Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch for week of May 23-26, 2025

LADY RIDER
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: May 23, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 58
Maiden-claiming filly improved while stretching to a route for her second start. Grinding rally behind favorite, finished 12 lengths clear of third. Lady Rider can win next out.

CALIFORNIA ROCKS
Trainer: Daniel Dunham
Last race: May 24, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 56
Debut 3-year-old filly in Cal-bred turf mile trailed early, ran each quarter-mile faster than previous, finished willingly in race dominated by two front-runners. Solid debut.

LIBERATION
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: May 24, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 1 3/4
Beyer: 74
Cal-bred maiden 2-year-old filly by Omaha Beach pressed in second, ran away late. Can improve at longer distance. She is the early favorite for the CTBA Stakes Aug. 3 at Del Mar.

SHADY STRIPES
Trainer: Jeff Bonde
Last race: May 24, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 68
Cal-bred maiden 2-year-old filly was bet to favoritism. Set pace under pressure, no match late, finished seven lengths clear of third. Could be long gone vs. maidens next out.

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BOOK SMART
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: May 24, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 4 3/4
Beyer: 77
Veteran speedster was hounded through fast pace in Cal-bred stakes, cracked at furlong pole. Can return to form in race with less pace. Eligible for second allowance condition.

MAX CIAO
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: May 25, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 4 1/2
Beyer: 65
Debut 2-year-old by Maxfield was off a step slow, steadied slightly and was shuffled slightly into turn, raced between rivals, finished evenly. This was a promising debut by Cal-bred.

GOATSKI
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Last race: May 25, 10th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 73
Debut 3-year-old filly was tons best in Cal-bred maiden turf sprint. Ducked out and green, raced far off pace, regained stride, rail rally, angled out, finished well in nice debut.

HEADS IN BEDS
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: May 26, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 67
Debut 3-year-old filly was not quick in turf sprint. Rated midfield, saved ground, angled outside for stretch drive, finished well, and galloped out willingly in a solid debut.

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