Today's Free Pick
Wednesday, March 10
By Jerry Antonucci
FIRST RACE
ONE SHOT (3-1) when allowed a “Lone F” like last time, he gets very hard to run down late. Come and catch him. SHELTER ISLAND (5-2) has completed the exacta in his last pair, drops a notch and switches to Joe Talamo. However, he has an affinity for “hanging” near the wire. TIZ AFIRE (7-2) was power-housed to the wire by Rafael Bejarano over similar. He could do it again.
Longshot – EXILE
Sunday, March 7
By Jerry Antonucci
FIRST RACE
GOOD MEASURE (4-5) finished second in his first try around two turns as the 2-1 favorite. If he misses this time, he goes into our little black book. CHAMP PEGASUS (7-2) switches to Pro-Ride after running second on the grass. He seems to be improving. HOG’S HOLLOW (5-1) has had 10 chances to flee the maiden ranks. Garrett Gomez is signed up to ride.
Longshot – NO STADIUM
Saturday, March 6
By Jerry Antonucci
TENTH RACE
NEKO BAY (8-1) may have peaked in the San Pasqual, winning by nearly two lengths. That gave the owners pause to consider the Santa Anita Handicap and here he is. Tab in a raffle. ST TRINIANS (7-2) hasn’t lost since coming to the United States. She’s four-for-four and this could be her best distance. No female horse has won the Big ‘Cap. LOUP BRETON (4-1) will try Pro-Ride for the first time. He’s got no early speed, so it’s up to Garrett Gomez to find the charmed circle.
Longshot – DAKOTA PHONE
Friday, March 5
By Jerry Antonucci
THIRD RACE
SIMPLY PUT (7-5) hasn’t been seen since June when he finished third to $80,000 maidens. She’s been working regularly for her comeback and John Sadler employs Rafael Bejarano to get the job done today. SISTER LUCY (7-2) just missed by a neck in her twelfth try. She’s collected six paychecks along the way. DEVIL’S MATE (4-1), who cost $145,000 at auction, debuts at age four and has been drilling quickly (46 4/5---best of 40 at the distance). Watch the tote wagering carefully.
Longshot – PUFF THIS
Thursday, March 4
By Jerry Antonucci
FIRST RACE
SMOKEY BEAU (5-2) already has had seven chances to flee the maiden ranks, but the $115,000 auction purchase drops back to a sprint after flashing excellent speed in a route. Come and catch him. CHAILEPIS (3-1) was shuffled back at the start and could only make up modest ground late. Joel Rosario climbs aboard again. WARREN’S BIG EAGLE (4-1) draws outside for start #2 after being fanned wide most of the journey. If he moves forward, he can win.
Longshot – JAMES M. DEAN
Wednesday, March 3
By Jerry Antonucci
SIXTH RACE
BULLDOGGER (7-2) hasn’t been seen since beating maidens last August in the slop at Saratoga sprinting. Now the $300,000 son of Dixie Union shows up in allowance race against seasoned horses with several fast workouts on his resume. THOMAS BAINES (7-2) has been pitched over his head at Golden Gate in the California Derby and the El Camino Real Derby. He didn’t get beat too far, but lands outside against these with Rafael Bejarano aboard. Beware. INDIAN FIREWATER (3-1) was second best at 1-2 in the Turf Paradise Derby. He’s got speed and is the one to catch.
Longshot – BOULDER CREEK
Sunday, February 28
By Jerry Antonucci
EIGHTH RACE
LIBERIAN FREIGHTER (3-1) may have needed his sprint prep (away eight months) and now stretches out to a route. Rafael Bejarano rides him best. RED SUN (7-2) has won three straight and now tries with Mike Smith, one of best speed riders in the room. Come and catch him. COMPARI (5-2) had a minor setback after winning four in a row. He’s the one to beat.
Longshot – KALOOKAN STORM
Saturday, February 27
By Jerry Antonucci
EIGHTH RACE
KETTLE RIVER (3-1) is seeking his third straight victory and he tries the Grade III Sham Stakes and 1 1/8 miles to do it. Eoin Harty is calling the shots. SETSUKO (3-1) moves to Pro-Ride after running a strong second on grass. He’s only missed the board once (debut) in six races. THE PROGRAM (5-2) is part of Bob Baffert’s second string of 3-year-olds and yet he figures right there from the rail.
Longshot – OUTLAW MAN
Friday, February 26
By Jerry Antonucci
FIRST RACE
PARK TIME LUCKY (7-5), claimed for $25,000 by Jerry Hollendorfer, just whipped similar going a half-furlong shorter. There’s no reason to believe he can’t repeat. IMPERATRIZ (3-1) draws the rail for the third straight time and it may have cost him in his latest when he was blocked at the quarter pole. He’s a trier. RIGHT TO WORK (6-1) landed outside and never saw the rail as he was fanned four wide throughout. Chance to rebound.
Longshot – YOU KNOW I WANCHA
Thursday, February 25
By Jerry Antonucci
SEVENTH RACE
A CLEVER TEN (3-1) moves from turf to Pro-Ride and draws outside. Give one more chance. BLAME THE WINE (5-2) just missed by a neck against $25,000 claimers. She’s been very consistent lately. BE DRIVEN (9-2) finds the rail a neg, but seems to be moving forward. Chance to get into the exotics.
Longshot – MIDNIGHT RAGE
Wednesday, February 24
By Jerry Antonucci
FOURTH RACE
UNDERGROUND (7-5) is the lone speed of the race. The wire to wire threat. BURNA DETTE (5-1) has been around forever and really improved in her second start off a layoff. However, she does best on grass. TORO BONITO (7-2) won at Del Mar on Aug. 24, 2008. She hasn’t won since, but usually doesn’t figure far back.
Longshot – LULLABYTIME
Sunday, February 21
By Jerry Antonucci
FIFTH RACE
TIMES GONE BY (5-2) raced wide as the 8-5 favorite on Pro-Ride in late December, failing as the 8-5 favorite. The $100,000 son of Giant’s Causeway has worked steadily since. Tab in a toughie. UNUSUAL SMOKE (7-2) ran one of his best races in the Sunshine Millions Classic to be third at 50-1. He’s not overmatched here. LEASE OF LIFE (9-2) had been away since August and tuned up in a downhill sprint, his first for Mike Mitchell. Now he stretches out again, and recently drilled 1:13 4/5.
Longshot – GLOWING PRAISE
Saturday, February 20
By Jerry Antonucci
NINTH RACE
DANCING IN SILKS (1-1) flopped at 4-5 in his first race since winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at 25-1. A win type (7 for 14), he gets no excuses this afternoon. VENTANA (4-1) ran second in the Palos Verdes Handicap at 11-1. He’s just two for 12, but is now under the care of Bob Baffert. BESTDRESSED (6-1) likes the seven furlong distance, but has no speed. He’ll be running in the final furlong.
Longshot – QUIETLY MINE
Friday, February 19
By Jerry Antonucci
EIGHTH RACE
KALOOKAN COMMANDO (3-1) picks up seven pounds as she steps up a level. Tab in a raffle. SALTWATER M D (5-1) draws outside again after battling for the lead. The switch to Joel Rosario could be the key. JACOB’S TIGER (7-2) hails from the Mike Puype barn and recently drilled 46 4/5 for his debut. Watch the tote wagering carefully.
Longshot – SLEW CITY GRINDER
Thursday, February 18
By Jerry Antonucci
SEVENTH RACE
THE TOWN LADY (7-2) defeated colts in a starter’s race. She has no early speed, but can fly in the final furlong. SAMANTHA’S RULE (5-2) couldn’t catch Lady Alex and wound up second. A similar trip puts her in the winner’s circle. UNUSUAL STRIKE (6-1) needed her sprint prep and secures Rafael Bejarano for this. The dark horse candidate.
Longshot – SPACE AGE LOVESONG
Monday, February 15
By Jerry Antonucci
FIFTH RACE
VAUNDELL (2-1) just missed after nine months on the shelf. He’s bred for the lawn and draws well. SMOKE CAT (4-1) is a win type (5 for 18) who has worked his way up the class ladder. He was nipped by a head last time. ITSSULTRYINTHECAPE (6-1) finds the rail a huge neg after being burned up on the pace across town. However, he’s worked well since.
Longshot – STELLA MARK
Sunday, February 14
By Jerry Antonucci
FOURTH RACE
WARRENS CASINO GUY and WARRENS PADDOCKGUY (7-5) are coupled as an entry and figure to run one-two. We can’t pick between them. LEAVING NEW YORK (3-1) takes off blinkers after wearing them for his first two races. He’s been wide in both outings.
Longshot – TIZ ARGENT
Saturday, February 13
By Jerry Antonucci
SEVENTH RACE
RUMBA ALONG (7-2), claimed for $40,000 Jack Carava, surfaces for $32,000. It’s been a year since he’s won, but he figures right there. CONCERTO’S THUNDER (7-2) didn’t win in 2009, but finished second four times. He lures Rafael Bejarano for only the second time, and the first time he missed by two necks. BECRUX (3-1) the last time he won George Bush was President, but he recently drilled in 47 flat, the best of four drills at the distance.
Longshot – YOUNG JOE
Friday, February 12
By Jerry Antonucci
EIGHTH RACE
MISS WINED UP (5-2), claimed for $32,000 by Carl O’Callaghan, sheds blinkers and has worked once since being red-tagged. Martin Garcia, who rides first call for the stable, takes the call. HYPER LASS (3-1) is a pop-and-stop individual who in six races has finished second only once. The wire to wire threat? MUSICAL GRACE (9-2) moves from an outside post (#8) to the rail and secures the apprentice Christian Santiago Reyes. She figures right in the photo.
Longshot – KATIEINTHEFASTLANE
Thursday, February 11
By Jerry Antonucci
SEVENTH RACE
PINK BLOSSOM (2-1) prevailed in fast time over maidens. Now, she meets winners, more early speed and a lot more quality. SERIOUSLY (4-1) was overmatched in the Santa Ynez Stakes, so she shortens up for this. These could be her friends. SEEKING THE QUEEN (7-2) reeled off three straight victories at Golden Gate before stubbing her toe in the California Oaks. It’s back to sprinting for her.
Longshot – SANDY CHEEKS
Wednesday, February 10
By Jerry Antonucci
FOURTH RACE
SMOKENOMORE (5-1) has one way to go and that’s right to the front. Come and catch him. MEGILLAH (7-2) is dropped after a poor showing in his comeback and figures right there off a solid performance. ABALANCHE (3-1), claimed for $8,000 by Doug O’Neill, missed by two necks at 8-5. He raced just five days ago.
Longshot – INDY RIDE
Sunday, February 7
By Jerry Antonucci
SECOND RACE
QUARTER GIVEN (8-5) defies logic. It’s easier to win four straight than be second four times in a row. His numbers have been going up steadily and he’s overdue for his maiden diploma. INDIANAPOLIS (3-1) shipped in from the Midwest and ran fourth. He adds blinkers and could move up. MILYONE (7-2) was squandered on the lead when blinkers were added, but stopped badly in the final furlong. They come right back off today.
Longshot – CHAMP PEGASUS
Saturday, February 6
By Jerry Antonucci
FIRST RACE
RED DOOR DRIVE (7-5) had the lead, but Martin Pedroza went to sleep late and missed by a head. Now Garrett Gomez takes the controls. WOLFGANG (5-1) really improved when switched to the grass in a sprint down the hill. He can get the distance. AFLEET HOPETOWN (4-1) moves from the rail to the extreme outside (#8). He figures right there.
Longshot – PRICE
Friday, February 5
By Jerry Antonucci
THIRD RACE
LADY ALEX (5-2) is working her way up the class ladder and just whipped California-breds at today’s distance. She might be good for another. WOMAN WARRIOR (7-2) was right there vs. similar and would be no surprise. WIN ALLISON WIN (6-1) hasn’t been seen since Del Mar when she finished a surprising fourth in the Solano Beach Handicap. The dark horse candidate.
Longshot – THERE GOES GEE GEE
Thursday, February 4
By Jerry Antonucci
EIGHTH RACE
SONOFABLUR (3-1) stumbled badly at the break, losing all chance. Now he’s in with $32,000 maiden claimers. The class drop could do the trick. DANDY DANCER (4-1) may have needed his last outing (away seven months) and should move forward for Jerry Fanning. KIM’S LEADING MAN (9-2) was moved to a $40,000 maiden claiming route, pressed the pace and stopped. He’ll go better with these.
Longshot – STARRY STRIVE
Wednesday, February 3
By Jerry Antonucci
SEVENTH RACE
INDIAN FIREWATER (8-5) stretches out for the first time after running in five consecutive sprints. It’s up to Garrett Gomez to ration his speed. GET A GRIP (2-1) is a perfect one-for-one on a synthetic surface across the pond, winning a mile race in September. John Sadler has him fine tuned for this. THE PROGRAM (5-2) once he tried two turns his numbers definitely went north. Martin Garcia gets back aboard today.
Longshot – DISTORTED DAVE
Sunday, January 31
By Jerry Antonucci
SECOND RACE
GOOD MEASURE (7-5) demonstrated plenty of ability in his debut from the rail and now tries more real estate. If he can route, he should win. LAND OF THE GIANTS (4-1) just seemed like he was in for the exercise in his first start and now stretches out with Garrett Gomez aboard. Watch the tote wagering carefully. DEVIL ON THE ROOF (5-1) has had seven chances to flee the maiden ranks, but his latest was his best yet.
Longshot – UNCLE GREG
Saturday, January 30
By Jerry Antonucci
NINTH RACE
RED SUN (7-5) missed by a half-length in his debut and then won two straight, one short and one long. He’s been working fast (59 1/5) and is strictly the one to beat. ATTICUS JACK (3-1) is bred for the lawn and showed why when he defeated Cal-breds across town in basically wire to wire fashion. He’d be no surprise. WORTH REPEATING (5-1) beat maidens down the hill early this month. He’s got no early lick, so he’ll have to get lucky.
Longshot – FORT SUMPTER
Friday, January 29
By Jerry Antonucci
SECOND RACE
CHICAGO GAL (1-1) has finished right there in both of her starts, the last time at 1-2 odds. Give one more chance. SPACE AGE LOVESONG (5-2) puts blinkers on for the first time after making the board in six of eight career races. It might get her over the top. UNKNOWN HEAT (9-2) shortens up after finishing second and third going a mile at the meeting. However, she’s had 16 chances to flee the maiden ranks.
Longshot – INITIAL IMPRESSION
Thursday, January 28
By Jerry Antonucci
FIFTH RACE
TOP FEELING (3-1) just missed by a head in her come back (first start in a year). If the race didn’t take too much out of him, he can graduate. ALIVE FOR SIX (5-2) has completed the exacta in his last pair and seems overdue. RIDE ALONG (9-2) stalked a soft pace in his debut, but retreated late to finish fourth. Now he draws the rail.
Longshot – TEAFATILLER