Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch for week of March 20-22, 2025

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Trainer: Manuel Badilla
Last race: March 21, 7th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 66
Broke horribly in $5,000 claiming sprint, last early, extended rally on turn and into lane, won going away. Late-running sprinter in top form can handle a class hike.

KINGMEISTER
Trainer: Bill McLean
Last race: March 21, 8th
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 73
Pressed fast fractions over slowish track that was kind to closers, put away pace rivals, worn down by last-to-first winner. Kingmeister can be gone in next claiming route.

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GOLD PHOENIX
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: March 22, 7th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 93
Top-class turf gelding ran super first in nearly five months. Rail trip in fifth, blocked five-sixteenths to eighth pole, finished well, galloped out well in a solid comeback.

MEGA MOON
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: March 23, 9th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 86
Pace-press sprinter found himself buried in second half of field in turf sprint, blocked in traffic through turn, found a seam in stretch, finished well, probably was best.

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