Brad Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Oct. 21, 2024
WINDS OF FREEDOM
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Oct. 18, 3rd
Finish: 5th by 43 1/4
Beyer: None, eased
Odds-on in starter allowance for 2-year-olds following decisive maiden win, he lost all chance when he stumbled badly at the break. Pushed along to press, faded. Toss this race.
I’M RIPPED
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Oct. 18, 7th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/2
Beyer: 87
Back on preferred dirt footing, lightly raced 3-year-old dominated Cal-bred sprint. Sped to lead and cruised. His figure makes him competitive in open entry-level allowance. Dirt only.
MATTERS
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Oct. 18, 8th
Finish: 6th by 7
Beyer: 57
Well-bred maiden filly had no visible excuse, but was claimed for $50,000 by O’Neill and may improve for new stable. Kitten’s Joy filly produced by Grade 1 winner is worth following.
ACCURACY
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Oct. 19, 1st
Finish: 1st by 15
Beyer: 108
Maiden 3-year-old filly made lead on speed-friendly surface and parked. Sired by Arrogate and from graded winner. Her 108 Beyer is second-highest by any dirt filly this year. Sky is the limit.
SEAL TEAM
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Oct. 19, race 8th
Finish: 5th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 90
Off nearly one year, favored in turf mile stakes, this Grade 2 winner needed start. Keen while rated, finished willingly, 23.03-second final quarter. This comeback will move him way up.
IRISH REBEL
Trainer: Ryan Hanson
Last race: Oct. 20, 5th
Finish: 4th by 10 1/4
Beyer: 53
Favored first out, 2-year-old wasn’t quick, raced four wide through turn while unsure of himself, took hold late, galloped out in front of the field. Curious debut trip by colt who has ability.
SCHILFLIED
Trainer: Paddy Gallagher
Last race: Oct. 20, 8th
Finish: 1st by 3 1/2
Beyer: 70
Second-start juvenile filly improved a ton in maiden turf sprint. Bobbled at start, three wide in midpack, swept five wide into lane, switched leads midstretch, and crushed. Up the ladder.
CAITLIN FEVER
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: Oct. 20, 8th
Finish: 4th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 60
Shortening in distance to turf sprint, maiden juvenile filly was not quick enough to keep pace early. Angled outside for the drive, she gave a steady finish. She is getting better, seems to prefer two turns.
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