Free Saturday Selections

Gulfstream Park (1/29/11)
Race 8 * 6.0 Furlongs * Dirt

1-Wildcat Heiress (6/1)
Fair Odds: 9-2
7-Amen Hallelujah (3/1)
Fair Odds: 3-1
5-North Rodeo (30/1)
Fair Odds: 20-1

COMMENT(S): In a very contentious race, I’m looking for WILDCAT HEIRESS to lead from flag fall to finish. Her trainer, Tevis McCauley, is very good with sprinters and, despite the lack of recorded works, I’m reasonably confident he has Wildcat Heiress ready to roll. I thought/think AMEN HALLELUJAH was among the most overrated sophomore fillies last year — right there with Devil May Care — but this is a new year and today’s distance is much, much better. Her workouts have been strong and progressive and I expect a good showing today, albeit at a short price. NORTH RODEO is not the third-best horse in this event, but her pace figures are improving and I think she stands a shot of hitting the board at an inflated price.

BET(S): WIN on 1 at odds of 9-2 or greater.

Santa Anita Park (1/29/11)
Race 5 * 6.0 Furlongs * Dirt

3-Cost of Freedom (1/1)
Fair Odds: 6-5
7-Apriority (9/2)
Fair Odds: 4-1
5-Excessive Passion (15/1)
Fair Odds: 20-1

COMMENT(S): COST OF FREEDOM is clearly the one to beat, however, he is attempting the dirt for just the second time in his career and, at the age of eight, is coming off of a lifetime-best 115 Equibase speed figure earned 49 days ago at Hollywood Park. If you’re seeking value in the race — and if you’re not, you should be — look no further than APRIORITY, who is a perfect three-for-three on the dirt and has solid speed and pace figures. EXCESSIVE PASSION has been training like he might have improved this winter and lures Russell Baze to ride.

BET(S): WIN on 7 at odds of 8-1 or greater. SHOW on 7 (in case there is a negative show pool).

Santa Anita Park (1/29/11)
Race 6 * 9.0 Furlongs * Turf

4-Soul Candy (8/1)
Fair Odds: 9-2
7-The Usual Q. T. (5/2)
Fair Odds: 3-1
3-Jeranimo (3/1)
Fair Odds: 3-1

COMMENT(S): I really like what trainer Patrick Gallagher has done in attempting to prepare SOUL CANDY for this race, as he’s trained him almost exclusively on the grass since his last try on the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park. The son of Birdonthewire is improving and should offer value in this spot. JERANIMO exploded through a hole on the rail to win last time and has a ton of talent. THE USUAL Q. T. should improve off of his latest.

BET(S): WIN on 4 at odds of 8-1 or greater.