Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 6, 2020
BOOGALUTE
Trainer: Mike Puype
Last race: Jan. 1, 7th
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 76
Recently improved with blinkers and speed, had no shot when hopped as gates opened. Broke last, evenly thereafter. Follow in upcoming dirt route, will be realistically placed.
TIZAMAGICIAN
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Jan. 1, 9th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/2
Beyer: 85
Light bulb went on in sixth start, maiden put it all together with convincing route win. Well-regarded Tiznow colt enters winter on upward pattern, class test forthcoming.
DIVINE ARMOR
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Jan. 1, 9th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 81
Sold comeback by 3-year-old maiden colt by Include, stretching out from debut third. Lagged at back, trailed field, finished strongly. Will be tough next maiden dirt route.
OH PRETTY WOMAN
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Jan. 4, 6th
Finish: Third by 1/2
Beyer: 67
Fine comeback by Cal-bred Scat Daddy filly in maiden turf route. Next to last, big finish, can move forward second start back. Stakes winners in pedigree, 5-year-old can win next.
PROVERB
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Jan. 4, 7th
Finish: 4th by 7
Beyer: 77
Generous to forgive odds-on dud N1X dirt route, but race unfolded wrong. Pressed early, sucked back, sandwiched, uncomfortable, surrendered eighth pole. This race was a toss.
LIAM’S PRIDE
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Jan. 4, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 73
Debut colt, Liam’s Map sibling to G1 winner Morning Line, dueled through fast pace turf sprint, hung tough to deep stretch, tired. Excellent debut, should be fine on dirt also.
BORDER TOWN
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Jan. 5, 1st
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 75
Older maiden making local debut in turf mile, off slow, lagged, big finish, race won by pacesetter. Older maidens are dubious, but War Front colt should be tough in turf route.
FOSTER BOI
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Jan. 5, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 73
Five and one-half on turf too short for Cal-bred N1X comeback gelding. Off slow, trailed early, finished evenly first start in seven months. Statebred N1X turf mile would be ideal.