For decades the horseplayer in Southern California salivated not only for Christmas but the day after when Santa Anita opens its pearly gates and this year the tradition will continue under a cloud of change of ownership, impending economic doom of the country and global warming.

Still, the show much go on and it will and here’s hoping the Pro Ride surface holds up well through thick and thin, breakdowns are few and far between and new stars will emerge almost daily.

First, a word about changing meetings. Switching stands can offer unique betting opportunities for those that can project likely change and this meet is no different.

Since looking at how the track played during the last winter meet may not give a bird’s eye view of the current track, let’s take a glance at how the Pro Ride surface played during the fall Oak Tree meet.

Speed played fair generally most of the meet but because it was a work in progress, some horses did not take to the surface and the finishes were usually very close. Racing luck can play a bigger part on the synthetics as well as the proven ability to handle the surface.

Try to isolate former successful Pro Ride runners before teeing it up.

The turf course plays fair going long but you have to be the best to win on the lead. Stalkers thrive but if the pace is hot enough, you can come from the clouds.

On the tricky downhill turf course, be careful before taking short numbers from runners breaking from the rail. Unless they have speed, it is very easy to get shuffled and lost in translation. The ideal style is the ability to sit 3 or 4 lengths off the lead and have the needed acceleration to ramble once they cross the main track at the top of the lane.

As far as the human element is concerned, the big three riders will once again dominate. They are, of course, Rafael Bejarano, Joel Rosario, and Garrett Gomez but there are a couple of other pilots that are just starting to roll and should have stellar 2010 seasons.

The first that comes to mind is Alonso Quinonez. He has always been a good value rider in that you get your full bang for the buck but his recent association with agent Nick Cosato has propelled him to a new level.

Cosato, who back in the day handled Pat Valenzuela among others, has brought Quinonez along and has given him that added edge and drive that separates the best from the ordinary.

Another new face that must be watched is Felipe Valdez, who is just starting to get into some good barns. Factor in Hall of Famer Mike Smith, steady Alex Solis and Joe Talamo and the colony is thriving to say the least.

As far as trainers are concerned, the household names of Mike Mitchell, John Sadler, Doug O’Neill and Bob Baffert will steal most of the headlines but there are some other guys that offer great betting value at the windows.

Last year Rafael Becerra won with 15 of his first 87 starters but his average price paid over $16. And it was no fluke. Becerra learned his trade from the great Gary Jones and will always put his horses in the right spots.

Three others that average double digits with their winners include Richard Mandella, Paddy Gallagher and Ron Ellis.

There is good news and bad news to report about trainer Kathy Walsh. She popped at a league leading 28% last year but her horses got bet to the tune of 2-1.

Two other trainers that must be scrutinized are Pete Eurton and Vladimir Cerin. The former average 6-1 with his winners and hit at 20% while ‘Vlado’ won with 10 of his 79 starters for an average price of over $21.

Like at all meets, try to pay attention to where the winners are coming from on a daily basis and don’t get lazy and settle for the obvious horse.

Good luck to all.