'Hopes are high' for Santa Anita horsemen as meet opens

With the San Gabriel Mountains offering varying shades of green from recent rains, Santa Anita was abuzz with activity Wednesday morning as The Great Race Place readied for its 82nd Winter Meet opener. Sunrise revealed clear blue skies and a temperature at Clockers’ Corner of 43 degrees as horsemen, mindful of an early first post time, went about their daily training assignments.

Here are a few random observations from those “in action” this morning:

Scotty McClellan, agent for Joe Talamo: “It’s always exciting to start the year off here at Santa Anita. We’ve got a great card, and it seems like there’s a lot of fan interest. This is a great time. Everybody’s hopes are high and the racing should be great.”

Michael McCarthy, trainer: “We’ve got Axelrod in the Malibu, and who knows, maybe  lightning can strike twice.”  (McCarthy won last year’s Malibu with eventual Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner, City of Light). “Opening day at Santa Anita is a great time to be in our game. The horses are fresh and so are the people.”

Dan Blacker, trainer: "We’re all hoping for safe racing and good crowds, and a lot of people betting. I’ve got a lot of young horses and my owners and everybody at the barn are excited to get them started.” 

Joel Rosario, jockey: "I’m very excited to be back here full-time. I’m looking forward to the New Year, and I want to wish all the fans a Merry Christmas and a great new year.”

Peter Eurton, trainer: “It’s always exciting on opening day. This is probably the best opening day card we’ve had in quite a few years. The Malibu is loaded.”

Jerry Hollendorfer, trainer: “Everyone is looking forward to the new meet, and it looks like we’re going to have a big opening day. Everybody’s anxious to get their horses in and get started.”

Brad Pegram, agent for Mike Smith and Drayden Van Dyke: “Having all these jocks in from back East makes everyone compete at a higher level.” (In reference to eastern shippers Irad Ortiz, Jose Ortiz, Jr., Johnny Velazquez, Florent Geroux, Brian Hernandez, Jr., Tyler Gaffalione, Robby Albarado and Manny Franco).  “Both of my guys have a lot of good horses, and we’re looking forward to another great year.”