Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from week of March 11-13, 2022

CHLOE’S GIRL
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: March 11, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 6
Beyer: 68
Three-year-old debut filly outran expectations in dirt mile. Off at 21-1, pressed inside, dropped back to chase, and split field. Maidens from this stable tend to improve with racing.

EXCELERINA
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: March 11, 6th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4
Beyer: 80
Older turf filly followed solid maiden win with this dominating allowance win. Midpack, wide into lane, kicked, and won with something left. Up the ladder to N2X or minor stakes.

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I’M CORFU
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: March 11, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 84
Eight-win veteran dueled inside, finished more than five lengths clear of third, and ran well. Claimed by O’Neill from Brittany Vanden Berg for $32,000 and ranks just a notch below top sprinters on the circuit.

TIZ PLUS
Trainer: Mike Puype
Last race: March 11, 8th
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 91
Stretch-out gelding sped to lead, fast fractions, disposed of pace rivals, hung tough, and was collared by closer. Fine effort in N2X/$80K claiming turf mile, enters spring in top form.

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MR. LOVEJOY
Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
Last race: March 12, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 84
Hounded though fast pace in starter turf sprint, led until late, and was swallowed. Sharp effort by 14-win veteran, front-end threat versus $25-32,000 claiming sprinters on either surface.

VANTASTIC
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last race: March 12, 5th
Finish: 6th by 3
Beyer: 77
Closing sprinter had no shot in second-level turf allowance that unfolded at slow pace and was dominated by front-runners. Worth following versus similar, needs pace to run at.