WELSCH: Burns opts Classic with Smooth Air
 

I'm surprised that Brian Burns went this way...

http://www.drf.com/news/article/98882.html

"The owner definitely wants to get into the Classic, if that's possible," said trainer Bennie Stutts, referring to Brian Burns and his Mount Joy Stables. "In fact, he's already sent in his $50,000 pre-entry fee. With his permission, I also nominated Smooth Air to the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby, which is a mile and one-eighth race on the turf for 3-year-olds to be run the same day, as insurance in case we don't get into the Classic."

He would have a better chance in the BC Steeplechase.

more the merrier
 

what is considered a max. or "full" field of enries at Santa Anita?

14.. typically.

(Not sure if that is true of every main track distance.. But I think so.)

The Steeplechase will almost assuredly have less.

Food for thought.

lol thanks.

Yeah, it is 14 for everything but the two Juvy Turf races which are 12.

The BC Steeplechase has returned to the American Grand National

There won't be 14 in the Classic. Rarely does anyone put up money for this kind of race without thinking they have some sort of chance. No one wanted to face the big 3 last year. Smooth Air will get in the race and eat up money.

I applaud him for taking a chance though.

Whose money? Certainly not mine.

We'll see about that. The conditions (sythetic surface) of this year's race have more connections thinking they have a shot at it... Smooth Air is exhibit A.

I'm yet to see an exhibit B though. Most of the mediocrity in California is looking at the "Dirt" Mile or the Marathon and most of the mediocrity on the east coast is staying home or targeting one of those two races.

Right....he'll be 100-1.

Are you forgetting the fitness factor?

I can imagine about 40-1 maybe.