Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of May 20, 2019
SPOKANE EAGLE
Trainer: Eddie Truman
Last race: May 17, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 3 1/4
Beyer: 86
Returning to dirt, veteran sprinter ran his rivals off their feet in $25,000 claiming sprint. Set fast pace, opened up, coasted. Claimed by Truman from Doug O’Neill, versatile sort can win right back. Dirt only.
SIDE STREET DAVE
Trainer: Gary Sherlock
Last race: May 17, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 48
Debut 2-year-old showed speed in works, but was not quick breaking from rail in race, saved ground, finished well, galloped out with run. Sharp debut, wants farther than 4 ½ furlongs.
LIFELINE
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: May 18, 5th
Finish: 10th by 7 3/4
Beyer: 75
Though he merely ran around the track at 53-1, well-bred comeback gelding (Tapit-Life Is Sweet) claimed for $40,000 from Cliff Sise, is lightly raced and eligible to improve for new stable. Price play only.
KIANA’S LOVE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: May 18, 10th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4
Beyer: 79
Although it is difficult to assess genuine quality in five-furlong turf sprints, this debut filly was impressive. Sped to lead, strong pace, powered home. One mile within reach for long-striding filly. Tough right back, short or long.
WESTPORT
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: May 19, 2nd
Finish: 6th by 13
Beyer: 54
Debut 3-year-old showed promise in morning, but lacked speed and raced greenly in this debut. Made a little move on the turn, flattened out. Tab for major improvement second start.
RAGING WHISKEY
Trainer: Luis Mendez
Last race: May 19, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 5 1/2
Beyer: 51
Well-bet debut 2-year-old showed speed in works, but not in race. Settled at back, raced greenly shying from kickback, angled outside for drive, finished with run. Decent debut.