Santa Anita Race 4: Post: 2:30 PT
3-Messier (6/5)
Managed to get himself beat at 50 cents on the dollar in his debut at Los Alamitos in late June, going down by a length after racing greenly much of the way. The son of Empire Maker returns three months later and seems certain to be fitter, stronger, and more professional this time around. The B. Baffert-trained 2-year-old projects to be heavily backed again, and this time we’re expecting the Canadian-bred colt to deliver the goods.
Santa Anita Race 8: Post: 4:30 PT
5-Brittle and You (2-1)
The Ron Ellis barn has been ice cold all year (3-for-58) but this filly could help things turn around in today’s nightcap, a starter optional $25,000 claimer over a mile on the main track. She remains protected in her second start after being haltered for $32,000 in a sign of confidence, and after a respectable third sprinting at Los Alamitos last month the daughter of Include stretches out to a surface and distance she’s proven she can handle. She’s likely to enjoy a good second flight, stalking trip behind what should be a better-than-average early pace that will compliment her style.