Effinex Heads West for $1 Million Santa Anita Handicap

Effinex has been tabbed as the morning line favorite at odds of 2-1 for trainer James Jerkens. A five-year-old son of Mineshaft, he will be making his first start of the year and has been on the board in twelve of his twenty starts. He earned his seventh career victory to close out the season last year with a victory in the Clark Handicap (G2). He has been training forwardly and will break from post position five with Mike Smith aboard.

Donworth rounding into form off of layoff

Second choice at morning line odds of 3-1 is Donworth who will be making his second start for trainer Doug O’Neill. A four-year-old son of Tiznow, he was purchased for $550,000 by Reddam Racing in the fall and has been on the board in all five starts. He was a minor stakes winner at three before going to the sidelines and returned off of an eight-month layoff to finish third in the San Antonio Stakes (G2). Mario Guttierez will be aboard from post three.

Imperative trying for breakthrough victory

Also in the field at morning line odds of 3-1 is Imperative for trainer Richard Baltas. A six-year-old son of Bernardini, the bay gelding is a three-time winner and was a graded stakes winner in 2014. He has finished second in both starts this year, both against graded stakes competition, and was last seen finishing behind California Chrome in the San Antonio Stakes (G2). Santiago Gonzalez will be aboard and they will break from post eight.