The Astra

For some of us there is nothing like a long race on the grass. Barring any weather complications that is exactly what we will get on Saturday at Santa Anita. The mile and a half Astra drew a field of 9.

Warrens Candy Girl will do her running from off the pace. She has the rail and regular rider Umberto Rispoli. She is a good California Bred mare, but I don’t think she is at her best going this far and it would take her best to win this. I’ll pass.

Lady Clementine looks dangerous. She has a nice turn of foot going shorter, but I think she can handle the added ground. She gets Prat and is still on the upswing and learning. She should sit a nice trip at this distance, and I think she will go forward off the disappointing race in the Grade 1 American Oaks.

Queen Ofthe Temple has been this far and gets the leading rider Juan Hernandez. At 1 for 10 lifetime, she lacks the killer instinct I want to see and I think someone will be better than her at the wire. Another pass for me.

Duvet Day is a little sneaky in here. She has some what I’d call muddied up form and has run races good enough to win this. She should sit a good trip and I think she’ll make plenty of noise in here.

Australia Mia likes to win races albeit in Chile. She has been off since July but for a South American import that gives her time to acclimate which is important with those horses. They do so much differently over there. She gets Frankie and between him and the will to win she has I have to call her a threat against what is not the strongest field. She’s bred well enough, and she should have some speed at this distance. I usually like to give the South American imports a race or two, but these circumstances warrant an exception.

Almost a Factor looks a cut below. A pass for me.

Tiz an Edventure is on a roll for a sharp barn against lesser. She gets Mike Smith and more ground, but form must be respected in a field like this even stretching out and moving up. Mike may even try and steal this.

Barrister’s Ride is another who looks over her head. Maybe a piece but not the win in my opinion.

New Heat looks like just another race filler to me. Pass.

I’ll take a rare shot with the fresh South American import, Australia Mia. Like I said I’d normally like to see a race or two, but she has a lot going for her. Not the greatest field, time to acclimate, Frankie, likes to win, and the price should be fair.