Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from May 26-29, 2023
SMART MO
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: May 26, 3rd
Finish: 1st by head
Beyer: 94
A first-timer at a mile on dirt, 3-year-old colt scored the upset in a promising debut. Forwardly placed three wide, hooked the favorite at quarter pole, and won photo. Son of Mo Town is a good one.
BIG CLARE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: May 26, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 74
Comeback turf mare lagged behind crawling pace and rallied willingly late. Despite her 1-for-16 record with seven runner-up finishes, she fits versus California-bred entry-level allowance turf mares.
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CARMELITA’S MAN
Trainer: Dean Pederson
Last race: May 28, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 4 1/2
Beyer: 83
Late-runner had no shot in slow-pace turf stakes won by pacesetter. Veteran is 6 years old and winless since September, but this effort was okay. Could show up in California-bred stakes at Del Mar.
RUFF RIDE
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: May 28, 6th
Finish: 4th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 54
Comeback maiden filly was outrun early in this California-bred maiden sprint, saved ground through turn, angled out, and finished with run in a respectable comeback, her first start since August.
SMOOTH SALUTE
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: May 29, 1st
Finish: 4th by 1 3/4
Beyer: 76
This sibling to Grade 1 winner Smooth Like Strait improved second out, racing nine furlongs on turf off a sixth-place sprint debut. Pressed pace, rallied to lead in the lane, and tired. His next can be his best.
SCHOOL DANCE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: May 29, 5th
Finish: 7th by 10
Beyer: 78
Graded stakes-placed filly made lead in Grade 1 Gamely, but resented setting pace, according to her rider. Led into the lane and tired. Would fit in restricted Osunitas Handicap on July 22 at Del Mar.
UNCLE REG
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: May 29, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 7 1/2
Beyer: 71
Comeback maiden set fast fractions (44.18 half-mile) in 6 1/2-furlong sprint, hung tough to furlong pole, and then was no match. Solid comeback by speedster who might be gone next out.
ANISETTE
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: May 29, 9th
Finish: 1st by 3/4
Beyer: 80
A 3-year-old filly facing older, this Euro import ran super in an entry-level allowance. Lagged, faster each quarter-mile, finished in 23.16 with big gallop-out. Stakes-quality for Del Mar summer meet.
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