Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Feb. 11, 2019
EQUAL MEASURE
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: Feb. 7, race 4
Finish: Second by eight lengths
Beyer: 58
A maiden facing winners, first-time long on a “good” track she might not have preferred, this filly ran okay. Rail trip third, dropped back, late interest inside. Follow vs. maidens.
BASHFUL
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Feb. 7, race 6
Finish: Seventh by 18 lengths
Beyer: 51
Well bet after winning first two starts, she had an excuse for this misfire. Fussy pre-race, void of speed, exited “foot sore.” Minor setback, follow in similar N2X any distance.
SEA OF LIBERTY
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Feb. 8, race 8
Finish: Second by one-half length
Beyer: 66
This gelding might have been best in turf mile for Cal-bred 3-year-old maidens. Steadied early, hard-held backstretch, lost ground rallying wide, finished clear of third. Next time.
RIVER BOYNE
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Feb. 9, race 7
Finish: Fourth by one and one-quarter lengths
Beyer: 91
Universal “horse to watch” after debacle in Grade 3 turf mile. Tried to split horses at furlong pole, no room, steadied, eliminated. Was previously 6-for-6 Santa Anita turf.
EPICAL
Trainer: Jim Cassidy
Last race: Feb. 9, race 9
Finish: Second by three-quarters of a length
Beyer: 96
Big effort in G2 San Marcos. After two front-running allowance wins, hard-held while rated, angled out, big late kick. Ten-start Uncle Mo gelding big future long-distance turf.
TRAPPIZA
Trainer: Mike Pender
Last race: Feb. 10, race 4
Finish: Third by one length
Beyer: 55
This mare was tons best in non-winners two claiming route. Third on rail, steadied and shuffled twice far turn, lost position, re-rallied, big finish. Certain winner with clean trip.
DESSMAN
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Feb. 10, race 8
Finish: Second by nose
Beyer: 94
Second-start colt looms serious 3-year-old after big effort G2 sprint. Pressed pace, made early move turn, opened up, collared, fought back late, galloped out well. Derby sleeper?