Mask rolled in the Mucho Macho Man, sliding himself way up the list of Derby contenders. Got pounded at the windows even more than I expected. They knew he was ready to roll. Cashed the late Pick 5 at Santa Anita which paid $175 on my $15 ticket with McKinzie and Itsinthepost anchoring the prices. He Will didn’t show much in the San Gabriel. In the other Gulfstream stakes, Andina Del Sur was a late running third to Thewayiam. Jose Ortiz had a beyond brilliant ride on the winner, and I’m not afraid to label him the best rider in America right now (certainly on the East coast circuits).

THE PLAYBACKS

Four watchers run back today. Definite plays on Meadowsweet in the fourth at Santa Anita, and Lunaire in Race 9 at Gulfstream, who gets the services of Javier Castellano.

Race 8 at Santa Anita, the Santa Ynez stakes (there must have been a lot of Saints in California back in the day, and there is a stakes race named after each of them) there are two up and comers from the watch list. I’ll give a slight nod to War Heroine, who I watched roll a good MSW race a few weeks ago, but also have good reports on Mark Casse’s Win the War.

Speaking of Saints, tease them with the Bills today.

Stay warm !