Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch from Feb. 28-March 2, 2025
GENTLEMEN’S CLUB
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: March 1, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/2
Beyer: 77
California-bred 4-year-old improved as first-time gelding. Lagged near rear, rallied three wide, finished well, best race of his career. Fits in statebred N1X or N2L starter.
A. Z. WILDCAT
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: March 1, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 71
Disappointing effort by N1X favorite, who might have needed the start after getting nothing from her recent fifth-place comeback. One more chance third start back?
BALL DON’T LIE
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: March 1, 6th
Finish: 5th by 4 3/4
Beyer: 78
Comebacker void of speed in N1X sprint, trailed to top of lane, finished well, too late. First start in nine months, this was a useful prep. He should improve next start back.
TESSUTO
Trainer: George Papaprodromou
Last race: March 1, 6th
Finish: 8th by 6 3/4
Beyer: 74
Sprinter had nightmare trip in N1X. Blocked and shuffled on turn, blocked on rail and eliminated at eighth pole. Toss this, he finished second at this level both previous starts.
INVIGORATED
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: March 1, 11th
Finish: 11th by 5 3/4
Beyer: 74
First-time gelding lacked speed in turf N1X, lagged, no rally. This might be a bit of a reach, but he may be better than this suggests. Worth following as second-time gelding.
EYE ON RY
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: March 2, 11th
Finish: 6th by 1 3/4
Beyer: 84
Favored in N2X turf route, fourth on rail while keen, cut corner into lane, tried to rally on rail, lacked room, blocked, lost interest. Inconclusive effort by consistent gelding.
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