Tag Archives: Santiago Gonzalez

Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Saturday, Nov. 25

Preview: Rain is expected to hit the Del Mar area this afternoon so make sure you check the track conditions. Trainer Peter Miller continued his rampage on Thursday with three more wins, giving him eight in the last three racing days. On the riding front, there are five jockeys within three wins at the top as Flavien Prat and Santiago Gonzalez were tied with eight wins each through Thursday.

Race 1: 1. #6 Look Twice (3-1), 2. L’s Choice, 3. Bluegrass Bronco. LONG SHOT: What We Doing.

Peter Miller claimed this gelding last time out and leaves him at the same level. Like we said Miller has been hot and spotting his horses well. Apprentice Austin Solis gets the mount and has won of 3-of-8 with Miller.

Race 2: 1. Glacken Too, 2. Alabama Tide, 3. Malibu Mogul. LONG SHOT: Louden’s Gray.

Race 3: 1. Midnight Candy, 2. Margie’s Minute, 3. Sharp Holiday. LONG SHOT: Trinitys Turn.

Race 4: 1. #2 Horse Laugh (6-1) (turf only), 2. Richard’s Boy, 3. Eddie Haskell. LONG SHOT: War Envoy.

There is a ton of speed in this race so we are going with the closer of the bunch in this 5-year-old gelding. The son of Stormello finished third on this course against tougher this summer. Jockey Jamie Theriot takes the mount.

Race 5: 1. #2 Vexatious (4-1), 2. Bernina Star, 3. Mistressofthenight. LONG SHOT: Diamond of Value.

This is a tough maiden race, but we think trainer Neil Drysdale just put this one in for the experience last time and today is what the son of Giant’s Causeway really wants to do (go long on the dirt). Kent Desormeaux keeps the mount over one for his trainer/brother. Drysdale is 19% with maiden second time starters.

Race 6: 1. Journey Home, 2. Defiant Honor, 3. With Honors. LONG SHOT: La Force.

Race 7: 1. Unique Bella, 2. Mannerly, 3. Top Quality. LONG SHOT: Princess Nile.

Race 8: 1. Vyjack, 2. Om, 3. Ring Weekend. LONG SHOT: A Red Tie Day.

Race 9: 1. General Info, 2. Majestic Journey, 3. One I’m Running To. LONG SHOT: Pamper n’ Boots.

Good luck.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar picks for Friday, Nov. 25 (Sorry they are late)

Preview: Despite missing last Saturday, jockey Flavien Prat leads the riding race by one (8-7) over Santiago Gonzales. In the training standings, a hat trick on Sunday put Peter Miller on top with six victories. Then he won three more races on Thursday and he is starting to run away with the training title.

SORRY PICKS ARE LATE.

Race 1: #6 Holidayincambodia (8-1), 2. Altaira, 3. Rosarita. LONG SHOT: Audra.
This filly won at this level at LRC, then was bumped up and now comes back down. Trainer Dan Hendricks is 33% when dropping a horse two or more classes. Jockey Brice Blanc continues to ride.

Race 2: 1. Salient, 2. Jet Set Man, 3. My Uncle Al. LONG SHOT: Hot Rodin.

Race 3: 1. Mr Ability, 2. Hot Smoke, 3. Elwood J. LONG SHOT: Ms. Wakaya.

Race 4: 1. Miss Big Stuff, 2. Lajatico, 3. Sturdy One. LONG SHOT: Little Voice.

Race 5: #2 Ourroseofthenile (8-1), 2. Wicked Factor, 3. Pontificator. LONG SHOT: Tell My Fortune.
Gave an even effort in her debut in late August and hasn’t been seen since. That race has produced at least two winners. This daughter of Pioneerof the Nile got out of the gate slow and it looks like trainer Joe Herrick has worked on that. Jockey Iggy Puglisi stays aboard.

Race 6: 1. Ashleyluvssugar, 2. Flamboyant, 3. Quick Casablanca. LONG SHOT: Royal Albert Hall.

Race 7: 1. Prime Attraction, 2. Univited, 3. My Italian Babbo. LONG SHOT: Hollywood Strike.

Race 8: #11 Alsatian (8-1), 2. Extreme Heat, 3. Amodei. LONG SHOT: Bottle Service.
We liked this colt last week when he was entered but trainer Neil Drysdale scratched and we’re not happy about the outside draw but the rails are at zero so that will help anyone going wide. This colt is bred to love the turf and Drysdale has them cranked up first time out but he’s 19% second time. Good turf rider Drayden Van Dyke takes the mount.

Good luck.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Thursday, Sept. 1

Preview: A little more variety on today’s card as opposed to Wednesday when there was just one turf race. The turf rails are at 24 feet even though it’s the last week of the meet. Jockey Flavien Prat is looking to win his first riding title in SoCal and leads Rafael Bejarano 35-28 at the start of the week. Santiago Gonzalez is third with 27 winners.

Race 1: 1. #1 Conquest So True (6-1), 2. Generous Pour, 3. Marriedtoaminister. LONG SHOT: Brookes All Mine.
Trainer Vladimir Cerin cuts this filly back from two turns to one turn and he’s 29% with that move. Apprentice rider Chad Lindsay stays aboard and he’s 24% with Cerin. The 4-year-old also has Brisnet’s top Class Rating.

Race 2: 1. Five Palms, 2. Glacken Too, 3. Cherubim. LONG SHOT: Spirit Rules.

Race 3: 1. #3 Silver Summer (8-1), 2. Smokey’s Legacy, 3. Pee Wee Reese. LONG SHOT: Viviendo El Sueno.
This 4-year-old makes his third start off a layoff for trainer Anthony Saavedra, who is 15% in that category. The key here is the addition of Flavien Prat who has ridden the turf course to perfection this meet most of the time.

Race 4: 1. Del Cielo, 2. Back Beauty, 3. Seeking Shamrocks. LONG SHOT: Private Terrace.

Race 5: 1. #6 David’s Memory (20-1), 2. The Big Train, 3. California Silver. LONG SHOT: Natural Stride.
The gelding is making his first trip around two turns and running on the grass, but maybe this is what trainer Hector Palma was setting up all along. This is a 4-year-old son of Vronsky (Danzig) out of an Unusual Heat mare. That screams two turns on the turf. There is also a good work on Aug. 22 saying he might be ready.

Race 6: 1. Who Said Lucky, 2. My Aunt Tillie, 3. Glory Run. LONG SHOT: Bella Sierra.

Race 7: 1. Curlin’s Fox BEST BET, 2. Envahir, 3. Tiz a Kiss. LONG SHOT: K P Wildcat.

Race 8: 1. Proud of Our Kids, 2. The All Button, 3. Maven Harry. LONG SHOT: War Ruler.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Wednesday, Aug. 24

Preview: Not the best of cards, but at least they have a maiden grass sprint. Heading into the final two weeks of the meet, the jockeys’ race appears to be a three-horse race: Flavien Prat 28-146, Rafael Bejarano 25-122 and Santiago Gonzalez 23-160..

Race 1: 1. #2 Fruity (7-2), 2. Desert Madam, 3. Take It Easyplease. LONG SHOT: Ipray.
Jockey Flavien Prat jumps on this filly, which tries two turns on the dirt for the first time. Trainer Matthew Chew claimed her out of her last and drops her into this spot off a win over the track.

Race 2: 1. Magic Tatse, 2. Silver Chrome, 3. Citori. LONG SHOT: Footloos Indy Lane.

Race 3: 1. Eddie’s Turn, 2. Eight Spokes, 3. Never Say Try. LONG SHOT: Pulla Train.

Race 4: 1. #6 Moonlight Blue (4-1), 2. Three Eclipse, 3. Sorry Erik. LONG SHOT: Ucanthankmelater.
Most of the 2-year-olds in this race are going around two turns for the first time. This gelding has been running in Florida and looks for the Ship ‘N Win bonus. Trainer Vladimir Cerin is 21% first time with a horse and 20% with horses off a 31 to 60-day layoff. This one also drops into a maiden claimer for the first time.

Race 5: 1. Soi Phet, 2. The Gomper, 3. Kristo. LONG SHOT: Grazen Sky.

Race 6: 1. #5 Schwary’s Girl (6-1) BEST BET, 2. Lori’s Attitude, 3. Could Be Magic. LONG SHOT: White Rock Lake.
Love the Australian sire Lonhro, especially on the turf where he gets 14% winners first time out. This filly has a good last work and trainer Mike Puype is 20% with jockey Stewart Elliott.

Race 7: 1. Blue Tone, 2. Conquest Cobra, 3. Avanti Bello. LONG SHOT: War Envoy.

Race 8: 1. Sidepocket Run, 2. Revenue Virginius, 3. Hennythelovepenny. LONG SHOT: Desert Thief.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Friday, July 29 (4 p.m. first post)

Preview: The turf rails come back in to 12 feet today which will allow closers to have a better shot in the stretch. Yesterday we talked about jockeys who have done well so far during the meet on the grass. Here are a couple of jockeys who have been struggling on the green (stats through Tuesday): Tyler Baze (1-for-18), Santiago Gonzalez (1-15) and Stewart Elliott (0-9).

Race 1: 1. #4 Mrs. Guty (7-2) BEST BET, 2. Spindle, 3. Generous Pour. LONG SHOT: La Galy
This filly finished third as the 6-5 favorite in her debut. She showed a lot of speed that day and tired so should be fitter for this race. Trainer Michael McCarthy is 23% with horses off a 46 to 90-day layoff. The filly also takes a drop in class.

Race 2: 1. Cioppino Pasadino, 2. My California, 3. I’ll Be Around. LONG SHOT: Love a Honeybadger.

Race 3: 1. Katy Drama, 2. Sizzling Bel, 3. B K Miss. LONG SHOT: Chicago Angel.

Race 4: 1. #5 Ciao Bella Rosa (12-1), 2. Simmy’s Temple, 3. You Missed It. LONG SHOT: Gio’s Lady.
This filly cost $125K at auction and is sire by Kitten’s Joy, who gets 17% first out winners on the grass. This 2-year-old is prep to love the green and go a distance of ground. Trainer Peter Miller likes to win at Del Mar and at a price is even better.

Race 5: 1. Jonny’s Choice, 2. Minister Vivendi, 3. Nahem. LONG SHOT: Misdeed.

Race 6: 1. #5 Doubelievenmagic (7-2), 2. Out Ofthe Ordinary. LONG SHOT: Queen Scheherazade.
This filly finished second on the grass for trainer Todd Pletcher at Gulfstream Park 2 months ago and now ends up here to try and cash in on the “Ship N Win” program. Trainer David Hofmans is 35% going from sprint to route, 18% with first-time routers and 27% with jockey Joe Talamo at Del Mar.

Race 7: 1. Elwood J, 2. Caiifornia Clone, 3. Amodei. LONG SHOT: Midnight Reveler.

Race 8: 1. With a Twist, 2. Swiss Skimmer, 3. Intoxicaing Move. LONG SHOT: Lady’s Lunar Luck.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Wednesday, July 27

Preview: For those that haven’t noticed, the main track has been playing to speed. If you get the lead, you win and if you have the lead at the head of the stretch you are long gone. The track was due.to be dug up on Monday after training hours so what that means this week is anyone’s guess. By my count, only three or four closers have won the dirt. Maybe that will change today so be sure to watch the early races.

Race 1: 1. Ipray, 2. Kristinite, 3. Toppers Sunshine. LONG SHOT: Wahine Warrior.

Rac 2: Downside Up, 2. Westmont, 3. Amazing Love. LONG SHOT: Ninety Nine Proof.

Race 3: 1. #6 Ultimate Holiday (6-1), 2. Bendable, 3. Luminance. LONG SHOT: Diabolical Dame.
This race came up tough for a non-winners of two allowance test. This filly has been training lights out as the pair of bullet works prove for trainer Richard Baltas, who is 21% with horses off a layoff of 61 to 180 days.Look for this filly to make one run for jockey Tyler Baze

Race 4: 1. #1 Sirocco Strike (5-1), 2. All Indians, 3. Louden’s Gray. LONG SHOT: Go Vo.
This gelding has been away from the races for more than 18 months, but he has done well at Del Mar before. There is a nice work for trainer Jeff Mullins last week and Mullins is 21% with horses in for a tag for the first time. On top of that, turf wizard Flavien Prat is aboard.

Race 5: 1. She’s a Warrior, 2. Summertimemischier, 3. Leveler. LONG SHOT: Sid the Squid.

Race 6: 1. Kennedie Sky, 2. Brookes All Mine, 3. Do the Dance. LONG SHOT: Watch the Cat.

Race 7: 1. #2 Smokey Image (7-2), 2. Mrazek, 3. Tribal Fighter. LONG SHOT: Taman Guard.
Trainer Carla Gaines got a bad case of Kentucky Derby fever with this 3-year-old and his performances suffered. Now he is back with his friends (Cal breds), where he is 3-for-3 against, including two wins at Del Mar last summer. This race is full of speed so jockey Martin Garcia must exercise patience. Absolutely the toughest race on the card.

Race 8: 1. #3 Mooney Makin Mike (8-1), 2. Alston, 3. Candy Cowboy. LONG SHOT: Ring Collector.
This colt was claimed out of his last race from trainer Doug O’Neill by trainer Steve Knapp. This is the only situation we will play Knapp as he is 47% first off his last 15 claims. This 3-year-old likes to be near the front, which is good on this track and red-hot jockey Santiago Gonzalez takes over.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Sunday’s top choice winners: 4 (Back beauty $4.40, first race; Hard Caes $2.80, fourth; Coyote Fly $18.20, sixth; Dream Team $3.40, seventh)

Sunday’s second choice winners: 1 (Zinvor $14.80, 10th)

Sunday’s third choice winners: 0

Sunday’s long shot winners: 2 (Avenge $21.20, second; Midnight Pleasure $43,80, ninth)

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Sunday, July 24

Preview: After the first five days of the meet through Friday, the jockey’s race was very crowded. At the top was Flavien Prat with seven wins from 36 mounts followed by Santiago Gonzalez (6-33), Tyler Baze (5-33) and Kent Desormeaux (5-27).

The track was a paved highway on Saturday and there was a no passing lane up. It was amazing to see how dumb some jockeys were by not going to the front out of the gate. The reason there is a Pick 6 carryover is due to the main track and jockey Chad Lindsay, who went to the front and wasn’t caught at more than 20-1. Keep it in mind when handicapping.

Race 1: 1. Back Beauty, 2, Stir Fry, 3. Aiming Straight. LONG SHOT: Esmeralda Belle.

Race 2: 1. La Berma, 2. Fanticola, 3. Crowley’s Law. LONG SHOT: Avenge.

Race 3: 1. Storm the Shore, 2. Atypique, 3. Supervisor. LONG SHOT: Above Board.

Race 4: 1. Hard Aces, 2. Quick Casablanca, 3. Seve’s Road. LONG SHOT: Engeria Fribby.

Race 5: 1. #5 Super Echelon (4-1), 2. Bourque, 3. Three Eclipse. LONG SHOT: Irish Goodbye.
This is the first 2-year-old grass race of the year in Southern California and trainer Keith Desormeaux has two entered here. Therefore it only makes sense that he gave his brother, jockey Kent, his choice of mounts and Kent ends up here. This son of Gio Ponti got off to a slow start last time and Keith Desormeaux is 18% with first-timer routers.

Race 6: 1. Coyote Fly, 2. Senator Bob, 3. Ain’t No Other. LONG SHOT: Justonemorething.

Race 7: 1. Dream Team 2. 2. Indygo Bo, 3. Fly Lexis Fly. LONG SHOT: Midnight Destiny.

Race 8: 1. #7 Poshsky (5-1), 2. Alert Bay, 3. Avanti Bello. LONG SHOT: Boozer.
This gelding got up in time last time against Cal breds and he gets some extra ground here. The 6-year-old has a 5-2-1-1 record on the Del Mar turf. Jockey Fernando Perez is 28% with trainer Peter Miller, who always comes out firing at Del Mar.

Race 9: 1. Dangerfield, 2. Orejas, 3. Farley. LONG SHOT: Midnight Pleasure.

Race 10: 1. #5 Opsec (12-1), 2. Zinvor, 3. Unusual Taste. LONG SHOT: Macro Access.
This 5-year-old was claimed two races back by young trainer Shelbe Ruis, probably with Del Mar in mind. This horse is 2-0-1–1 at Del Mar and is 5-2-1-1 at this 1 mile distance on the turf. Has a couple of good works coming into the race and might be ready to pop at a price.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Saturday’s top choice winners: 2 (Metaboss $11, fifth race; California Chrome $3.60, ninth)

Saturday’s second choice winners: 1 (Mokat $16.40, seventh)

Saturday’s third choice winners: 1 (Tooluckysupermoon $25.40, eighth)

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Wednesday, July 20 (updated)

Preview: After just three days of racing, Del Mar has moved the turf rails out to 30 feet. I don’t get it. After 3 weeks of no grass racing at Santa Anita, Del Mar should be looking to have bigger turf fields at least through this week. Instead, the fields will be limited to 9 with the rails out so far. Also closers dominated on the turf sans Midnight Storm’s win in the Eddie Read on Sunday. However, with the rails out, look for speed to do better as there will be less room to pass on the grass.

Race 1: 1. #3 Guapo Diablo (5-1), 2. Zealous Tale, 3. Agronomy. LONG SHOT: Marvelous Max.
This gelding takes the biggest drop in racing: from straight maiden to maiden claiming. He flopped in his one dirt run, but that was his debut and jockey Rafael Bejarano decides to jump on for trainer Marty Jones. The son of Tizdejavu showed speed last time out and look for more of the same on the drop.

Race 2: 1. #3 Warren’s Cracker (4-1), 2. Allthatnmore, 3. Senza Fina. LONG SHOT: Jackie K.

Trainer Jorge Gutierrez isn’t great at long layoffs but this mare looks like she has been training for her return. She comes out of a key race at Santa Anita where the top three finishers all came back to win so we’re hoping for the same here with jockey Tyler Baze.

Race 3: 1. #9 Journeytothestars (3-1), 2. Marriedtoaminister, 3. Stylistic. LONG SHOT: Big Alice.
Trainer Mark Glatt drops this filly down to her lowest level yet and Glatt is 24% down two or more class levels. Her one dirt race was OK. Glatt is 42% the last 60 days with jockey Santiago Gonzalez, who three wins on opening day.

Race 4: 1. Spicy Blonde, 2. You Sleep On That, 3. Sooner Time. LONG SHOT: Dancing Sunset.

Race 5: 1. Chips All In, 2. Act, 3. Kentuckian. LONG SHOT: Bottle Rocket.

Race 6: 1. Rebarules Again, 2. Chao Chom, 3. Christy Jackson. LONG SHOT: Southern Drawl.

Race 7: 1. #3 Everqueen (10-1) SCRATCHED, 2. Pretty N Cool, 3. Enchanting Lady. LONG SHOT: Lucky Folie. NEW PICKS: 1. Lucky Folie, 2. Pretty N Cool, 3. Enchanting Lady. LONG SHOT: Dr. Fager’s Gal.
We liked Everqueen for her possible closing abilities because there is too much speed in this race, so we’ll go with Lucky Folie, who we think will do the same thing — come from off the pace. It will be interesting to see if Bob Baffert’s pair of Pretty N Cool and Enchanting Lady kills themselves off since they have similar styles.

Race 8: 1. Buymeabond, 2. Infinite Magic, 3. Trifecta. LONG SHOT: Horizontalspeakin.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Sunday’s top choice winners: 6 (Carlsbad Mountain $11.40, second race; Sausalito Sunset $6.40, fourth; Entrechat $8.60, fifth; Chasing Aces $3.80, eighth; Midnight Storm $5.40, ninth; Kristi’s Copilot $6.60, 10th)

Sunday’s second choice winners: 2 (Brainspin $5.20, first; Mr. Louis $7.20, third)

Sunday’s third choice winners: 0

Sunday’s long shot winners: 0

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Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita opinions for Thursday, March 24

Preview: Look for hot jockeys this week as some jockeys are out of town riding in Dubai and Santiago Gonzalez is out six weeks with a broken jaw. Check for jockey changes but remember the trainer wanted the meet’s No. 2 jockey so keep that in mind and that the horse is probably live.

                                

Race 6 – SA

#3 Esmeralda Belle (6-1): This filly showed some talent last year before going to the sidelines. She drops into a maiden claimer for the first time and trainer Jorge Peridan is 33% with that move. He is also 3-for-4 with horses coming off a layoff of more than 180 days.

                   

Race 7 – SA

#9 Warden of the West (5-1): This colt broke his maiden in New York for Todd Pletcher and now ends up in the barn of trainer Eddie Truman, who is 46% with shippers. He gets leading rider Rafael Bejarano to ride and he will have to work out a trip from the outside with this closer.

 

Race 8 – SA

#2 Seattle Boom (8-1) (turf only): This gelding is dropping into into a maiden claimer for the first time and claimer Craig Dollase is 24% with that move. On top of that he is going two turns for the first time. The sire War Front is a monster is monster of the turf.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita opinions for Saturday, March 12

 

Preview: Rainhit the Arcadia area on Friday so what will happen with the turf races is anyone’s guess. I would think the graded stakes will stay on the turf, but it depends on how much rain there is. As for the main track, here are some jockeys who are under 10% on the dirt: Fernando Perez (9-113), Brayan Pena (3-49), Abel Lezcano (3-35), Tiago Pereira (1-58) and Gonzalo Nicholas (1-39).

                                

Race 2: #2 Queenoftheplace (8-1) (turf only): There is a ton of speed in this race and speed has been good on the turf, but a closer like this mare might just get the trip. She has finished third own the hill.

                   

Race 4: #2 Street Surrender (5-1): This is strictly a trainer and pedigree play on this first-time starter. Craig Dollase is 28% with first-timers and the the sire Street Boss is 19%. Victor Espinoza rides.

 

Race 7 (SAN FELIPE):  #7 Exaggerator (5-2): In my mind, Nyquist is the top 3-year-old in America and this son of Curlin just can’t beat him, but guess what? Nyquist isn’t in this race so Exaggerator should be the favorite. Trainer Keith Desormeaux is 22% second off the layoff and his brother, Kent, will ride.

 

Race 9: #5 Cautious Giant (10-1): This is strictly a pace play in this 7-furlong stakes race. This gelding seems like the lone speed in this spot and he does well at this distance. Jockey Santiago Gonzalez is second in main track wins so he knows what to do.

 

Race 11: #2 Sutton’s Smile (6-1)  (turf only): This filly broke her maiden over a good turf course here so if there is any moisture in it I think she will be tough on the return from the layoff. Trainer Phil D’Amato is 25% with horses off a 90-plus day layoff and he gets Rafael Bejarano to ride.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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