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The top older horses in California have lined up for the 2015 edition of the Californian.  Moreno looks to win his first race at Santa Anita.

The Skinny:

Big Cazanova comes off a short rest after getting dueled into submission in the San Pasqual Stakes in January.  He does his best running on the front end and would enjoy a pace scenario without Moreno in the race.  Moreno’s front running style compromises his chances in his race.  Recent works indicate he will be fit.

Bailoutbobby is 0/4 at Santa Anita and has never won a stakes race.  He comes into this race going up in class and brings a 67 race losing streak.  Tough to endorse.

You Know I Know is 0 for 7 at Santa Anita and his best success is on the synthetic surface which no longer exists on the Southern California circuit.  Has a closing running style and fits on class.  Edwin Maldanado has had success with him in the past.

Hard Aces was a private purchase this winter and has bottomed out his last 2 races facing better horses.  Looks outclassed in this spot, adds blinkers which may indicate they will be forwardly placed adding to the pace in this race.

Lideris gets the services of Smokin Joe Talamo in the Irons.  Recent form is hard to back this son of Mizzen Mast who has a turf pedigree but has run only 1 time on the lawn.  Surface switch may be in need.

Blue Tone bring solid form to the race and can race from just off the pace.  Finished in the money in pair of graded stakes races last fall and winter.  Was defeated by Big Cazanova int he Native Diver Handicap.

Moreno is the “Class” of the race with over 2.9 million dollars in career earnings.  Won the Grade 1 Whitney last year and has a couple of Grade 2 scores in his belt.  One work since the last race on April 18, but should be in shape with 3 races this year.  Should be on the lead but can chase Big Cazanova for a half if that one is sharp off the layoff.  Will be favored in this spot but lifetime record of 4 for 26 and need to lead running style is hard to take too short a price.

Catch a Flight is the up and comer.  Precisionist Stakes in last race was a solid win, rallying from off the pace with solid fractions.  Santa Anita Handicap he fought hard the entire race and was out-finished late for 2nd place.  Giants Causeway son should like the distance and gets the Hall of Famer Gary Stevens back in the saddle.  Fires from off the pace and recent works are consistent.  Top effort expected.

Sammy Mandeville is a deep closer who will ike the speed in this race.  Has moved up in class the last few races and fits at this level.  Recent form is solid and closed into a fast pace last race while out-run by Catch a Flight late.  Has the looks of a 3rd/4th place horse to use in Trifectas and Superfectas.

The Choice:

Catch a Flight should get the pace he wants with Big Cazanova and Moreno on the engine in this race and setting solid fractions.  Catch a flight can come from off the pace and get the jump on the deep closers.  Catch a Flight to Win.

Exactas:

Catch a Flight over – Big Cazanova, Blue Tone and Sammy Mandeville.

Big Cazanova over – Catcha  Flight, Blue Tone.