>>Thursday December 31st | Go To TFUS PPs for today’s races at Santa Anita

Note: The goal of “On The Contrary” is to point out several horses every day who may be overlooked in the wagering and who can possibly add value to trifectas and superfectas (in high holes and low) and to Pick 3s, Pick 4s, etc. We will not be making “selections” per se in “On the Contrary.” Rather, we’ll encourage readers to give extra consideration to certain horses who may seem a little overmatched at first glance–but who are in fact the type of horses we often build our bets around. >>See related interview on betting longshots.

Race 3:

Bandito Too:

6-1 on ML:

Pace Projector shows him just off the lead on the cutback. Big drop in class according to our Race Ratings. Dirt speed figures fit with any of these. Trainer gets 83 rating with class droppers.

Race 4:

Omorfi Kopella:

15-1 on ML:

Very much overmatched on paper and probably on the racetrack, too, but she draws well and could have a fast pace to run into, and she seems much better on grass than on dirt. We’ll give her a chance to make a late run into the trifecta at huge odds.

Race 6:

Tribal Jewel:

5-1 on ML:

Earned terrific speed figure (111) in last start despite losing considerable ground racing wide. Threat here if Miller can get him to run two alike. Training well enough over the track.

Race 8:

Xerxes:

8-1 on ML:

Pace Projector shows him on a clear early lead. Has the fastest last-out speed figure in the field. Down in class according to our Race Ratings. Trained very well over the track a few days ago.