Santa Anita Racetrack: Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap

The feature race today at Santa Anita should be fantastic. After handicapping for nearly 20 minutes, I finally decided to pick 4-1 Setsuko.

Setsuko is a five year-old gelding who usually runs well but has trouble winning. Victor Espinoza rides this Richard Mandella horse, and I absolutely love the seven-furlong work in 1:23.4 on Feb. 24.

Ultimate Eagle will probably be the post-time favorite and this four-year-old appears to be in great form. In his last race, Ultimate Eagle dominated the field in the Grade Two Strub, winning by over seven lengths.

Ron the Greek is a solid horse and should love the 10-furlong distance of this race. I like that Jose Lezcano rides this Bill Mott horse, and I would expect this horse to be closing strongly.

Twice the Appeal is 30-1 but I think this four-year-old colt can really make an impact in this race. He's undefeated in two starts at Santa Anita and is losing five pounds in weight from his last win over the track.

Norvsky is 6-1 and despite being a turf horse, I like his chances to finish in the top three.  In his last dirt race, Norvsky finished second and should have no issues with the 1 1/4 distance.

Holladay Road is the last horse that caught my eye. Rafael Bejarano rides this seven-year-old gelding and he's coming off two straight solid wins.  This Julio Canani-trained horse has three wins over the track at Santa Anita and should love the added distance.

Call me crazy, but I think Setsuko will narrowly win this tough race. Despite having just one win in eight career starts over the track at Santa Anita, his last race was that win.

Setsuko over Ultimate Eagle and Holladay Road with all in my trifecta wagering. 

In the 10th at Santa Anita, I don't see 4-5 favorite Mr. Commons losing, so key him over Mega Heat, Compari and Willyconker in exotic wagering.

In the ninth at Santa Anita, I went with Reneesgotzip, who has looked awesome in her two career starts. Eden's Moon appears to be the main foe, but I also like Your Special Day (currently 30-1) and Willa B Awesome.