Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Feb. 4, 2019
BIG BUZZ
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: Jan. 31, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 5 1/4
Beyer: 83
Making his first start since being gelded, and helped by a sizzling pace, this 4-year-old maiden scored a convincing last-to-first win. Clearly improved as a gelding, he has found niche as closing sprinter and looms a contender right back in an N1X.
SOLD IT
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Feb. 1, 7th
Finish: 4th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 68
Racing two turns over “good” turf, this front-runner set the pace to deep stretch before being swallowed by the late-runners. Front-end threat next in an N1X for 3-year-old fillies, either surface.
SUPER DUPER COOPER
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Feb. 1, 8th
Finish: 4th by 5
Beyer: 85
Sharp claiming horse up in class, he was caught four wide start to finish in an entry-level allowance mile. Better-than-looked effort by this older gelding, who fits best in N3L claiming.
OMAHA BEACH
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Jan. 4, 6th
Finish: 1st by 9
Beyer: 90
After three runner-up finishes vs. good company, 3-year-old put it all together with blowout maiden sprint win. Good confidence-builder. Well-bred colt has stakes potential.
POLAR
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Feb. 2, 5th
Finish: 7th by 32
Beyer: 29
First-time starter was only prepping. Broke from the rail, sped to the lead setting a fast pace, and backed up. Margin of defeat is not an issue. Graydar colt has ability and should improve.
GIANT EXPECTATIONS
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last race: Feb. 2, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 4 3/4
Beyer: 96
Notoriously slow from gate, veteran stakes winner broke well, set pace in Grade 2, tired while making first start three months. Fine comeback, could show up next in out-of-town stakes race.
SOUL STREIT
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Feb. 3, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 94
Off 17 months since his juvenile campaign, this comeback sprinter ran super. Dueled through a fast pace and finished more than five lengths clear. Short price next time in an N1X.