Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 2
BRAINSPIN
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Dec. 30, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 77
This front-runner dueled though fast pace in a minor stakes, shook off her rivals, and got collared by a closer. Improving speedster is eligible to second allowance condition.
SWEET CHARITY
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Jan. 1, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 89
A European import, she probably was best in this N2X allowance. Hard held saving ground behind the pace, blocked along inside in the lane, surged late, and put in a big finish. This was a fine U.S. debut.
IKE WALKER
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Jan. 1, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 5 3/4
Beyer: 81
Hopped and off slowly, raced near the back behind a slow pace, and went evenly late in a good comeback. Claimed by Hollendorfer for $50,000 from Doug O’Neill, he can improve second start back.
FRENCH GETAWAY
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: Jan. 2, 5th
Finish: 4th by 7 1/4
Beyer: 69
This comebacker was not disgraced in an N1X sprint. Ridden to keep up, he was one-paced, and went evenly late. This was a useful prep by colt that wants longer and might prefer turf or synthetic.
GANGSTER
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Jan. 2, 8th
Finish: 4th by 2
Beyer: 91
This N2X turf horse was compromised by a wide trip going nine furlongs. Three and four wide start to finish, he loomed threat in the lane and lost his punch. Better than looked, for sure.