Race Preview: Eblouissante Take Two – Santa Anita, January 17, 2013

Race fans gathered in the paddock at Hollywood Park and tuned in to their simulcast feeds on December 15 waiting for the half to Zenyatta, Eblouissante, to make her second career start.  Everything was set, but the Bernardini-filly did not make it out of the receiving barn stall, scratching her both physically and from the race.  No fear; however, as she has come back with three workouts and is entered on Thursday against four other fillies. 

The race isn’t much, most connections probably did not want to face the highly touted filly, but the show must go on.  The play of the day is most likely the late pick-4.  There is still value to be had in the surrounding races even if she scores as a heavy favorite.  There is even enough pace in the race to set up her late kick.  The only question is surface and, based on breeding, should not be a problem.

The late pick-4 starts in race 5, post time 6:03 ET, with $40,000 claiming fillies.  All seven runners in the field are between 5-2 and 10-1 on the morning line and all have a shot. 

Broker Brett is the 9-5 choice for race six, a maiden special weight race down the hillside turf course.  The John Sadler-trained colt is bred for the grass and exits a second place finish, beaten a head, over the turf at Hollywood Park.  From the rail, Broker Brett will need to work out a good trip.  Others to consider are Dynamize, ridden by Gary Stevens, Kir, Exultant and first-time-starter Odeon.  Odeon is trained by John Shirreffs, who does not get many debut winners, but does well with firsters over this course.  With 14 starters, Shirreffs has two wins, one second and three thirds.

The finale is a two-turn maiden claiming race for four-year-olds and upward.  Soul Saver, Tiz Snazzy, Mr T Bird, Biparisan, Candy’s Jewel, His Royal Highness and Prime Number all drop from the special weight ranks.  The race should have a lot of pace, which will help Stars and Moons, who was second at this level in mid-December at Hollywood Park.  Tough way to end.

First post at the Great Race Place is 4:00 ET.