After a month layoff, I’m Back
Kevin Gazzale
The first 10 weeks of my journey to the BCBC in 2026 have certainly not gone to plan. I have been pretty awful, outside of 1-2 times where a winner in the last would have put me into qualifying position, I have bee objectively terrible. But after a month off from qualifiers, I went to the farm and got a little freshening, got some confidence back and now I’m ready to roll.
I’m back and I am willing to kamikaze myself into the underbelly of a mother ship for a chance at a BCBC seat. Today is my Independence Day.
I WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT!
Now let’s get to our picks. We head out west for a decent Santa Anita card.
Santa Anita 3/6 Races 2-9
Race 2 – 4 Allihies, Berrios sticks here and this horse has a class edge along with a tactical speed edge. 5/2 on the ML stinks but with only a few races you need to take what you can get here. She looks like the most likely winner to me.
Race 3 – 2 Giggle Giggle, 2nd off a layoff, first start of 4 year old season makes me optimistic he’ll have some pop in here. 6/1 ML sign me up.
Race 4 – 3 Allequin Summer, his running style may benefit here with some speed horses along with a quarter horse from the outside so you know they’ll be trying for the front. I’m taking a stab here as the top 3 look strong but all want the front so maybe they run eachother into the ground.
Race 5 – 5 Pure Chaos, second off layoff, second start of 4 year old season. Positive switch to a new barn. His figs fit and with a little bump considering the spot he could be a huge factor here.
Race 6 – 5 Matt at Five, pretty evenly matched maiden field here considering pedigrees and trainer stats. Let’s take a shot with one of the lower priced ones in here.
Race 7 – 2 Twirling Point, dissapointing late effort last out going 1 1/4 miles. He faded late but I’m hoping that was just a touch too far for him. He’s cutting back in his second start of a 5 year old season where the ML favorite City Exile is now 6 and I’m hoping for a bounce.
Race 8 – 9 Resemblence, this horse has the figures to fit, he gets a positive trainer switch with a beneficial post position. Maybe he sweeps the field.
Race 9 – 5 Six Magpies, his running style may help him but he’ll still need to make out a trip. 3rd off the layoff, hopefully he can get a modest bump though he is 7 so I will not be expecting much. The favorite in here 4 Silly Rabbit has been running at all different distances and levels but still can’t’ find a win. I’ll let him beat me.
I will update with any scratches. Hoping to qualify as I do have some good opinions at Tampa and Santa Anita on Saturday.
