Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of April 11
WILD ABOUT DEB
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: April 9, 1st
Finish: 1st by 6
Beyer: 86
This was an impressive route win by a late-developing maiden 3-year-old in just his second start. Stalked the pace inside, angled out, and romped while “ridden out.” Up the ladder.
TOP FORTITUDE
Trainer: Kory Owens
Last race: April 9, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 87
Making his first start since August in this N2X sprint, this lightly raced 5-year-old lagged, finished with a rush, and galloped out super. This was a big comeback by a Grade 3 winner.
TOUGH BUT NICE
Trainer: Hector Palma
Last race: April 9, 10th
Finish: 7th by 13 lengths
Beyer: 44
Favored in a California-bred stakes, he was uncomfortable with the sloppy going and retreated. Progeny of his sire, Good Journey, often do not care for mud; follow on dry land.
AMERICAN FREEDOM
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: April 9, 12th
Finish: 1st by 1 1/2
Beyer: 98
Impressive debut by this 3-year-old Pulpit colt; he trained super on a fast track and ran equally well on a sloppy track. Pressed the pace wide, inched clear late. Stakes potential.
ENOLA GRAY
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: April 10, 7th
Finish: 1st by 16 1/4
Beyer: 99
Racing over a speed-friendly surface, this California-bred filly set fast factions and won while “ridden out.” Exciting filly emerges as an early favorite for the Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar.
WATCH ME NOW
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Last race: April 10, 11th
Finish: 3rd by 5 1/2
Beyer: 49
This maiden-claiming California-bred was compromised by a slow start and a surface that favored speed and finished okay at even-money. Worth one more chance on a fair track vs. similar.