Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch for Jan. 1, 2020

DEVIL MADE ME DOIT
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Dec. 28, 1st
Finish: 1st by 9 1/2
Beyer: 87
First-timer was well bet (4-1 morning line, off 3-2 favorite) and crushed. Sped to lead, took heat, and drew off while rider sat motionless. Sky is the limit for Daredevil 2020 sophomore.

MIDCOURT
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: Dec. 28, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 7 1/2
Beyer: 95
Off slowly in Grade 2 San Antonio, five-wide on the first turn, stayed wide throughout, made a move far turn, and tired. Much better than looked, fits in any handicap division stakes race.

FIRST STAR
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: Dec. 28, 7th
Finish: 4th by 7 3/4
Beyer: 87
Not quick enough to sprint in Grade 1 La Brea, lagged second flight, split horses coming off turn, finished well, and galloped out with run. Follow in Grade 1 Beholder at two turns in March.

EXCELLENT SUNSET
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Dec. 28, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 3/4
Beyer: 88
Improved effort in first start for new trainer, but blocked into and through the stretch in Grade 3 turf route and was possibly best. Underachieving turf mare overdue for some luck.

LIL MILO
Trainer: Alfredo Marquez
Last race: Dec. 29, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 85
Troubled trip in second-level allowance turf sprint. Tucked inside, in tight, blocked into lane, compromising journey, and clear too late. Contender in next N2X turf sprint.

RESARCIO
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: Dec. 29, 4th
Finish: 8th by 5
Beyer: 52
Slow-working first-time starter may have turned on light bulb. No speed, trailed, angled out, and finished well with big gallop-out. Better than looked, price play in maiden turf route.

VENETIAN HARBOR
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Dec. 29, 7th
Finish: 1st by 10 3/4
Beyer: 94
Juvenile maiden second-time starter freaked in 1:15.60. Cruised to lead, widened through lane, and rider sat chilly. Talented filly by Munnings is a promising 3-year-old for 2020.