Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of March 6, 2023
DOINITTHEHARDWAY
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: March 3, race 1
Finish: First by nine lengths
Beyer: 86
Maiden filly stretching back to two turns put it all together in her sixth career start. Scooted to lead, drew away. High figure makes her a leading contender for G2 Santa Anita Oaks on April 8.
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HERECOMEGEORGIEBOY
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: March 3, race 5
Finish: Fifth by 38 3/4 lengths
Beyer: 13
Cal-bred turf maiden recently compromised by wide trips; this time had no shot in race moved from turf to dirt. He completely sputtered. Toss this, follow vs. state-bred maidens, turf only.
BALADI
Trainer: Hector Palma
Last race: March 3, race 8
Finish: Sixth by two and three-quarter lengths
Beyer: 86
Two turns too far for gelding who uncorked premature backstretch move in $50k claiming route, made lead inside, battled, tired in lane. Best as a late-running sprinter. Fits with pace to run at.
FORT BRAGG
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: March 4, race 6
Finish: Fifth by five and one-half lengths
Beyer: 91
First start since December, 3-year-old lost ground throughout in G2 San Felipe, tired, split field. Better-than-looked comeback by Tapit colt from stakes-winning mare. Upset candidate next out?
PRACTICAL MOVE
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: March 4, race 6
Finish: First by two and one-half lengths
Beyer: 100
Not a secret, this is merely to document colt as serious Kentucky Derby contender off his Grade 2 comeback smasher. Saved ground, cut corner, drew off. One more prep, then on to Kentucky.
CLOSING REMARKS
Trainer: Carla Gaines
Last race: March 4, race 5
Finish: Third by one and one-half lengths
Beyer: 86
Snake-bitten turf mare had brutal trip in G2 turf mile. She was on the rail at rear, made inside move into far turn, steadied sharply when pacesetter stopped, re-rallied, finished with run. She was best.
HOPPER
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: March 4, race 12
Finish: Fourth by two and one-quarter lengths
Beyer: 94
Hit gate in Big Cap, may have grabbed himself. Pressed pace outside stablemate, reluctant to settle, dueled, gave way late. Lightly raced (five starts). Haven’t seen his best yet.
AND TELL ME NOLIES
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: March 5, race 3
Finish: Second by two and one-quarter lengths
Beyer: 78
Unraced in four months, she loomed a threat into lane G3 route, flattened out. Promising comeback by G1 winner sets up rematch with winner Faiza in G2 Santa Anita Oaks on April 8.
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