Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of May 12
CALIFORNIASUMMER
Trainer: Antonio Soto
Last race: May 5, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 48
This 2-year-old colt flashed speed, finished miles clear of third in a sharp debut. Sibling to 8-for-37 Noble Kent and other winners, looks tough next out vs. similar Cal-bred maidens.
ELEKTRUM
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: May 5, 8th
Finish: 7th by 4
Beyer: 88
Good prep for turf mare in mile turf shorter than prefers. Anchored in rear flight, behind wall of horses into lane, she finished with run in first start since November. She wants longer.
HOME RUN KITTEN
Trainer: David Hofmans
Last race: May 6, 6th
Finish: 1st by one-half
Beyer: 97
It is tempting to downgrade 14-1 “off-turf” upset due to “wet-fast” main track. But former graded winner worked well even when seemingly off form, he simply abhors Santa Anita turf. He is a legit threat right back any spot except local turf.
OHIO
Trainer: Paulo Lobo
Last race: May 6, 6th
Finish: 6th by 35 1/2
Beyer: 38
A bad stumble at the start cost this promising Southern American all chance in off-turf stakes. He was off last, rolled up to chase fast pace, tired. Worth another shot in a second-level allowance, preferably turf.
BOY HOWDY
Trainer: Bill Spawr
Last race: May 7, 2nd
Finish: 1st by head
Beyer: 71
Well-regarded Cal-bred earned low fig, but this debut was better than number. Disliked surface (“fast,” but moist), hind legs cut while scrambling, won despite. Long-bodied colt has future around two turns.
STORY TO TELL
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Last race: May 7, 5th
Finish: 1st by 5 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 90
A stakes winner as a 2-year-old, this 4-year-old returned to form first off claim by Diodoro. Pressed fast pace and ran away to win $25k claiming sprint by more than five. Back up the ladder.