Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Jan. 9
BORN TO BE WINNER
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Jan. 6, 6th
Finish: 8th by 9 3/4
Beyer: 50
This shipper from the Midwest deserves another shot after misfiring in an off-turf sprint. Chased a hot pace and backed up. Eligible to rebound when she returns to turf vs. similar.
PRINCESS LEIA
Trainer: Rafael Becerra
Last race: Jan. 7, 1st
Finish: 1st by 3
Beyer: 53
This filly overcame the rail and being shuffled back to score an impressive last-to-first maiden-claiming win. Possibly flattered by the sloppy track, but much improved over her debut.
GYPSY JU JU
Trainer: Mike Machowsky
Last race: Jan. 7, 4th
Finish: 5th by 6 3/4
Beyer: 54
Second-start maiden showed surprising speed before she backed up. She ran better in her debut when she rallied from behind, and might prefer an off-the-pace strategy. Follow once more.
TWENTYTWENTYVISION
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Jan. 7, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 85
Turf specialist possibly was uncomfortable early in an off-turf stakes on a sloppy track, but kicked in late and finished with run in a slow-pace race dominated by speed. This was a better-than-looked effort.