Brad Free's Los Alamitos horses to watch from July 1-4, 2023
ZIMBA WARRIOR
Trainer: Bob Hess
Last race: July 1, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 5 1/4
Beyer: 78
Veteran had tough trip in starter-allowance route. Wide early, bogged in traffic on far turn, steadied slightly, and finished evenly. Del Mar winner in 2020 and 2022, contender $16-20K claiming at summer meet.
MT. ZEROR
Trainer: Ryan Hanson
Last race: July 1, 4th
Finish: 2nd by neck
Beyer: 65
Second-start maiden-claiming sprinter dropped in class, dueled on lead, was worn down by favorite, and finished more than three lengths clear of third. Improving figures, fits versus similar next time out.
LIBERAL LADY
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: July 2, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 69
Entry-level allowance filly, first-time long, shook off two pace rivals who finished far back, and got worn down. Liberal Lady was the only front-runner to stick around. Creditable effort versus the race shape.
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GIVER NOT A TAKER
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 3, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 6
Beyer: 73
California-bred 3-year-old racing into shape and set for top effort at Del Mar, where he won both starts last year. Potential upsetter in age-restricted Real Good Deal for California-bred sprinters on Aug. 4.
MORAWETH
Trainer: Doug O’Neil
Last race: July 3, 8th
Finish: 1st by neck
Beyer: 87
Comebacker ran very well in fast entry-level allowance sprint. Settled, rallied wide, game to wire, and career-best fig in first start since November. Should be competitive in summer allowance sprint.
COLT FICTION
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: July 3, 8th
Finish: 2nd by neck
Beyer: 87
This 8-year-old improved second start off long layoff. Pressed pace, carried extremely wide into lane, and missed. Colt Fiction won at Del Mar the last two summers, contender when circuit moves south.
CHISMOSA
Trainer: Rafael DeLeon
Last race: July 4, 9th
Finish: 2nd by neck
Beyer: 91
California-bred 3-year-old versus older ran super in Grade 2 sprint. Off slowly, lagged, wide rally, and grinding finish. Would be upset contender versus Ceiling Crusher in Fleet Treat Stakes on July 27 at Del Mar.
AWAKE AT MIDNYTE
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: July 4, 9th
Finish: 5th by 4 3/4
Beyer: 81
Talented sprint filly misfired with no visible alibi in Grade 2 sprint, may not have cared for the racetrack. Worked well for her comeback, but just raced evenly. Chance to rebound at Del Mar.
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