Jeff Siegel’s Blog

Jeff Siegel’s “Eye Catchers” Updated January 10, 2024   We keep tabs on key workouts from runners at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita that should be given extra consideration when entered. Horses are listed alphabetically and will be eliminated after 30 days from inclusion. Click the link to view the video and listen to our […]

January 7, 2024 FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT 4-DERECHO DANDY Degree of confidence: C • Distinct advantage on speed figures; drops for the money run. • Not particularly dependable and is a one-paced grinding type. • Ran well when second under A. Freu two races back at Del Mar. Others to consider: 6-Tokamak; 5-Tiz […]

FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT 1-JESSEBEAR Degree of confidence: C+ • Seems as good as any in soft state-bred grass miler. • Ran better than the line shows when third in last start. • Lost more ground than he was beaten by, lands the rail. Others to consider: 4-Ashley’s Sandcastle.   SECOND RACE – […]

January 5, 2024 Jeff Siegel’s “Eye Catchers” We keep tabs on key workouts from runners at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita that should be given extra consideration when entered. Horses are listed alphabetically and will be eliminated after 30 days from inclusion. Click the link to view the video and listen to our commentary. Big […]

FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT 8-EXULTATION Degree of confidence: B- • Seeking fifth straight win over a 16 month time span. • First or second in eight of 14 starts over the local lawn. • Outside draw allows for an ideal pace stalking journey. Others to consider: none. SECOND RACE – Post: 12:31 PT […]

Jeff Siegel’s 1/ST Glance: Santa Anita – Monday, January 1, 2024 RACE 1 8-Girl of My Dreams Degree of confidence: B • Was worn down late by a filly who returned to win a stakes. • Improving speed figures and a solid work tab since raced. • Been vulnerable close home but the addition of […]

(updated 10:45 a.m.) FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT 6-FLAVIUS Degree of confidence:  C+ Returns to previous trainer Richard Baltas and may improve. Past classer shows a recent bullet breeze at San Luis Rey Downs. Main concern is his lack of previous success over local lawn. Others to consider: 1-Giovinazzo; 3-Indian Peak.   SECOND RACE […]

FIRST RACE – Post: 12:00 PT 9-TAHOE SUNRISE Degree of confidence: B • Lightly raced, improving, and has the route-to-sprint angle. • Continues to impress in the AM and can step forward again. • Versatile sort can win on the lead or from a stalking position. Others to consider: 1-Lucky Score; 7-Lovesick Blues; 10-Turn On […]

  FIRST RACE – Post: 12:30 PT 6-GHOST COAST Degree of confidence: C • Wide open grass grab bag requires rolling exotic spread. • Badly victimized in last by poor draw and very wide trip. • Career top speed figure in only outing over the local lawn. Others to consider: Caribbean King; 3-Smooth Salute; 5-Quintecents. […]

Jeff Siegel’s What You Need to Know Santa Anita – Tuesday, December 26, 2023 Updated: 12/26/23 3:30 p.m. PT) FIRST RACE (11:00 a.m.) Top Pick: 1-Billy’s Bet Degree of confidence: B- • Price chance; will enjoy ground saving trip from a favorable rail draw. • Solid on speed figures and benefits from a positive jockey […]

Jeff Siegel’s “Eye Catchers” (updated Dec. 28, 2023 We keep tabs on key workouts from runners at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita that should be given extra consideration when entered. Horses are listed alphabetically and will be eliminated after 30 days from inclusion, or after their most recent race. Click the link to view the […]

December 9, 2023 “What You Need to Know” – National Best Plays – Saturday, December 9, 2023 by Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst Gulfstream Park – Sixth Race (2:34 ET) 6-Milliat (Ire) (8-1) The Jack Sisterson-trained import won her debut in Ireland like a quality filly and will get tested for class in her […]

December 2, 2023 “What You Need to Know” – National Best Plays – Saturday, December 2, 2023 by Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst Aqueduct – Eighth Race (3:17 ET) 7-Good Sam (5/2) Though she was undefeated in two starts last year with a win in the Tempted Stakes over this track and distance last […]

“What You Need to Know” – National Best Plays – Saturday, November 18, 2023 by Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst Aqueduct – Fifth Race (1:48 ET) 4-Equitize (GB) (5-1) Graduated at first asking at Tampa Bay Downs last March despite appearing green and racing wide most of the way, eventually drawing clear by more […]

“What You Need to Know” – National Best Plays – Friday, November 17, 2023 by Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst Seventh Race – Churchill Downs (4:01 ET) 2–Ghazaaly (3-1) This California shipper arrives at Churchill Downs in good form following a pair or strong runner-up efforts in starter optional claiming company that produced superior […]