California speed has returned at Santa Anita

Being old school handicappers such as we are, we have to admit that we love seeing the old fashion speed returning to the dirt track at Santa Anita. Back are the good old days when horses used to travel the oval with splits of :21 and change and :44 and change and keep going. But folks, the track is also playing fair as horses are coming from off the pace, too. Really, isn't that all any horse player wants? A fair course? The best horse doesn't always win the race but at least lets keep the track fair. So far so good.

Belated birthday wishes to all of our equine stars who turned a year older on Saturday!

Tales in Excess looked good winning the $75,000-added Blue Norther on Friday under Joel Rosario for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. The 2-year-old daughter of Tale of the Cat was winning for the second time in four career outings and this 2-year-old filly has yet to be off the board.

We aren't often excited about horses breaking their maiden but we did take a deep breath when Rumor won at first asking for trainer Richard Mandella on Friday in the 6th race. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, who by the way is winning on everything he takes a seat on, scored in impressive style and the daughter of Indian Charlie (In Excess) may have a bright future ahead of her. Mandella is noted for taking his time with his stock so when he unveils something like this you better take notice. Follow this filly for sure.

Friday's $75,000-added Eddie Logan went to Silver Medallion for trainer Steven Asmussen under Garret Gomez and paid $12.60 to his backers.

How fitting was it that in the inaugural running of the Grade II $150,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes on Saturday that a former assistant of Frankel won the race? Spring Style gamely held off the late run of Harmonious for trainer Ben Cecil to return an overlayed $15.80. The winner was ridden by Garret Gomez.

Racing will be back to a 4 day week at Santa Anita starting this week until March and we can't think of a better way for you to attend the races then bringing us along with you! Sign up for winning information right now at http://www.horseracing-selections.com