Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Feb. 20
NOWALKING
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Feb. 16, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 2 3/4
Beyer: 94
Off nearly two years, returning as first-time gelding, this veteran stormed home to win highly rated $35,000 claiming (N3L) sprint. Sprint or route, 6-year-old should have a big year.
SKYE DIAMONDS
Trainer: Bill Spawr
Last race: Feb. 16, 6th
Finish: 1st by 5 3/4
Beyer: 95
This 6-for-12 sprint filly trounced N2X opponents with career-best fig, won ridden out. Upcoming stakes options in March include Grade 3 Las Flores, and $100,000 Irish O’Brien for Cal-breds on turf.
DENMAN’S CALL
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Feb. 18, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 93
He was eliminated when he bobbled at the break and broke many lengths slowly, made extended run thereafter, and was undoubtedly best in an N1X sprint. With a clean break he should beat similar.
WEST COAST
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Feb. 18, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 91
A first-time starter at one mile, he chased loose-on-lead stablemate, and finished more than seven clear of the rest. Solid debut from colt by Flatter, produced by BC Juvenile Fillies winner Caressing.
LIFELINE
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Feb. 20, 6th
Finish: 3rd by neck
Beyer: 73
Tapit colt out of BC Distaff winner Life Is Sweet, this first-timer ran super in turf route. He was rank and pulled early, settled, and put in a big finish between foes, with a strong gallop-out. Solid debut.
SMITTEN KITTEN
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: Feb. 20, 7th
Finish: 5th by 6 1/4
Beyer: 37
A debut filly in a Cal-bred maiden-50, she broke slowly, trailed, made a middle move through the turn, and went evenly. The race was better than it looked. Maidens from this stable usually improve with racing.