Brad Free's Santa Anita Horses to Watch for week of Sept. 26-28, 2025

RAMAYANA
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Sept. 26, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 51
Debut 2-year-old filly by Uncle Mo, from multiple Grade 1 winner Miss Temple City, raced evenly, finished okay in turf sprint. She wants two turns; this debut was decent.

SURFIN U. S. A.
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: Sept. 26, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 2
Beyer: 49
Debut 2-year-old filly by Rock Your World broke last in maiden turf sprint, raced greenly near rear, finished willingly, probably best considering her start. Sharp debut.

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TIGER OF THE SEA
Trainer: Brian Koriner
Last race: Sept. 27, 1st
Finish: 3rd by neck
Beyer: 69
Comeback filly set pace in main-oval turf sprint for Cal-bred maiden fillies, battled to deep stretch, worn down. Super try, first start in a year. Might be long gone next out.

ALMENDARES
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Sept. 27, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 96
Veteran turf miler lagged in Grade 2 turf mile, trailed to top of lane, uncorked blazing 21.88 final quarter. Super try by Almendares, who can be followed in fall at Del Mar.

BALLADEER
Trainer: George Papaprodromou
Last race: Sept. 27, 6th
Finish: 5th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 91
Veteran turf front-runner is rounding into form. Sped to clear lead in G2 turf route, led to near top of stretch, tired while showing signs of life. Longshot pace play next out?

REEF RUNNER
Trainer: David Fawkes
Last race: Sept. 27, 8th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 100
Turf sprinter first to wire all three since gelded, this G2 was best yet. Trailed to dirt crossing, exploded late, impressive. Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint contender for sure.

CALIFORNIA ROCKS
Trainer: Daniel Dunham
Last race: Sept. 28, 8th
Finish: 8th by 6 3/4
Beyer: 57
Cal-bred allowance filly had no shot breaking from post 8 in turf mile. Five wide early, wide throughout, sputtered. Inconclusive performance, longshot next out?

RIBBONS
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: Sept. 28, 10th
Finish: 10th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 72
Three-year-old allowance filly had no shot from post 8 in turf mile. Five wide early, wide throughout, backed up. Draw a line through this, follow from better post.

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