Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from April 21-23, 2023

FRANKLIN ONE STAR
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: April 21, 1st
Finish: 4th by 5 1/4
Beyer: 71
Pace-presser stumbled at start of claiming turf sprint, jumped at dirt crossing, rank and hard-held, blocked into and through turn, and actually finished fairly well in better-than-looked performance.

JOHNNY PAYCHECK
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: April 21, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 63
Favored in California-bred maiden turf mile, stumbled badly at start to be away last, wide, challenged three wide on far turn, and flattened out. Six-start maiden was best, can win next with clean break.

WARRENS CANDY GIRL
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: April 22, 1st
Finish: 1st by head
Beyer: 85
Clubhouse Ride mare in top form delivered another 22-and-change final quarter to win N2X turf mile. Would fit perfect in $100K Fran’s Valentine for California-bred turf fillies and mares on May 28.

POSITIVITY
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: April 22, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 5
Beyer: 85
Off more than a year, California-bred gelding ran well in Grade 3 sprint. Forwardly placed chasing pace, kept to his task, and went evenly late while tiring. This was a solid comeback by four-time winner.

SUNRISE JOURNEY
Trainer: Librado Barocio
Last race: April 23, 3rd
Finish: 5th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 81
Front-runner switched to turf following two fast dirt wins and regressed on the surface change. Set pace in $100K downhill stakes and tired in a toss race. Follow when returns to main track.

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BRAZEN BULL
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: April 23, 4th
Finish: 4th by 5 3/4
Beyer: 68
First-time starter shot to lead from rail in restricted maiden race, set pace into lane, and tired. Maidens from this stable typically improve with racing, Expect likewise from speedy gelding.

BIG SWEDE
Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
Last race: April 23, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 68
Tough trip in restricted claiming route cost this gelding a win. Inside and behind rivals, blocked far turn and into lane, nowhere to go, and found room late, too late. Likely winner with better trip.

BELMONT BILL
Trainer: Anthony Saavedra
Last race: April 23, 10th
Finish: 7th by 19 1/4
Beyer: 43
Nine furlongs on turf was a reach for maiden-50 front-runner who ran off under apprentice rider, opened up eight lengths in 44 and change, and caved. Needs shorter trip and needs to ration his speed.

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