Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of June 18, 2018
NARDINI
Trainer: David Hofmans
Last race: June 14, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 2
Beyer: 43
A debut juvenile filly, she was pushed along early, steadied slightly at the three-eighths while inside, and finished evenly in lane. Useful debut, likely to improve second time out.
SOUTER
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: June 14, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 1
Beyer: 76
This gelding broke a step slowly and then was caught four wide from start to finish in a starter allowance at a mile on turf. Despite the compromising trip, he made it close late.
EYE OF THE RIVER
Trainer: Martin Bellocq
Last race: June 14, 8th
Finish: 4th by 5 3/4
Beyer: 63
Despite racing four wide throughout in a maiden-claiming turf mile, this filly outran more than half the field. The 12-start maiden merits longshot consideration in Cal-bred maiden turf routes.
OLIVER
Trainer: Lis Mendez
Last race: June 15, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 1 ¾
Beyer: 40
Though he showed speed in works, this 2-year-old first-timer was outrun for the lead. He waited behind runners on the turn, was four wide at the quarter pole, and finished evenly. Solid debut. Expect more gas next out.
TWO THIRTY FIVE
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: June 17, 5th
Finish: 1st by 4 1/4
Beyer: 104
This improving gelding is now 3 for 4 in routes after this N2X romp. Sired by Stay Thirsty and produced by a well-bred unraced dam that sold for $1 million as yearling, Two Thirty Five can handle another class hike.