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Jan 15, 2018

According to trainer Richard Baltas, it’s his race to lose. And while his Insta Erma may go favored in Monday’s Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz Stakes for older fillies and mares at one mile over the Santa Anita turf, she’ll need to have her running shoes on to handle the likes of Laseen, Chocolate Coated, Madame Stripes and others as she faces a total of seven rivals in what appears to be a wide-open race.

INSTA ERMA

Owner: Little Red Feather Racing, Medallion Racing, Premier Racing Club, et al Trainer: Richard Baltas

A fast finishing third, beaten 1 ½ lengths in the Grade I Matriarch at one mile over the Del Mar turf Nov. 26, this 5-year-old mare by Pioneerof the Nile was a game nose winner of the one mile turf Swingtime Stakes here two starts back on Oct. 7 and will be making her fourth start for Baltas on Monday. She possesses the best last-out Beyer Speed figure (98) and with two out her four wins coming at one mile on turf, she should looms the horse to beat in the Megahertz.

LASEEN

Owner: D P Racing Trainer: James Cassidy

A troubled third, beaten three quarters of a length in the Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes going a mile and one eighth on turf Dec. 30, Irish-bred Laseen will hope to get clear sailing on Monday as she shortens up a furlong with Victor Espinoza back aboard. Full of run at the rail a half mile from home, she didn’t get the room needed until deep stretch. Winless from 10 starts last year, she logged a pair of seconds and four third place finishes at primarily longer distances. A fast pace would be to her benefit.

CHOCOLATE COATED

Owner: Barry & Judith Becker Trainer: Neil French

A lightly raced 4-year-old filly by Candy Ride, she comes off a solid second place finish in the Grade III Autumn Miss Stakes at a mile on turf Oct. 29 and appears on the improve for veteran conditioner French, evidenced by the fact...

Some insights into tonight’s racing program for our IdaBet players:

4^TH RACE – (2) CAVIART CHERIE gets by far her best venue in fourth try off layoff. Offered eight-hole foot before retreating two starts ago, guessing leaves.

5^TH RACE – (1) NIALL HANOVER could not have been uglier after gazed in latest. Gets one more crack winning draw before banished to ‘pay no mind’ list.

7^TH RACE – (4) SAPPHIRE BREEZE is (presumably) enthralled with this venue after ‘full house’ (three 8’s, two 7’s) in last quintet. Enough to try her here.

8^TH RACE – (5) IN THE DARK won first two local tries, then threw in pair of ‘eh’ efforts. Possibly bit short in ’18 bow, but we’re suckers for perceived price.

10^TH RACE – (5) NEWSWATCH did get outer-venue support a week ago, never coming closing to reaching. Mid-pack getaway makes him more aggressive.

11^TH RACE – (3) BETTOR’S WESTERN has had more than his share of bad draws/trips. Gazed with Philly flyer in last and another with finale post relief.

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$2 +/- (thru Tue., Jan. 9) – 6 wins ($56.50)

from 18 ($36) selex (+$20.50, don’t try to rationalize it)

highest-priced winner – CONSOLIDATOR ($15.60)

lowest-priced winner – OZONE BLUE CHIP ($4.60)

BY FRANK DRUCKER,

Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

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We are less than one week from the start of live thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park.  The 32-day Thoroughbred meet begins next Friday, January 19 and continues through March 17 with live racing every Friday, Saturday, Wednesday, and Tuesday (starting Feb. 13).

Please note Sam Houston has made a few minor adjustments to their first race post times that are listed below.

The Houston Racing...