Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of June 5, 2023
GHOSTLY ACT
Trainer: Debbie Winick
Last race: June 2, 1st
Finish: 4th by 5
Beyer: 66
This maiden was foiled by strategy. After being rated and running super last out, he inexplicably set the pace in this turf mile and faded over an anti-speed course. Can rebound next out if he is rated.
CANE CREEK ROAD
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: June 2, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 88
Turf course surprisingly became anti-speed on June 2, and the bias compromised this starter-allowance turf miler. Led to deep stretch, collared. Excellent comeback. He likes the Del Mar turf.
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THIRTY FOUR COUPE
Trainer: George Papaprodomou
Last race; June 2, 9th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 72
An unexpected bias emerged June 2 on turf, and it compromised this front-running gelding. Set pace, led to deep stretch, swallowed. Better than looked. May prefer shorter than nine furlongs.
MUCHO DEL ORO
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: June 3, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 4 3/4
Beyer: 99
Eight-win veteran returned to form, dusted optional-claiming turf sprint in course-record time. Claimed for $50,000 by O’Neill from Vladimir Cerin. The one to catch at Del Mar, short or long.
THE ALYS LOOK
Trainer: Christopher Davis
Last race: June 3, 8th
Finish: 6th by 8
Beyer: 72
Curious strategy contributed to misfire by Kentucky Oaks third-place finisher. Runs best rallying from behind, but unexpectedly set pace and caved. This race was a toss. Draw a line through it.
COLETTE’S JOY
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: June 4, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 64
Debut filly saved ground behind leaders, waited for room while blocked, squeezed through tight hole on rail in deep stretch, finished well, galloped out super. Will fit in Del Mar maiden race.
TWIST
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: June 4, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 89
Promising U.S. debut by French import in N2X turf mile. Keen and rank early, saved ground midfield, hard-held, three-wide rally into lane, drifted wider, outkicked by favorite in sharp try.
RUSSELLS HUSTLE
Trainer: George Papaprodomou
Last race: June 4, 9th
Finish: 4th by 1 3/4
Beyer: 74
Eleven-start maiden ran his best race yet in maiden-claiming turf mile. Saved ground, blocked on rail from three-eighths to eighth pole, no room, tough trip. Come-from-behind upsetter next out?
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