Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of April 21
MIDNIGHT STORM
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: April 16, 6th
Finish: 1st by 7 3/4
Beyer: 105
A good 3-year-old last year, this turf colt returned as an improved 4-year-old with a blazing (1:33.31) allowance mile that makes him the horse to beat June 13 in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile.
MIDNIGHT TRANSFER
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: April 17, 7th
Finish: 5th by 3
Beyer: 83
Unraced since last June, this veteran stakes winner ran like he needed the start, losing his punch in the final furlong. He was claimed for $62,500 by Ellis from Carla Gaines.
SPARKLING PEG
Trainer: Bill Spawr
Last race: April 17, 8th
Finish: 6th by 13 1/4
Beyer: 34
This maiden-claiming filly was compromised by a four- and five-wide trip. Claimed by Spawr from Hector Palma, she can handle similar with a better trip/rider switch.
I’M POPEYE
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: April 18, 5th
Finish: 8th by 11 1/4
Beyer: 33
The rail post led to an impossible trip for this 3-year-old claiming sprinter. He raced inside in traffic, was never comfortable, and faded. He can make amends with an outside draw.
SETTHEBIGBOYSFREE
Trainer: Jim Cassidy
Last race: April 19, 4th
Finish: 7th by 22 3/4
Beyer: 13
Gunned from the rail in a maiden-$20K at seven furlongs, this gelding paid the price for the “send” strategy and tired in the lane. He might prefer an easier pace around two turns.