LAS VIRGENES, STRUB LEAD THE SANTA ANITA WEEKEND
LAS VIRGENES, STRUB LEAD THE SANTA ANITA WEEKEND
Unbeaten star Turbulent Descent is set to make her sophomore debut in Saturday's $250,000 Las Virgenes S. (G1) at Santa Anita. The Hollywood Starlet (G1) queen has been most impressive in each career start and looks to be the one to beat in this field for conditioner Mike Puype. The daughter of Congrats will be a handful if she's on her game in this dirt debut.
Improving Jerry Hollendorfer charge Bluegrass Chatter is getting better with each start and should not be overlooked in this one. The daughter of Bluegrass Cat was second to a loose-on-the-lead winner in the Santa Ysabel S. (G3) most recently and should provide a late threat on this day. Santa Ysabel victress May Day Rose and the Santa Ynez (G2) top three finishers, California Nectar, Zazu and Plum Pretty, all look to upend the favorite.
The $200,000 Strub S. (G2) for four-year-old males is the next stop for track-record setting Grade 1 hero Twirling Candy, who bagged the Malibu S. (G1) last out. The John Sadler-trained star went seven-eighths on Sunday to ready for this and is clearly the one to beat in here.
Gladding has impressed on the dirt in his career and gives Sadler a nice back-up option to the favorite. The son of Sarava impressed in his allowance win last out, in what was his West Coast debut. Improving San Fernando S. (G2) winner Indian Firewater and the ultra-consistent Tweebster are among the top threats to the odds-on choice.
Concluding the stakes action on Saturday is the $150,000 Thunder Road H. at one mile on the turf course.
Handicapping Santa Anita
- National Turf Clocker Reports - Andy Harrington's in-depth clocker report for daily racing in Southern California. Features workout commentary and ratings.
- Today's Racing Digest - Since 1970, Today's Racing Digest has been providing horseplayers winning handicapping information that goes beyond traditional past performance products. California edition.
- Bob Selvin's Fair Odds & Analysis for Santa Anita - Unique, incisive commentary and fair odds / very good bet odds, is available later than most products as Bob does his very best to include late scratches, changes and track condition. Find it under the Handicapping Link at TwinSpires.com.