Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from week of May 22-25

HIT THE ROAD
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Last race: May 22, 5th
Finish: 1st by 3/4
Beyer: 89
Super comeback by lone 3-year-old in second-level allowance turf mile. Settled midfield, angled out, big kick, strong through wire. Fits in any graded turf stakes for 3-year-olds.

ON MARS
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: May 22, 9th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 67
First start in three months, first try two turns, maiden filly produced solid late run in California-bred turf mile won by the pacesetter. Tough to beat next time versus statebred turf maidens.

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MARGOT’S BOY
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: May 23, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 3/4
Beyer: 78
Streaking gelding set pace in allowance turf mile, ran final quarter in 23.26 to win third straight. The one to beat in $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds on June 20.

STUBBINS
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: May 23, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 1/2
Beyer: 102
Trouble-prone closing turf sprinter ran into a roadblock in Grade 3 turf sprint, steadied deep stretch, big finish. Five and one-half shorter than prefers, fits in any turf sprint stakes.

BRICKYARD RIDE
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: May 24, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 9 3/4
Beyer: 91
Dazzling starter allowance by 3-year-old, 43.80 half was quickest for six furlongs on fast track at Santa Anita in five years. Meet’s second-fastest final time – 1:09.26. Up the ladder.

SECRET KEEPER
Trainer: Cliff Sise
Last race: May 25, 8th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4
Beyer: 79
This was an auspicious debut by 3-year-old Into Mischief filly. Quick enough to race second behind the pace, kicked away late. One to follow moving into allowance ranks.

RIVER BOYNE
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: May 25, 9th
Finish: 4th by 3
Beyer: 99
Turf miler won two previous stakes with rail trips, but wide trip sealed fate this Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile. Chased hot pace, loomed, swallowed. Ran super, tough if runs June 20 in Grade 3 American.