Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from week of Jan. 30-31, 2021

HOT ROD CHARLIE
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Jan. 30, 7th
Finish: 3rd by neck
Beyer: 91
Runner-up in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 94-1, this Derby prospect proved he is legit with fine comeback in Grade 3 route. First in three months, stumbled, rallied, hung, solid return.

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FULL DRAW
Trainer: Reed Saldana
Last race: Jan. 30, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 3 3/4
Beyer: 62
Low-level maiden-20 due for racing luck off back-to-back bad trips. Six wide first turn of mile race, middle move, finished far clear of third. Ready for maiden win, sprint or route.

IDOL
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Jan. 30, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/2
Beyer: 95
Late-runner favored in Grade 2 San Pasqual, but curiously ridden. Lagged as usual, premature move half, dropped back, re-rallied, modest late. Rider change for Big Cap on March 6?

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DEFENSE WINS
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Jan. 31, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 74
Racing over his eligibility in nonwinners-of-three claiming sprint, first since re-claimed by O’Neill, settled midpack, even finish. Should be tough dropping to N2L claiming sprint.