Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch for the week of April 17-19, 2026

SPECIAL FLOWER
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: April 17, 5th
Finish: 6th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 63
Mare had no shot in turf sprint due to impossibly wide trip. Lagged four wide through turn, six wide into lane, evenly late. She fits in $25k claiming ranks; this race was a complete throw-out.

SUMTER
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: April 18, 7th
Finish: 5th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 90
Veteran had bad trip in Grade 3 American at mile on turf. Tucked fourth on rail, blocked quarter pole to deep stretch, galloped out willingly. Live longshot if he runs back in Grade 1 Shoemaker on May 25.

MONUMENTAL
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: April 18, 10th
Finish: 4th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 70
Debut colt broke half-step slow from rail in turf sprint, rushed inside to duel, battled to deep stretch, weakened. Excellent debut by Tacitus colt likely to improve next out with a clean start.

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BOB’S BLUE MOON
Trainer: Angelo Tekos
Last race: April 19, 1st
Finish: 4th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 84
Comeback claiming turf sprinter in tight early racing five furlongs, waited, middle move on turn, re-rallied, evenly late. This was a better-than-looked comeback, his first start in nearly a year.

SCATALOTADINGDONG
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: April 19, 5th
Finish: 4th by 5
Beyer: 66
A two-time turf-route winner, this turf sprint was too short. Outrun early, finished one-paced. He can be followed when returns to two turns, would be contender in Snow Chief Stakes on May 23.

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