Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from March 9-19, 2023
BIG SHAMROCK
Trainer: Lorenzo Ruiz
Last race: March 9, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 70
California-bred allowance filly, recently scratched, dueled, and tired while making her first start in two months. Claimed by Ruiz from Eddie Truman, contender in California-bred/optional-claiming sprint.
DADDYSRUBY
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: March 11, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 1 1/4
Beyer: 75
Purchased privately following a Golden Gate debut win versus four next-out winners, California-bred filly took dirt inside, angled out, won going away. Top contender for $150K Evening Jewel Stakes on April 8.
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I DON’T GET IT
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: March 11, 6th
Finish: 1st by 3/4
Beyer: 87
Three-year-old raced three wide throughout maiden dirt route, four wide into lane, and inched clear while confidently handled. Improving colt is live longshot in Santa Anita Derby on April 8.
DESERT DAWN
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: March 11, 8th
Finish: 4th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 89
Grade 2 winner off six months was compromised by ground loss in Grade 1 mile. Raced four wide start to finish, loomed a threat at quarter pole, and lost punch in a better-than-looked comeback.
PRECISION STRIKE
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: March 12, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 68
Three-year-old maiden colt by Gun Runner improved stretching out in turf mile. Saved ground, waited for room, and finished fairly well over good turf. He found his niche racing two turns.
ROSE MADDOX
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: March 17, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 81
Tough trip cost her victory in California-bred sprint stakes. Fourth on rail, steadied sharply nearing quarter pole, re-rallied wide, narrowed gap, but had too much to overcome. Rose Maddox was best.
ALOHA KITTEN
Trainer: Craig Dollase
Last race: March 18, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 2
Beyer: 81
Turf mare did the hard work in starter-allowance turf mile. Pressed pace, briefly kicked away in the lane, and was swallowed late by last-to-first winner. Aloha Kitten remains in top form, one mile preferred.
TOM AND JAZZY
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: March 19, 7th
Finish: 7th by 7 3/4
Beyer: 53
He is not a sprinter, and bad trip in turf dash eliminated this California-bred 3-year-old. Lacked speed, blocked on turn and through most of stretch, no shot, and galloped out well. Follow around two turns.
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