Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2023
ANTIBES
Trainer: Carla Gaines
Last race: Sept. 29, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 71
Debut 3-year-old ignored in betting in California-bred maiden turf sprint, lacked speed, green early, steadied on turn, finished with run, and galloped out in front. Solid debut.
HIGH KING
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: Sept. 29, race 5
Finish: 4th by 1 1/4
Beyer: 38
Debut 2-year-old broke slowly in California-bred maiden turf sprint, rallied through turn, heavy traffic final furlong, and finished well in debut. Much better than the low figure.
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CLEARLY UNHINGED
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Sept. 29, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 86
Improving 3-year-old filly ran super versus older graded winners. Set/pressed blazing pace inside, kicked clear into lane, and was collared by deep closer. Outstanding effort.
BARTHOLDY
Trainer: Simon Callaghan
Last race: Sept. 30, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 76
Debut 2-year-old raced greenly on wet track, chased from third, dropped back, re-rallied wide, and levelled off late. Promising career launch by Mendelssohn colt.
SLOW DOWN ANDY
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Sept. 30, 8th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4
Beyer: 101
Benefitted by speed bias in Grade 1, but his rider learned how colt prefers to be handled, which is run freely. Slow Down Andy may outrun his odds in Breeders’ Cup Classic.
HIT THE ROAD
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Last race: Sept. 30, 10th
Finish: 4th by 1 3/4
Beyer: 93
Veteran Grade 1 winner showed signs of life in Grade 2 turf mile. Checked off heels early, keen and unrelaxed much of race, rallied wide, and finished okay. Rounding into form.
BALLADEER
Trainer: George Papaprodomou
Last race: Oct. 1, 7th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 97
Front-runner was 12-1 entering gate for Grade 2 turf route, 6-1 after start, lugged out at dirt crossing, set pace, and was game to wire. Better-than-looked win by progressive 4-year-old.
POSITIVITY
Trainer: Kristin Mulhall
Last race: Oct. 1, 8th
Finish: 1st by 3 1//2
Beyer: 97
Veteran sprinter continued peak form. Pressed pace, ran away, and was strong. Claimed for $50K, claim voided on post-race veterinary exam. Fits wherever he is spotted next.
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