Horse Racing Tips from a Top Race Handicapper

Horse owner, breeder and HRTV analyst Jeff Siegel also happens to be Southern California's premier handicapper. Check his blog each day before you play!

Handicapping, in short, refers to analyzing the race to come up with best predicted outcome, or pick. There are many angles when it comes to picking a winner. Using some of the help from the professional handicappers below, you can determine your own angle on placing a bet. For more information on how to bet or wager, click here.

Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis (Tue., Jan. 1, 2013)
Monday, December 31, 2012 - 23:41
The New Year’s Day program looks quite interesting with a number of challenging races and good-sized fields.

Shackbamalama has shown enough in the morning to warrant a strong look in the opener, a modest maiden claiming sprint. The barn doesn’t win very often with debut runners but this son of Broken Vow probably deserves considerable attention The one to beat is Tenango, nicely drawn outside and dropping into a claimer for the first time. The Bay Area invader has several back numbers that are better than par for this level.
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Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis (Mon., Dec. 31, 2012)
Monday, December 31, 2012 - 09:42
The Monday opener looks like an ideal spot for Field Report. Freshened since October, the Benchmark gelding returns for Spawr (excellent with comebackers) while landing a cozy outside post in a moderate starter’s allowance sprint. A repeat of his race before last would be more than good enough to win, and his recent drills indicate fitness. Let’s make him a short priced rolling exotic single.
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Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis (Sun., Dec. 30, 2012)
Saturday, December 29, 2012 - 22:04
The penultimate program on the 2012 thoroughbred racing calendar is highlighted by the Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares at nine furlongs on turf. As this is written, the race remains on grass, so we’ll handicap it as such. Be sure to check later in the morning for any late scratches and surfaces switches.
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Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis (Sat., Dec. 29, 2012)
Saturday, December 29, 2012 - 01:59
Three of the main contenders in the Saturday opener exit the same race – the powerful maiden affair won by Flashback earlier this month at Hollywood Park. The best of the group would appear to be Mentor Cane, runner-up in that race after setting solid splits until worn down late. Bred to stay a middle distance for a trainer whose second time starters usually improve considerably, the son of Mizzen Mast likely be a short priced favorite to graduate. A nice, easy, half mile recent drill should have him on edge.
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Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis (Fri., Dec. 28, 2012)
Friday, December 28, 2012 - 04:08

With a strong nine race program, Santa Anita begins a five day run that carries right through New Year’s Day.

In the opener, Justa Gusta takes a realistic class drop and should stick better at this level. He looks like the best of the speed types. Bay Area shipper Surprise Sale, first off the claim for Josephson, has a strong closing style and gets ideal conditions based on the projected race shape. He sports a very good work (2nd fastest of 42) last week, lands Talamo, and deserves top billing.

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Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis (Wed. December 26)
Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - 11:04

The 2012-13 Santa Anita winter/spring meeting offers a terrific nine race opening day program. As this is written, the races remain on turf, but that could change, so check for updates on this website. First post time is Noon.

In the opener, Tribal Jewel adds blinkers and that equipment change might make a winning difference after the Hollendorfer-trained gelding missed at even money vs. similar in an off-the-turfer across town. He has a good stalking style and in a field with at least a couple of need-the-lead types Bejarano may decide to tuck in and wait a bit.

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