24:35 santa-anita Thursday 15th January 2026

HARDTOBEBETTERNOW (2) was close to a maiden win before a ten weeks break, finishing off with a placing over 1m at Del Mar (Turf). Re-unites with Umberto Rispoli. Well placed and happy to have him on top. BIG BILL (4) was close to breaking through last time in work, closing the prep as favourite and finishing third at this track (Turf) before a three-and-a-half months break. Jockey Abel Lezcano back aboard. Rates highly and is a strong chance to take this out. HIGH KING (11) returned from a lay-off two weeks ago when he was beaten 6 lengths into fourth over 6f at this track. Has never missed the frame second up. Strips fitter and can feature. SHAPOVAL (6) is back from a lay-off of ten weeks. Was narrowly beaten at his only appearance when last in work at Del Mar (Turf) over 1m. Has found the right race and is worth including.