Sunday Stakes
January 12, 2008
El Encino Stakes, Grade 2 (Santa Anita) $150,000 for four year old fillies
1 1/16 on the Cushion Track
I’ve got a long shot alert here. Fleet Caroline with the young Joe Talamo in the irons poses a major threat to this field. I expect her to go out front and challenge Romance is Diane for the early lead and I think if she can wrangle it from her then she could win. I believe the lightly raced Zenyatta will be charging home like a freight train for second. Indescribable who is a winner of three in a row will also be coming late and I look for her third. If your budget allows it I would definitely throw in Tough Tiz’s Sis and Romance is Diane in my exotics.
1st- Fleet Caroline
2nd- Romance is Diane
3rd- Indescribable
Santa Ynez Stakes, Grade 2 (Santa Anita) $150,000 for three year old fillies,
7 furlongs on the Cushion Track
This is pretty much an open and shut case. It would take a freak accident for Indian Blessing to lose to such a lowly field. For second place I like Patty Gallagher’s Peisinoe. She is undefeated in two starts and should get a good stalking trip. I’ll take McAnnally filly Izara for third.
1st- Indian Blessing
2nd- Peisinoe
3rd-Izara
Santa Ysabel Stakes, Grade 3 (Santa Anita) $100,000 for three year old
filles, 1 1/16 on the Cushion Track
The 8/5 morning line favorite is going to be very tough in here. She goes by the name Turn Away she is what she will probably do to her opponents tomorrow. If Grace Anatomy can run back to her form in the Alcibaides Stakes she would pose a serious threat. With the addition of blinkers today I like her to run second. $350,000 auction purchase Initiation will compete for third.
1st- Turn Away
2nd- Grace Anatomy
3rd- Initiation
First Lady Handicap, Grade 3 (Gulfstream) $100,000 for four years old and
upward fillies and mare, 6 furlongs on the dirt
This race is going to set up for an off-the-pace type runner. That being said I like Quality Affair to win. Her last race in which she won by 5 lengths was the first time she rated. With all the speed in this race you’ve got to believe the connections will rate again. Princess Janie is coming off 3 months rest. She has tactical speed but I expect to lay off the pace. She is my choice for second, but will be very contentious for the win. Sugar Swirl looks sharp with a 1/10 :35 H 3 furlong work on January 8. She is the class of the race and I look for her to run third.
1st- Quality Affair
2nd- Princess Janie
3rd- Sugar Swirl