Horse Racing, Santa Anita Park, Jan. 6, 2012

Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Race 1 – 6 furlongs, Purse $27,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

5 My Diane – Really improved last race first for a price tag; was flattered when Swirls won next time out.

1 Babessa – Claimed by Adam Kitchingman and spotted nicely to graduate; like that Rafael Bejarano remains loyal to the cause.

Long Shot – 3 Missie Ky I You

Race 2 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $26,000, Claiming $20,000, 4-year-olds and up

4 Warren’s Tony R. – Sliding down the claiming ladder to this low level; big rider switch to Joel Rosario, a sit still jockey.

7 Pickapocket – Midwest invader ran evenly in his return to SoCal; big class dropper figures to wake up in this spot.

Long Shot – 5 Graeme Crackerjack

Race 3 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $19,000, Maiden claiming $20,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

11 Warren’s Performer – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; tiny edge in a close knit group.

7 Golden Nip – Non threatening third last out; has enough back class to run better in this spot, look for improvement.

Long Shot – 5 Dani’s Sis

Race 4 – 1 1/8th miles (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $60,000, Optional claiming $62,500, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

1 So Belle – Ground saving trip under Garrett Gomez; she is clearly better on turf than dirt or synthetics.

2 Secret Cove – Corey Nakatani replaces Garrett Gomez who exits for So Belle; hot off a three race winning streak.

Long Shot – 4 Anniversary Girl

Race 5 – 6 furlongs, Purse $17,000, Claiming $8,000, 4-year-olds and up

7 Bruno’s Wager – Claimed by the maestro Jerry Hollendorfer off a sharp win; is kept at the same class and can certainly repeat.

10 Belongs to Gotham – Been away more than a year, but has a ton of back class; key vote comes from Joel Rosario.

Long Shot – 14 Clear to Canada

Race 6 – 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 24 feet), Purse $35,000, Claiming $32,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

6 Maya Angelina – Did everything but win last time in a strong finish; Ron Ellis has been a lot more active lately.

11 Sleep Tight – Speedball should appreciate the turf rail out 24 feet; simple tactics of go as fast and as far as she can.

Long Shot – 3 Bella Swan

Race 7 – 6 furlongs, Purse $58,000, Allowance, 4-year-olds and up

11 Runflatout – This guy has a lot of talent, may mature some as a 4-YO; for all the hype, he still owns just one victory.

9 Hope and Believe – He was ridden too close to the pace in last; Ron Ellis must have thought the same hiring Joel Rosario.

Long Shot – 2 Red Ace

Race 8 – 6 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Maiden claiming $30,000, 3-year-olds

7 Tropiluk – Did his best to overcome a parking lot post in last; gets a much better draw today, clearly the one to beat.

11 Sky Larkin – Ran like a short horse last time first out for a price tag; parking lot post to clock the early speed.

Long Shot – 9 Bertrando Grande

Best Bet – 5 My Diane (race 1)

Santa Anita Park Thursday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/2/$7.80; Long Shots, 8/2/$42.20; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Park Totals – 114/28/$189.20; Long Shots, 59/10/$154.20; Best Bets, 6/1/$4.20

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #3 Social Statement (7/2) in race 8 at Aqueduct. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Miss Netta won at Gulfstream Park paying $3.80 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show. Stats – 7/5/$35.10; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick