The Nomination is In: January 31, 2009

The Santa Monica Handicap, G1 at the Great Race Place, Santa Anita in beautiful Arcadia, CA. 7 Furlongs on what is called "Pro Ride", fake dirt that maybe is better for the horses, maybe isn't, depending on if you are a Euro who likes to win "dirt" races in the United States or not. For Fillies and Mares 4 YO and up.

The Turk apologizes for posting three times for three seperate races. Generally he likes to combine them into one post, but today's been a rather odd flowing day for him, and quite honestly I didn't expect to have the time to handicap all three graded stakes that had my attention.

Today is January 31st. Monday is Groundhog Day. I am a rather hearty Northern Climate guy, but this has been one brutal winter. I'm in the green energy business, so I love global warming because it is making my company lots and lots of money, but you couldn't convince me that the orb is heating up. The two images I present of winter show the joy and sadness of living in the north.

That's the Little Turk, doing what he does best, love life.

And that is Kay, The Turk Clan foundation Weimaraner. She does not like to do her business in the snow. I digress.



It's really a coin toss between Indian Blessing and Ventura. I went with Indian Blessing today because I'm thinking she has better current form. As a live long shot, I like Baroness Thatcher. I like the work, I like the first time blinkers, and it seems to me that she could be there with the best Beyer of her career today.

I'm staying on the sidelines for this one. I don't really see a betting opportunity I like right now, but as always watch the board and look for value against your scorecard.