Speech also has a shot in what is an interesting race despite the small field.
23:03 Cezanne
Rayray’s comeback suggested there are races in him, but it may not be this one because he locks horns with a couple of really interesting Bob Baffert newcomers.
Brazen cost $190,000 as a yearling, but his stable companion CEZANNE went for a sales-topping $3.65million in March of last year and has looked the part in the mornings.
23:34 Prince Earl
Lieutenant Dan has finished ahead of Brandothebartender on the last couple of meetings, most recently when landing a $100k sprint here. Ward ‘n Jerry arrives on the back of a Grade 3 triumph, but last year’s Del Mar Mile Handicap hero PRINCE EARL might have too much for them if raring to go. King Abner isn’t out of it either.
00:09 Honor A. P. @ 2/1
Authentic defeated HONOR A. P. in the 8.5 furlong Grade 2 San Felipe here in March, but the winner had a race-fitness edge and the runner-up shaped well. It was a lovely return from Honor A. P., who’d missed his intended reappearance race as well as some training, and he should improve, quite possibly enough to reverse form.
It needs mentioning that Authentic is quirky and hasn’t been seriously challenged yet, so it’d be interesting to see how he would respond in a battle, but Honor A. P. is taken to have his measure.
00:42 Hariboux
Jeff Mullins’ HARIBOUX won a $100k stakes race here in February, accounting for Club Aspen (third), and connections have found their gelding another very winnable opening. K P All Systems Go is progressive, and Heywoods Beach won his maiden well last time.
01:12 Higher Power
It’s good to see this race’s original title restored as the 2020 Hollywood Gold Cup – it’s just a shame it hasn’t attracted a stronger field. It can go to HIGHER POWER, who won last year’s Pacific Classic and was third in the C&D Breeders’ Cup Classic.
He had excuses on his only start this term. Improbable is probably the most talented of these but doesn’t like the starting gate and, unlike the selection, is not a natural stayer. Tenfold is also worth considering.
01:42 Li’l Grazen
LI’L GRAZEN is entitled to have improved for her latest effort when returning from a lengthy absence and the dual course winner is capable at this level. The booking of Flavien Prat suggests connections are confident and she can get the better of Time For Ebby and Takethediamondlane.
* Prices correct at publishing but are subject to change except on our snazzy new bet widget which is bang up to date.
Santa Anita tips summary:
20:30 Super Patriot
21:01 Foxborough
21:31 Kneedeepinsnow
22:01 Rookie Mistake
22:32 Merneith
23:03 Cezanne
23:34 Prince Earl
00:09 Honor A. P.
00:42 Hariboux
01:12 Higher Power
01:42 Li’l Grazen
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