Jeff Siegel, the dean of Southern California's handicappers and one of the most respected analysts in the sport, has been named Santa Anita Park's Morning Line Maker effective with the start of the Autumn meet on Sept. 27. He will take over from longtime Morning Line Maker Jon White, who earlier this week announced his retirement will begin at the conclusion of the current Hollywood Meet June 16.
"The very definition of respect is to hold someone in high esteem or regard," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita's Senior Vice President and General Manager. "Jeff is universally respected by his peers, be them horseplayers, horsemen, or his fellow analysts. We are excited that Jeff will be expanding his role at Santa Anita in taking on this important role."
While horse racing features pari-mutuel wagering, where the final odds are determined by the public betting, the Morning Line Maker is tasked with prognosticating what those final odds will be when betting closes. The Morning Line is often referenced in determining fair value.
"I've enjoyed working with Santa Anita in various capacities for nearly 30 years, but this will be my first as an official price maker and I'm really looking forward to embracing the responsibility associated with the position," said Siegel. "I'll do my best to produce an accurate and balanced morning line that can be referenced with confidence by my fellow horseplayers."
Siegel began his career in horse racing 50 years ago this year. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected public handicappers, with daily selections having appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the San Diego Union Tribune, on santaanita.com and xbtv.com.
Siegel is a longtime contributor and analyst for Santa Anita television productions, including being an integral part of the Eclipse Award-winning team in 1999 for local television for "The Best of Santa Anita," and was with HRTV from its inception to its sale to TVG, when he transitioned to XBTV at that time.
In addition to his handicapping duties, Siegel was instrumental in the development of the ownership syndicate model, co-founding, owning and serving as Vice-President/Racing for Team Valor and its predecessor, Clover Racing Stable. During his 20-year involvement, the organization became the most prolific general partnership stable in North America, winning more than 100 stakes races (including 20 Grade 1s).
