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Jan 11, 2018

RED-HOT MAJESTIC HEAT & COMEBACKING UNION STRIKE HEAD FIELD OF EIGHT FILLIES & MARES IN SATURDAY’S GRADE II, $200,000 LA CANADA STAKES AT ONE MILE

Fresh off what appeared to be the best race of her career on Dec. 3, California-bred Majestic Heat, along with classy comebacker Union Strike, head an outstanding field of eight older fillies and mares in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita. The La Canada, which has been shortened from 1 1/16 miles to a flat mile, will be run for the 44^th time on Saturday.

A newly turned 6-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat, Majestic Heat defeated classy Champagne Room by 2 ½ measured lengths in the Grade II Bayakoa Stakes going 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 3 at Del Mar and appears at the peak of her powers for trainer Richard Mandella.

A winner of the Grade I, seven furlong Del Mar Debutante in her second career start in September, 2016, Union Strike just missed in the Grade II Eight Belles going seven furlongs two starts back on May 5, 2017 at Churchill Downs.

MAJESTIC HEAT

Owner: Madeline Auerbach, LLC, Ron McCauley and Bardy Farm Trainer: Richard Mandella

A winner of five out of 14 starts on turf, including a pair of minor stakes, this daughter of the late Unusual Heat was transferred to the main track two starts back on Nov. 12 and she responded with a 3 ¼ length win versus statebreds in the seven furlong Betty Grable Stakes going seven furlongs. In her most recent outing, she stretched out to 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 3 at Los Alamitos and responded by winning her first graded stakes, the Grade II Bayakoa, earning a career-best 94 Beyer Speed figure in the process. Bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, upstart Majestic Heat will be ridden for the second consecutive time by “Big Money” Mike Smith and she’s the horse to beat in the one mile La Canada. The top money earner in the field, she as a bankroll of...

For our IdaBet players, here are the Thursday Picks for Monticello. Happy Wagering!

1ST RACE: 1-3-4-2

2ND RACE: 5-1-3-8

3RD RACE: 4-1-5-8

4TH RACE: 5-7-4-3

5TH RACE: 1-6-3-8

6TH RACE: 4-6-1-3

7TH RACE: 1-3-2-6

8TH RACE: 7-2-3-1

9TH RACE: 8-4-1-3

Due to rapidly warming temperatures in the New York City metropolitan area following last week’s severe winter storm, track conditions are unsuitable for live racing. As a result, Aqueduct Racetrack’s card on Thursday, January 11 has been canceled.

Live racing is scheduled to resume at Aqueduct on Friday, January 12 with a first post of 12:20 p.m.

Thank you for your continued support of Aqueduct and IdaBet.com!

 Battaglia’s Picks​ For Turfway Park- Thursday, January 11th

RACE 1
L’IL J faded after setting a fast pace last out. He figures to make an easier lead tonight and is capable of the wire to wire score with Lebron picking up the mount. MANO FOX has been facing better in Florida and drops to the bottom for his Turfway debut. If he takes to the poly he will be tough to beat. BROTHERS DRYDEN has been in the money in nine of his last ten and has to be respected.

RACE 2
PERFECT EXECUTION was third in his Turfway debut against a much tougher field last out. He has the speed to be in good position throughout and rates the edge for Kim Hammond with Franklin aboard. THE GORILLA MAN has shown big improvement in his last two for Mike Maker. He will be running at the end and is definitely the one to beat. MAN OF BLUES is a solid contender in a very good starter allowance race.

RACE 3
MOUNT CALVARY comes off of a solid runner up effort at this level. He cuts back to 6 ½ furlongs tonight and his best would make him tough to beat in here. HARLAN’S DYNAMO has been off since a winning effort at Churchill two months ago.  He has been training well since that one and looks dangerous in this spot. PROMISES TO KEEP looked good winning last out and is a definite threat in a wide open race.

RACE 4
ENLISTED MAN likes this track and should get a good trip from the outside post. He will be rallying from just off of the pace and he gets the nod in this bottom claimer. ROD MCLEOD has the speed to be in good position throughout and should run well in his second try over the Turfway poly. REEDER drops in class and definitely fits with these.

RACE 5
HEAT ROAD faded after opening up a big lead last out going a flat mile. He will appreciate the cut back in distance and appears to be in a good spot to get the...