Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 1
PADDOCK PICK
Trainer: Brian Koriner
Last race: Dec. 26, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 75
Maiden by first-crop stallion Graydar, he finally ran to his works, setting a strong pace before tiring in 7f MSW. Set for front-running maiden win.
COLONIST
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Dec. 26, 6th
Finish: 4th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 91
Broke dead last in G2 turf mile for 3yos and finished with run in first start in nearly three months. He faced good foes (West Coast, Sharp Samurai) all season, eligible to N2X.
CHOO CHOO
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Dec. 29, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 81
A full brother to dirt graded winner Blueskiesnrainbows, he pressed the pace all the way in turf mile stakes for 2yos; evenly late.
DONWORTH
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: Dec. 30, 6th
Finish: 1st by 5 1/2
Beyer: 99
Back-class gelding returned to top form for new trainer Miller with big win in N1X/optional $40k claiming. 6yo threat right back at level, looms San Pasqual upset candidate Feb. 3.
NEW DANCER
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Dec. 29, 3rd
Finish: 6th by 5 3/4
Beyer: 69
Older maiden may be worth another chance after setting wicked pace (42.98 half) and fading in downhill turf sprint. He can rally from off the pace. Win candidate with more patient ride.
MORE HONOR
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Jan. 1, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 9 1/2
Beyer: 75
Lost in hoopla on 96-Beyer winner Ax Man was this runner-up gelding’s debut. Not quick, lost ground, finished with run and galloped out in front. Very promising 3yo.