SANTA ANITA SATURDAY OCT 14

RACE 2: Over the river and thru the woods on this wacky turf course that asks the horses to do everything but jump into the ocean. 1A AND 2. I really can't separate them, so let the odds do it for you, or play the Box. #2 John Hennessy shook free in the stretch last time and won "driving" by 5. Why was Corey whipped the hell out of him at 5 lengths out? Only the jockeys know. 1a boasts only of a maiden win. Screw it. Longshot flyer or pass the race.

RACE 5: Whew, never thought we'd get through all those maiden races. #7 Turnbolt is the leader here, but he's weak. I say #2 Arson Squad. Toss the last race, and this boy's a fire-setting genius.

RACE 6: There's no dominant horse in this turf race, with about five real contenders. Pick a longshot.

RACE 7: #3 Artaxman. Wire to wire.

RACE 8: The fabulous Oak Tree, but somebody forgot to tell the owners and trainers that this race was being run. There are only 6 horses in the race. One of them is A.P Warrior. He's got 3 killer races in graded stakes, and none of his buddies in the gate can say that.

RACE 9: #4 Cat of 57. Let's hope the crowd becomes Beyer-mesmerized and doesn't notice that Cat is the most consistent runner in the race.