For many years in American racing, there was but one surface type among most tracks: dirt. Tracks began to add turf tracks alongside, and in recent years, even added synthetic surfaces.
Santa Anita has had its downhill turf course since 1953, Dr. Charles Strub, the track’s owner, wanted a Euro-style course in Southern California. It’s among the more unusual layouts in the sport, but one bettors love to attempt to unravel.
The field of six headed to the gate this weekend in the Grade 3 San Simeon have combined for exactly one win going down the hill. It’s a stout group, and a case can be made for all the starters. Let’s meet them, and put together our weekly wager. If you’re wagering on Santa Anita, check out our friends at AmWager! They have a 100% deposit match up to $150 for new customers.
Grade 3 San Simeon. 6 ½ miles, downhill turf. 4-year-olds & up. $100,000.
1. Sumter. 5/2. Jockey: Mike Smith. Trainer: Richard Mandella.
Sumter is your likely post time favorite, a winner over the Santa Anita course four times in his career. His last trip down the hill was over opening weekend in December, finishing a good 2nd in the Grade 2 Hernandez. He’s been a closer much of his career, which plays well down the hill; it would be wise for hall of fame jockey Mike Smith to keep him a bit closer to this group today.
Comment: include.
2. Quereme Pass. 8/1. Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo. Trainer: Jose D’Angelo.
Trainer Jose D’Angelo had a career day at Del Mar in November, winning back-to-back sprints on Breeder’s Cup Saturday. He will ship Quereme Pass from Florida, where he has been running in flat mile races. Three races back, D’Angelo shipped him to Kentucky Downs, famous for its turf course’s undulations. He won at KD that day, and it’s clear D’Angelo is trying to recapture that magic. My Horse Racing Happy Hour co-host Barry Spears has him on top. I don’t, but it wouldn’t stun to see D’Angelo win a sprint out west.
Comment: live long shot.
3. Genius Jimmy. 3/1. Jockey: Juan Hernandez. Trainer: Michael McCarthy.
A common angle for handicappers attempting to predict a horse’s success running down the hill is to see their success at a slightly longer distance. This is the case with Genius Jimmy, who has proven effective at a mile and most recently had the lead late in a 9 furlong race. He’s a midpack type who closes well, making him a major candidate for victory here.
Comment: include.
4. Gran Oriente. 9/2. Jockey: Armando Ayuso. Trainer: Marcelo Polanco.
Gran Oriente won last out - and that race was down the hill. Like Genius Jimmy, he had done much of his earlier career racing at considerably longer distances. That race was only 4 horses, and a considerably slower than a stakes down the hill. I think he can improve next out, but will still be a step slow.
Comment: toss.
5. Seal Team. 4/1. Jockey: Hector Berrios. Trainer: Richard Mandella.
Seal Team was about a length away from being a grade 1 winner last year flying late to be part of the blanket finish in the Shoemaker Mile. Trainer Richard Mandella has had him off since then, but his recent works suggest they’re putting some speed back in the horse - and it’s working. I have him on top.
Comment: most likely winner.
6. Sorrento Sky. 3/1. Jockey: Florent Geroux. Trainer: Phil D’Amato.
Sorrento Sky will break from a desirable post, and has shown a propensity for a solid late turn of foot. His last win was a year ago at this time, a flat 5 furlong sprint. I don’t question his talent, but I do question his desire to win races. I’ll toss until he shows something else.
Comment: toss.
The Sporting Tribune Wager:
$5 Early Pick 3, Starts Race 1 ($40): 1,2 / 3,4 / 3,5. Good Luck!