Santa Anita Handicap Ready for Hoist – Contenders, Socks Up

Warming upto the senior races, last year’s three year olds would now be competing in one of the biggest four year olds and up handicap event, more famously known as the ‘Big Cap’. The mile and a quarter chase to the $750,000 purse will not only showcase the top three year olds from 2011 but also seasoned older horses that’ve already tasted and absorbed the challenges the dirt has to offer. rnSanta Anita Handicap’s 75th running would again undoubtedly feature the best in older horses that may later utilize their exposure for the distance and tempered competition for the Breeder’s Cup Classics. A look at the probable starters this year, in the 2012 tournament along with a small insight regarding their previous race statistics –rnThough there is a little debate over whether or not Baffert’s Game on Dude - from the second place in Breeder’s Classic last year and having already won the grade 2 San Antonio Stakes and also having measured up the winners stand in the 2011 Santa Anita Handicap – would be starting in the Santa Anita Handicapon March 3rd or would be journeying to the Middle East to start in Dubai World Cup for a $10million prize. The Awesome Again gelding has been allotted a weight of 123, comparatively higher compared to last year’s 115 pounds. rnAlong Game would run Setsuko, a Pleasantly Perfect gelding who finished runner up in last year’s ‘Big Cap’ by a nose. Having registered almost no victory yet in any graded stakes race, Setsuko would be running high on aspirations under jockey Victor Espinoza and the Wertheimer and Frere team. Trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Victor believe Setsuko has overcome his fear from running along the rail and in between the pack and is exhibiting renewed confidence. rnFrom Eclipse Award winning trainer, Bill Mott’s fleet, Ron the Greek would be seen starting in his second race for the season. Having finished second to Mucho Macho Man by merely a length and a half in his last race, the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes, Ron the Greek will make his attempt to win a graded stakes race after having exhibiting a satisfactory resume. rnUltimate Eagle from the Strub Stakes winning podium will now reach for the Santa Anita’s under trainer Michael Pender and jockey Martin Pedroza’s directions. His 7 ¼ lengths victory in Strubs sure reflects his zeal for win as a reinforcement of the fact that he has displayed a good stamina in the past and also has the speed to lead, his trainer suggests. rnStill awaiting his season’s maiden run, C R K Stable’s Gladding would be conditioner John Sadler’s ticket to 2012’s victory opening with the gelding after a disappointing 10th place finish in the race last year. With not more than a San Antonio Stakes (gr. 2) to boast off, Sadler is high hopes and predicts the horse would be tough competition to handle in ‘Big Cap’. rnHaving already won the San Pasqual and finished runner up in San Antonio Stakes, the next starter, Uh Oh Bango would be running for the Triple AAA Stable silk under jockey Mike Smith. All dreading the one potential candidate, the defending champion of the title, Game on Dude, the horse has gamely finished second to Game on Dude on the San Antonio and most definitely has expressed liking for the distance. Rest, its for the ‘Big Cap’ to decide. rnAmong other probable starters for the race would be trainer J. Canani’s Holladay Road; D. Hofmans’ Fiddlers Afleet; D. O’Neil Thirtyfirststreet and Boxeur Des Rues; and J. Bonde’s Twice the Appeal. The event is slated for 3rd March. It was first run in 1935 and won by Azucar ridden by legendary and award winning jockey, George Woolf. rnCheck out the race simulations at online racing games from www.horseracegame.com.