Free: Santa Anita horses to watch

Santa Anita

MISCHIEF CLEM
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: Oct. 3, 4th
Finish: 1st by 1 1/4
Beyer: 67

This second-timer improved a ton, though he earned a similar figure to his winning debut. Removing blinkers, he had trouble at the start, last early, weaved through traffic, rallied to the lead, and won going away in sharp style. Next stop, $200,000 statebred stakes Nov. 1.

SONGFORJOHNMICHAEL
Trainer: Dan Hendricks
Last race: Oct. 3, 5th
Finish: 1st by 5 1/4
Beyer: 88

This improving 3-year-old ran like he had trained, setting a fast pace and crushing his rivals with a career-best number. He can win right back moving up to N1X.

DOELING
Trainer: Tom Proctor
Last race: Oct. 4, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 62

A first-time starter in a downhill sprint, this Purim filly was outrun early, last crossing the dirt, and flew home along the inside. She had the race shape working against her and ran well despite the slow pace.

RICH TAPESTRY
Trainer: C.W. Chang
Last race: Oct. 4, 8th
Finish: 1st by a nose
Beyer: 105

This top-class international sprinter stamped himself as a legitimate Breeders’ Cup Sprint contender with a sharp U.S. debut in fast time. He recently ran in two unrecognized races in Hong Kong, including a 12-runner “race” in September. Therefore, he is less likely to “bounce” in the BC Sprint. He is a serious contender.