Santa Anita
Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 15, 2018
WICKED STORM
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: Jan. 11, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 2
Beyer: 74
Solid debut by 3-year-old daughter of Stormy Atlantic. Raced inside, took dirt, finished evenly and galloped out in front. Maidens from this stable typically improve with racing.
OUT OFPATIENCE
Trainer: Kristin Mulhall
Last race: Jan. 12, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 1
Beyer: 75
This veteran ran better than the final time or margin of victory shows. Hounded throughout, shook clear, held sway for his 12th career win. Threat right back at $16,000-$20,000 claiming.
CORE BELIEFS
Trainer: Pete Eurton
Last race: Jan. 13, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 3/4
Beyer: 76
This debut 3-year-old colt ran well. Bumped and away slowly, made middle move saving ground through the turn, angled outside, and put in a steady finish. Promising effort first time out.
ZURI CHOP
Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
Last race: Jan. 13, 6th
Finish: 5th by 1 3/4
Beyer: 86
Blocked through the lane in claiming turf sprint, this veteran deserved a better fate as the favorite. He won two of his previous four starts, and merits respect next in a claiming turf sprint.
QUEEN BLOSSOM
Trainer: Brice Blanc
Last race: Jan. 14, 9th
Finish: 5th by 3 1/4
Beyer: 86
Three and four wide from start to finish in this turf marathon stakes, this mare lost more ground than her margin of defeat. Solid local debut, eligible to N2X.
– Brad Free