Santa Anita
Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 8
SANTA ANITA
PAVED
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Jan. 6, 4th
Finish: 1st by 5 1/2
Beyer: 88
This 3-year-old filly put it all together third time out with blowout maiden win in nine-furlong maiden turf race. The sky is the limit for the Quality Road filly. The farther the better.
SMOOTH AND SAVVY
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Jan. 6, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 2
Beyer: 50
She did all the dirty work setting the pace under pressure in maiden-50 sprint for Cal-breds, stuck in there to deep stretch, and got swallowed. Better-than-looked effort.
ISOTHERM
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Jan. 6, 7th
Finish: 5th by 2 3/4
Beyer: 95
Off 10 months, this comebacker ran well in a Grade 2 turf route. Followed winner Itsinthepost, loomed outside, and lost his punch. He ran like he needed a start. Can be followed, on either surface.
SCATHING
Trainer: Adam Kitchingman
Last race: Jan. 6, 8th
Finish: 5th by 1 1/4
Beyer: 63
Racing perhaps over her head for $16,000 claiming, she lost ground on the turn, was wide into the lane, and had a willing finish. Follow on the slight drop, particularly in sprint with pace to run at.
PRINCESS PRINCESS
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Jan. 7, 4th
Finish: 5th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 81
Four wide through the far turn, she lost her punch in the lane. It was a promising return from a layoff. She would benefit by saving more ground.
– Brad Free