Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of May 3, 2021
ATOMIC DROP
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: April 30, race 1
Finish: 5th by 6 1/4
Beyer: 59
Stretch-out maiden got banged around at start, stirred up and sped to lead unrelaxed, hounded by rival, faded. Race was a toss. Follow in Cal-bred maiden route, turf or dirt.
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CIRCLE OF HONOR
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: April 30, race 3
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 50
Maiden-claiming filly much improved at two turns. Forwardly placed, wide into lane while winner cut corner, finished more than three lengths clear of next horse. Maiden-claiming route win soon.
ASTUTE
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: May 1, race 5
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4
Beyer: 88
Three-year-old comeback filly, highly regarded last year, scored sharp 2021 debut in sprint stakes. Sped to lead, wired field, galloped out with run. Poised for big season.
CLOSING REMARKS
Trainer: Carla Gaines
Last race: May 1, race 10
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 75
Trouble-prone 3-year-old filly was best in Grade 3 turf mile. Clipped heels, stumbled at start, trailed field, lost ground six wide into lane, finished well. Trouble is her middle name.
BIG CITY LIGHTS
Trainer: Luis Mendez
Last race: May 2, race 2
Finish: 1st by 12 1/2
Beyer: 93
Debut 2-year-old by Mr. Big crushed in well-bet debut. Set pace, long gone, finished four-fifths faster than curiously publicized 2yo winner Big Treat (also by Mr. Big) two days earlier.
TEAM MERCHANTS
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: May 2, race 5
Finish: 5th by 60 1/2
Beyer: -0
Three-year-old trained well for comeback, but like many in Santa Anita turf sprints, he took awkward step at dirt crossing. He dropped back and was eased. Follow when returns to dirt.