Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Dec. 26
DABSTER
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Dec. 26, 3rd
Finish: 1st by head (DQ’d to 4th)
Beyer: 72
A first-time starter by Curlin, this million-dollar colt showed speed in a sprint, shook loose into the lane, started goofing around, drifted out, caused interference, and was disqualified. Top prospect is likely to stretch to a maiden route for second start late January.
PAVELSKI
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Dec. 26, 3rd
Finish: 6th by 7 1/2
Beyer: 56
This Street Boss colt lacked speed, uncorked a middle move, and then flattened out in the lane in a better-than-looked debut. He is another likely to improve with distance and experience.
CYLINDERS
Trainer: Mike Pender
Last race: Dec. 26, 5th
Finish: 4th by 5 3/4
Beyer: 67
A debut filly by The Factor, she raced inside and ran evenly throughout while gaining an education. Good start to career. Maidens from this stable generally improve with racing.
HE WILL
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Dec. 26, 6th
Finish: 8th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 92
Turning back in distance to a Grade 3 turf sprint, he steadied briefly at the dirt crossing, was blocked into the lane, split horses, and finished full of run. He is a contender stretching back out in $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic on Jan. 28.