What a fun day out at Santa Anita today. I know everyone here gets a hard on for Saratoga, but Santa Anita is still a gem and on big days as good as it gets

A brisk low 60's December afternoon, clear skies, the San Gabriel mountains as always in the background

For a day at least no bitching about field size. 40+ thousand in attendance, large handle.

Hit the early P5 for 883, I thought that was quite a bit considering 3 favs and 2 others in the 5/1 range.

R3 played Preem at 8/1 a no threat 3rd even tho Slick looked like the winner on paper

Race 4 Barbera was my best bet and paid a nice 11.20

Didn't think the 3 big stakes favs were losing, but did play Lord Bullington at 12/1 a no threat 4th.

Kopion killed my horizontals. I played Sugar Fish, who missed the break and somehow still ran 3rd.

Played Stronghold, tiny profit with the saver exacta with Raging Torrent

Gave some back after the early P5.

Enjoyed talking with the folks in the adjacent box, younger guys with their girlfriends having a great time.

I'm sure many days will have short fields and small crowds, but that's for another day.

JB thx for the annual gift.

P-Dub