Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 29, 2018
TEQUILA SUNRISE
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Jan. 25, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 67
This filly deserves another shot after an okay comeback, her first start in six months, over an extremely slow dirt track. She raced wide throughout, went evenly late, and can move up in her second start back. Either surface is fine, turf or dirt.
LAUREN’S LADD
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Jan. 25, 1st
Finish: 7th by 6 3/4
Beyer: 63
This was a nightmare trip in a claiming turf mile. Steadied and shuffled on the first turn, he was blocked and took up on the rail at furlong pole, and lost his chance. Disregard this; he might prefer to sprint.
COGNITIVE
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Jan. 26, 6th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 75
This Uncle Mo first-time starter might be better than the modest Beyer Figure indicates. Not quick, she was behind runners, took dirt, angled outside, and won more convincingly than the margin. A 3-year-old filly, she should move up next out.
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last race: Jan. 27, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 6 1/2
Beyer: 52
This maiden filly is ready to run long. She is not quick, but finished willingly for third in both her sprints. Her pedigree and running style suggest two turns. Follow on the stretch-out.
STRADELLA ROAD
Trainer: Gary Stute
Last race: Jan. 28, 7th
Finish: 3rd by 3
Beyer: 68
Maiden sibling to Grade 2 winner Papa Clem ran super in a turf sprint. Off slowly, she was hounded through blazing early fractions, put away a pace foe, and tired in a race dominated by closers. Expect her to stretch to two turns next out. She could be long gone.
– Brad Free
