Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Feb. 5, 2018
ALLABOUTACTION
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Feb. 1, 5th
Finish: 1st by 4 1/2
Beyer: 86
This $25,000 claiming sprinter crushed in his second start following a layoff. Went the opening half in a quick 44.85, drew off. Repeat likely on Santa Anita dirt or Golden Gate synthetic.
THE TULIP
Trainer: Paddy Gallagher
Last race: Feb. 1, 7th
Finish: 10th by 9
Beyer: 69
A first-level allowance mare, she was rallying on the far turn when she took an awkward step at a problematic area near the quarter pole of the turf course, and stopped. This was a toss.
RESTORING HOPE
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Feb. 2, 6th
Finish: 1st by 3 1/2
Beyer: 89
This promising 3-year-old removed blinkers and parlayed easy pressing trip into a sharp maiden win. He finished strongly and will get a class test next start in a graded Derby prep.
:: The Road to the Kentucky Derby Player's Package
ONCE ON WHISKEY
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Feb. 3, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 76
Very solid debut by 3-year-old. He was green early, more than 10 lengths behind, stayed wide, put in a big rally into the lane, and finished fast with a super gallop-out. Bodemeister colt wants more ground.
BOWIE
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Feb. 3, 9th
Finish: 1st by 5
Beyer: 93
This lightly raced 4-year-old filly delivered a crushing maiden win in her first start on the hill, setting the pace and widening late while ridden out. Short price next time in N1X.
THIRTEEN SQUARED
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Feb. 4, 4th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 73
Possibly overmatched in a Grade 2 route, this 3-year-old filly sizzled the fastest six furlongs (1:1:11.73) of the meet for one mile and gave way. Longshot pace play next out if she rations her speed.
SPRING LILY
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: Feb. 4, 5th
Finish: 1st by 5
Beyer: 88
A second-start maiden 3-year-old, this Union Rags filly romped. Not quick from the gate, she was three wide in a five-way jam, shook free into the lane, and was gone. Bred to run long, she has a bright future.
– Brad Free
