Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 13, 2020
MANHATTAN UP
Trainer: Phil Oviedo
Last race: Jan. 10, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 96
First start in five months, comeback sprinter ran super in second-level allowance won by the pacesetter favorite. Manhattan Up raced inside, waited for room, finished willingly.
BELLA VITA
Trainer: Simon Callaghan
Last race: Jan. 10, 8th
Finish: Second by nose
Beyer: 63
Cal-bred debut filly broke slowly in turf sprint, rallied wide, made lead, nailed. Purchased for $400,000 last year at 2, Bayern filly will be tough next maiden race, either surface.
JOLIE OLIMPICA
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Jan. 11, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 1 1/4
Beyer: 98
Group 1 winner in Brazil, this unbeaten filly scored a smashing U.S. debut victory in Grade 3 turf sprint. Pressed pace, cruised to lead, won without being asked for her best. The sky is the limit for top-class miler.
SWEET DEVIL
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Jan. 11, 7th
Finish: 5th by 4
Beyer: 52
Longshot debut filly was only prepping in maiden turf sprint. Taken back early, rallied behind runners into lane, finished well in traffic, solid debut prep, can improve with experience.
SMILING ANNIE
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Jan. 12, 3rd
Finish: 5th by 2 1/2
Beyer: 67
Likely underlay next Cal-bred turf sprint, because everyone saw her brutal trip. Blocked into and through lane, steadied late, no shot. This 5-year-old mare only needs clean sailing.
MARGOT’S BOY
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: Jan. 12, 9th
Finish: 1st by 2 3/4
Beyer: 72
Another runner by hot sire Clubhouse Ride, second-start gelding flashed improved speed, set pace in Cal-bred maiden turf mile, strong to wire, won with plenty left. Up the ladder.
