Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from week of Feb.10-12, 2023
BOOK SMART
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Feb. 5, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 84
Comebacker from Emerald Downs ran well in local debut. Pressed pace, hung tough late, second-best in starter allowance sprint. California-bred gelding should be tough versus similar rivals.
BUZZ OF NEW YORK
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Feb. 3, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 85
Consistent turf mare took up sharply into far turn, lost momentum, and re-rallied behind stablemate Macadamia. Buzz of New York was likely best and looms a short price next time out versus similar.
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BUS BUZZ
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: Feb. 4, 5th
Finish: 1st by 8
Beyer: 93
Stay Thirsty debut gelding produced by graded winner Lost Bus crushed first out. Popped gate, opened up, fast pace, gone. Early contender for $150K Echo Eddie for California-bred 3-year-olds on April 8.
CATALINA EDDY
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: Feb. 4, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 8
Beyer: 75
Debut longshot by Square Eddie was no match for Bus Buzz, but finished more than eight lengths clear of third in California-bred maiden sprint. He should be tough second time out against similar.
MALTESE FALCON
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: Feb. 4, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 6 1/4
Beyer: 68
Maiden colt compromised again by self-caused trouble. Hopped in air, away last, ran final three furlongs of nine-furlong turf race in 35.94 seconds, faster than any in field. Can win with better luck.
CLEARLY UNHINGED
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Feb. 5, 1st
Finish: 1st by 3 1/4
Beyer: 89
Debut filly worked well, ran likewise. Popped from rail, set pace under pressure, long gone, and won with something in reserve. Into Mischief 3-year-old from strong female family is stakes-caliber.
SAY THE WORD
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Feb. 5, 6th
Finish: 4th by 1
Beyer: 94
Off for one year, 8-year-old graded winner ran super in Grade 3 turf route. Saved ground in rear flight behind slow pace, ran final quarter in 23.27. Major player in long-distance turf division.
RADICAL RIGHT
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: Feb. 5, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 92
First start in California for new connections, 4-year-old gelding dropped back early, saved ground, and finished fairly well in fast Grade 3 sprint won by a pace-presser. Solid comeback.
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