Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch for Feb. 9

HUG AND A KISS
Trainer: Simon Callaghan
Last race: Feb. 5, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 74
This Group 3-placed import from France was compromised by pace in her U.S. debut, closing from seventh in a race that went slow early, fast late. The favorite, she split the field in a comeback that was better than the finish position. She is eligible to an N1X.

RUN LIKE A MILLION
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Feb. 5, 6th
Finish: 4th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 63
A second-timer vs. winners, this debut winner broke slowly, was uncomfortable and green racing on dirt, and made no impact. His debut win at Golden Gate was sharp; the lightly raced 3-year-old can improve with a clean break or return to synthetic.

MINISTERS PRAYER
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: Feb. 7, 1st
Finish: 4th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 49
This second-time starter might have been best in a maiden-50 for California-breds. He stumbled at the break, was shuffled back, made a strong middle move, but the race was won on the front end. He can turn the tables next time with a clean start.

AMERICAN ACT
Trainer: Mike Pender
Last race: Feb. 7, 2nd
Finish: 5th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 63
A tough trip compromised this gelding in a restricted $16K claiming race. He steadied on the backstretch and again into the turn, lost position, and split the field. This might be a good claim by Pender from Adam Kitchingman. He is one to follow, sprint only.

ZUZU’S PETALS
Trainer: Marty Jones
Last race: Feb. 8, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 73
Racing over her conditions in a Cal-bred N1X, this cleverly named Bedford Falls filly finished clear of third in a solid comeback. She should be tough in a maiden-40 starter.