HORSE RACING

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 – 6 furlongs, Purse $27,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, Fillies, 2-year-olds

4 Call Me Lucy – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; need not be much facing slowpokes.

3 Ya Wanna Hug – Another taking the boig class drop from MSW to maiden claiming; watch for the four FTS in the group.

Long Shot – 8 Warren’s Samantha

Race 2 – 1 mile, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

2 Fed Biz – Bob Baffert baby taking the blinkers off after career debut; sure to improve in his second time out.

7 Insideondoutside – Big rider switch to Joel Rosario for the money shot; green debut, slow early, fast late.

Long Shot – 3 Where’s Henry

Race 3 – 6 furlongs, Purse $26,000, Claiming $20,000, 3-year-olds and up

4 Wall Street Wonder – Could be a Bob Baffert daily double; he won for $32K and returns for $20K, red flag drop.

2 Position A – Won first off the claim for Mike Mitchell, no surprise; enough back class to repeat the last verdict.

Long Shot – 3 Lord Avalon

Race 4 – 1 mile, Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

7 Saturday’s Charm – Did a classic pop and stop career debut at Churchill Downs; logical improvement for Steve Asmussen.

3 Cloud Hopper – After 3 straight seconds, not sure if it’s bad luck or the herd mentality; is fast enough to graduate.

Long Shot – 1 Candy’s Jewel

Race 5 – 1 mile, Purse $58,000, Optional claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

8 Spirit Seeker – Beaten favorite in the Treasure Chest at Delta Downs; had an impressive win streak before that.

3 Lofty Ambition – Switching from turf to dirt in this first level condition; she showed good speed before tiring late.

Long Shot – 6 Smart Striking

Race 6 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $16,000, Claiming $12,500, 3-year-olds and up

1 Emperor Stone – Sliding down the claiming ladder to this career low class; figures to be a fast closing sprinter.

9 Cragmont – Another sliding down the claiming ladder to face easier foes; reunited with jockey Joe Talamo.

Long Shot – 7 Carnivore

Race 7 – 1 mile (turf, rail at 24 feet), $75,000 Blue Norther, Fillies, 2-year-olds

6 Batalha – Was flattered when Twitch won next out; has the pedigree to be a top flight turf performer.

5 Lady of Shamrock – Interesting Midwest invader joins the John Sadler barn; would not shock with a strong improvement.

Long Shot – 7 Starship Flare

Race 8 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $23,000, Maiden claiming $30,000, 2-year-olds

5 Mustache Charlie – Jeff Mullins has won less races, but he’s still a top trainer; will try to end the New Year right.

7 I Feel Free – Been knocking on the door a handful of times; suspect will sit midpack and try his best late.

Long Shot – 12 Arathorn

Best Bet – 6 Batalha (race 7)

Santa Anita Park Thursday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 14/5/$31.60; Long Shots, 8/1/$20.80; Best Bet, 0/0/$0

Santa Anita Park Totals – 31/11/$65.40; Long Shots, 17/1/$20.80; Best Bets, 1/1/$4.20

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #4 Stephanie Jayne (9/5) in race 2 at Aqueduct. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Simba’s Story ran third at Gulfstream Park paying $2.40 to show. Stats – 2/1/$2.40; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick