1/ST BET Horse Racing Predictions from Santa Anita:
We are excited to announce a renewed partnership with the fine folks and handicappers at 1/ST BET. Jeremy Plonk and Jeff Siegel will be sharing their expertise on a weekly basis to pass along some ponies that they like for races at various tracks around the country, including Santa Anita.
For this Saturday, February 1 article, Jeff Siegel shares everything you need to know for the racing card for Santa Anita.
Santa Anita Race 8: Post: 3:37 PT
Top Selection/Prime Play: Seal Team
Forecast: Seal Team (GB) is hung outside in post nine just as he was when finishing a close third in the San Gabriel S.-G2 behind Johannes, and there’s no horse quite that good in this year’s renewal of the Thunder Road S.-G3. If he can work out some type of decent trip (meaning dropping over and getting some cover), the son of War Front can return to the winner’s circle for the first time since winning the Twilight Derby-G2 in the fall of 2023. His most recent outing produced a career top 99 Beyer speed figure, and anything close to that today should be good enough. “Win Rider” Umberto Rispoli knows him well and should have the Richard Mandella-trained son of War Front doing his best work close home.
Santa Anita Race 9: Post: 4:08 PT
Top Selection/Prime Play: Berlin Wall
Forecast: Berlin Wall was best when third in his debut against a similar maiden special weight sophomore state-bred field on New Year’s Day. Today – assuming he breaks with his field – the son of Practical Joke should be along in time. The Steve Knapp-trained sophomore broke poorly from the rail to lose his best chance but then closed resolutely to be beaten less than two lengths. From a barn that has powerful stats with the second-time starter angle, he’s the logical top pick.
