Maragh to West coast
 

Interesting move since Garcia to East coast and Ortiz out for 4 weeks

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-rac..._medium=social

I'm just curious, what do you think the riders you mentioned have to do with it? Jose is riding in Florida for the Winter and will be back January 1st.

I don't see a connection, Jose is getting his knee done and will be bck in 4-5 weeks to NY . Garcia was a suprise to me, and Stevens will be at Oaklawn. I wonder about the new program out west about shipin trainers from east and jocks they will use who they are used to riding. ragive will fit that well dontcha think ?

There is no connection. I thought you were implying one. Once again, Jose is not riding in NY this Winter. Jose is riding at Gulfstream this Winter just as he did last year. Once again, he will be back in action the first week of January ( about two weeks from now ).

I think Rajiv will do very well in CA. The colony in NY is much deeper and stronger overall. He would likely make more money if he stayed in NY just during the Winter months, but if he is going to get started in CA, now is the time to go.

http://www.santaanita.com/news/press-releases/

2018-in-addition-to-great-climate-and-conditions-santa-anita-also-offers-out-of-state-horsemen-all-new-ship-stay-program/#.Wjk7yN-nGDI


PROMINENT STABLES TO SHIP WEST TO RACE AT SANTA ANITA IN 2018; IN ADDITION TO GREAT CLIMATE AND CONDITIONS, SANTA ANITA ALSO OFFERS OUT OF STATE HORSEMEN ALL-NEW ‘SHIP & STAY’ PROGRAM
November 27, 2017
6
TRADITIONAL WINTER/SPRING MEETING TO BEGIN TUESDAY, DEC. 26

ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2017)–With Santa Anita Park’s traditional Winter/Spring Meeting set to open on Tuesday, Dec. 26, several eastern-based stables have announced their intentions to bring horses west in order to take advantage of Santa Anita’s newly announced “Ship and Stay” program as well as outstanding purses and world class conditions.

Blessed with the prospect of good weather, tremendous training and racing surfaces, and ample opportunities at all class levels, Santa Anita remains an attractive destination for horsemen worldwide on a year ’round basis. In addition to a one-of-a-kind turf course and natural dirt training and main tracks, Santa Anita’s “Ship and Stay” program provides significant bonuses to owners and trainers who bring horses from out of state to The Great Race Place.

According to Santa Anita Vice President of Racing, Rick Hammerle, trainers George Weaver and Robert Falcone, Jr. will collectively be bringing in “about 40 to 50” new horses for the upcoming meet. “We’ll also have a number of trainers bringing in horses from out of state for our graded stakes on opening day and through the (Grade I) Santa Anita Oaks on Dec. 30,” Hammerle said.

Other out-of-state trainers who have expressed interest in running horses at the upcoming Winter/Spring stand include Steve Asmussen, who used Santa Anita’s training facilities as a springboard to victory in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 4 with Gun Runner, Todd Pletcher, Mark Casse, Graham Motion, Dale Romans, Chad Brown, Jimmy Jerkens and perhaps others.

“In addition to the likely prospect of great weather and the ability to utilize a tremendous facility, our new ‘Ship and Stay’ program has people buzzing,” said Hammerle. “People around the country know they can come here, run their horses in realistic spots and be generously compensated. For horses at the higher end, we of course have ample graded stakes opportunities, top riders and outstanding purses.

“Additionally, we have access to great accommodations for all horsemen. The response we’re getting from owners, trainers and breeders has been very encouraging and I think the word is out that Santa Anita is a better option than ever, for both horses and people.”

For more information on Santa Anita’s 2017-18 Winter Meet, please visit santaanita.com, or call (626) 574-RACE.

Jockey Jose Ortiz to have knee surgery, will miss six weeks
Nov 16, 2017
David Grening | Daily Racing Form

Jose Ortiz, a leading contender for the Eclipse Award as North America's outstanding jockey, will undergo minor knee surgery on Dec. 5 and miss at least six weeks of action, his agent, Jim Riccio Jr., said Wednesday.

Ortiz injured his left knee in a spill at Belmont Park on Sept. 20, which forced him to miss a week of action. While Ortiz is not riding in pain, Riccio said doctors advised him to have his knee "cleaned up." The goal is to have Ortiz return by the end of January, hopefully in time to ride the $16 million Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 27 at Gulfstream Park.

Agree about him doing well. Aqu winter is probably deeper top to bottom. This could be huge for Rajiv. Maybe he rides for Bob.

I miss Ramon Dominguez.

I wish Raj good luck out there. He's very good on turf and a good start there may get his foot in the door to some good outfits. Wish him well.

Rajiv with an ATR visit tomorrow..

Maybe i’m wrong, but I’ve never seen him as a great gate/speed rider. And yes, the colony isn’t quite as strong as back East, but there are also less mounts because of field sizes. Who is he better than out of Flat, Bejarano, Talamo, Desormeaux, Smith, Nakatani, Baze, and even Van DYke and Roman?

This colony doesn't hold a candle to NY.

I definitely think he's better than Talamo and Baze. I also think Rafie is extremely over-rated and I would take Raj ahead of him too. And while Roman excels in sprints, he doesnt do too well in turf routes. Smith seems to be on a limited schedule. Is Nak going back to Oaklawn? Which leaves Kent, Flat and Van Dyke. Kent is Kent, I like Flat and also think that Van Dyke is very good. So there should be plenty of opportunity for him, not to mention if he could end up in a spot like Arroyo did and ride first call for Miller. I wish him well out there.