Brad Free's Southern California Horses to Watch for week of Sept. 20-22, 2024

BALADI
Trainer: Craig Dollase
Last race: Sept. 20, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 8 1/4
Beyer: 74
Second start after extended layoff, veteran sprinter uncorked middle move while wide, then went evenly late in a highly rated starter. With a slight class drop, his next start should be his best.

SUNRISE JOURNEY
Trainer: Librado Boracio
Last race: Sept. 20, 5th
Finish: 4th by 4 3/4
Beyer: 55
Nine-year-old sprinter compromised by wide trip in Cal-bred allowance. Forwardly placed, lost ground, went flat. A 17-time winner, Sunrise Journey can drop to low claiming for his next start.

SILENT LAW
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Sept. 21, 1st
Finish: 1st by 10
Beyer: 84
Debut 2-year-old filly by Tiz the Law broke half-step slow, chased from second, inhaled pacesetter on turn, won under a hold with highest figure this year by a juvenile filly in California. Big debut.

GYPSY LYNN
Trainer: Rafael DeLeone
Last race: Sept. 21, 5th
Finish: 5th by 5 1/4
Beyer: 52
Favored in $16k claiming sprint, veteran mare was compromised by a four-wide trip pressing a fast pace before she tuckered out final furlong. Follow on class drop to $10K/$12.5K claiming.

PLEASANT
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Sept. 22, 6th
Finish: 1st by 5
Beyer: 91
Comebacker crushed second-level allowance sprint. Pressed pace, easy to lead on turn, romped with plenty left. Up the ladder with well-bred Munnings filly from deep Juddmonte family.

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