Brad Free's Horses to Watch

STORMY LIBERAL

Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Jan. 15, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 2 1/2
Beyer: 74
Favored in an allowance turf sprint, this 3-year-old never had a chance due to a wide trip. He pressed four and five wide throughout and flattened out late in race won by a horse that saved ground. The ground loss is a legitimate alibi.

KAFISTER

Trainer: David Bernstein
Last race: Jan. 18, 5th
Finish: 4th by 2 1/2
Beyer: 74
This older gelding was blocked into and through the lane in an N1X sprint. He could use a trouble-free trip and a return to the claiming ranks.

SAINT LOUP

Trainer: Julio Canani
Last race: Jan. 17, 5th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 81
Away a year and a half, this marathon specialist was in an allowance turf sprint only as a tune-up. Outrun early, he finished well and galloped out with run. Good comeback.

HOLY LUTE

Trainer: Jim Cassidy
Last race: Jan. 17, 5th
Finish: 1st by head (DQ to 2nd)
Beyer: 94
Racing on unfamiliar footing (turf), this 2013 stakes winner returned to form with an apparent front-running win in an N2X allowance. He was disqualified for interference and placed second. The effort marked a return to form. He will tough next time in a similar allowance; either surface will do.

VERSATILITY

Trainer: Don Warren
Last race: Jan. 18, 6th
Finish: 5th by 6 1/2
Beyer: 61
A 4-year-old making her debut, this California-bred filly by Vronsky ran well. The race was won by the pacesetter; Versatility finished steadily and split the field in a promising bow.

MEINERTZHAGENI

Trainer: Jeff Bonde
Last race: Jan. 19, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 3/4
Beyer: 76
Favored at 6-5 in a $50K claiming sprint for fillies and mares, this veteran broke slowly from the rail, was blocked into the lane, and did not punch. She deserves another chance from an outside box.

DESERT THIEF

Trainer: Bill Spawr
Last race: Jan. 19, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 47
Four wide through the turn, this 3-year-old claiming filly was unable to overcome the trip. Claimed by Spawr from Caesar Dominguez, she can bounce back for a trainer with a long history of claiming success.