Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch for week of Oct. 17-19

THERMAL
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Oct. 17, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 3 3/4
Beyer: 93
Entry-level allowance filly ran super first start on Santa Anita dirt. Shot to lead, strong pace, long gone in 1:08.89. She is positioned for productive Santa Anita winter meet.

NIGHT OUT
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Oct. 18, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 75
Odds-on in starter allowance, trouble-prone colt blocked into lane, waited for room, bulled through, was disqualified, and placed sixth. He had no chance but probably was best.

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VIOLETS SONG
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: Oct. 18, 5th
Finish: 6th by 10 1/2
Beyer: 35
Scratched twice recently, debut 2-year-old filly pressed pace in Cal-bred maiden turf mile before fading at furlong pole. Decent debut by Violence filly, who can improve.

CASTLE LEOCH
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Oct. 19, 5th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: NA
Veteran turf miler smoked 22.93-second final quarter to win $25,000 claiming race second start back from a layoff. Sharp win by 6-year-old gelding, who can fire right back.

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