US racing tips: Tom Collins is backing Hall Of Fame rider to secure a double

Newgrange
11.05 Santa Anita
2pts win

Mucho Unusual
11.35 Santa Anita
2pts win

Even if your knowledge of US racing is limited, you should be familiar with Puerto Rican-born jockey John Velazquez. He's one of the best all-time, after all.

Inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2012 and winner of almost 6,400 races in North America, the 50-year-old rider has been at the top of his game for three decades and has decided to winter in California this year.

Velazquez had plenty of success on the opening weekend at Santa Anita and will partner both of my strong fancies at the picturesque west-coast track on Saturday.

The first is Newgrange, who is second favourite (2-1) on the Morning Line for the $100,000 Sham Stakes (11.05 Santa Anita) but should go off a warm order for trainer Bob Baffert.

Baffert, whose horses remain ineligible to receive Kentucky Derby qualification points, has won this race with once-raced maiden winners for the last two years. Those horses were Authentic (2020) and Life Is Good (2021) – two of the best we've seen.

Newgrange has a similar profile after routing promising rivals on debut at Del Mar last month and has the necessary speed to lead this group. His main danger might be Nashua winner Rockefeller, although his inability to switch leads could cost him.

Half an hour later, Velazquez will partner the reliable as she bids for back-to-back victories in the $100,000 Grade 3 Robert J Frankel Stakes (11.35 Santa Anita).

Possessing a potent mix of tactical speed and unquestionable stamina over this 1m1f trip, Mucho Unusual has proved prolific throughout her career and overcame a wide draw and trip to win this race cosily last year.

She has been drawn much better this time around, Velazquez gets on well with Tim Yakteen's mare and improvement is expected after her recent comeback success.

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