Brad Free's Santa Anita horses to watch from week of May 29-31, 2020

SMOOTHLIKEBUTTAH
Trainer: Luis Mendez
Last race: May 29, 1st
Finish: 4th by 5
Beyer: 33
This debut filly was best in 2-year-old California-bred maiden race, but she hopped when gates opened, broke last by many, and somehow rallied to split the field. Winner with clean break.

PALACE PRINCE
Trainer: Bill Spawr
Last race: May 29, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 74
First in three months, maiden-claiming turf miler ran super against the “flow.” Lagged off pace, big rally, race dominated by pacesetters. This was a fine comeback.

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RAWHIDE RAWLINS
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: May 30, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 67
Debut colt totally void of speed in maiden turf sprint, raced greenly, very wide into lane, big finish and gallop-out. Street Boss colt wants two turns, follow as he gains seasoning.

MYSTERY MESSENGER
Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
Last race: May 31, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 3/4
Beyer: 79
Tough trip for presser in $32K claiming turf sprint. Shuffled, lost position, mid-race rally, lost punch. Needs to be forwardly placed, claimed by Cerin from Doug O’Neill.

SWEET AND CHEEKY
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last race: May 31, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4
Solid debut by Candy Ride filly whose dam, She’s Cheeky, placed in multiple graded stakes. Forwardly placed in the clear, finished well, galloped out with run. Follow.

TONAHUTU
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: May 31, 8th
Finish: 1st by 2 3/4
Beyer: 80
Class-drop comeback exploded late to win $32K claiming turf mile in stylish fashion. Claimed by O’Neill from Dan Blacker, should be live right back on the hike in class.