As the biggest snow storm in nearly 100 years gets ready to unleash nature’s fury, we find ourselves getting ready to hunker down and spend some time inside. So what’s a horse player to do ? – The East coast is going to get a mountain of fluffy white stuff, and racing will take a little break. – Or will it ? – American author Horace Greeley may have summed it best in 1865; ” Go West, young man.” – Maybe not a bad idea this weekend. – Be safe, and stay in if at all possible. There is plenty of racing to warm you up this weekend. – I’m thinking a dose of grass racing will have me thinking happy thoughts !

Santa Anita

The forecast calls for 66 degrees and partly sunny with a chance of rain showers late

Race #1 – Claiming $32,000 – 6 1/2f on the turf – 12:30 pm EST

#8 – Tripski (7-2) = Flavien Pratt in the irons for east coast trainer David Jacobson. Pratt has established himself as one of the best turf riders on the left coast winning 15% and ITM 43%. – The barn ships in from Belmont Park, and drops in class. Even though it has been over three months to the races, this gelding has been sneaking in some very nice morning efforts. The downhill course should fit his fancy, and if you go back in past performances to the two efforts in the OC $20,000 range and claiming $20k. – This guy fits like a glove.

Race #4 – Mdn Sp Wt – One mile on the turf – 2:00 pm EST

#11 – Undeniable U (7-2) = Victor Espinoza gets the call for Bob Baffert, and these guys do pretty good work together as they’ll forever be matched in the history books together. This son of Red Giant has been off for 56 days, and been working a solid clip at SA. – This runner is 2/2 ITM on the green, and looks to be maturing with every race.

Race #6 – OC $20,000 – 6 1/2f on the turf – 3:00 pm EST

#9 – It Is Living Water (5-2) = Flavien Pratt in the saddle for Peter Miller, and they have teamed up to win 50% as a team the past few months. A proven turf closer going longer cuts back in distance, and happens to be fresh off the claim from Santa Anita on the dirt. – The barn wins at a (23%) clip with new runners in their care, and is 6/8 ITM over the SA course.

Race #8 – The (G-2) Santa Monica Handicap – 7f – 4:00 pm EST

#5 – Tara’s Tango (6-1) = Mike Smith has the call for Jerry Hollendorfer. – They are scoring at 22% together, and she was not my first choice. It was #2 – Ben’s Duchess, but she has been bested twice by this gal. – Mike Smith back aboard, and she makes her second off the layoff after shipping back from Parx where Smith flew in to ride. – A couple of works to keep her limber as she is 3/4 ITM at Santa Anita. She has an honest look, and Smith in the irons adds plenty of value.

There you have it ! – Just what the doctor ordered to keep you healthy and happy until this nasty white stuff melts. – I would be sure to download the Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms for a full and comprehensive look at all the racing action. – Be sure to download Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Fair Grounds, and Golden Gate Fields. – Think of this as a little appetizer to get you roaring to go, and wet your inner-horse-player palate for some incredible racing action on Saturday ! – Be safe, and have a great day at the windows from your friends at Winning Ponies !