Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Oct. 14, 2019
I BELONG TO BECKY
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: Oct. 10, 2nd
Finish: 5th by 6
Beyer: 61
Impossible trip from rail-compromised 3-year-old claiming sprinter. Off slowly, he was unable to establish position, had a wide trip, and split the field. Claimed for $16,000 by Miller from Mark Glatt.
GETALOADOFTHIS
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Oct. 11, 5th
Finish: 5th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 76
Fast pace sealed the fate of this $32,000 claiming sprinter at six and one-half furlongs. Dueled inside through a blazing 22.59 second quarter and tired in a race dominated by closers. Better than looked effort.
MAJESTIC GIGI
Trainer: Hector Palma
Last race: Oct. 12, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 61
Comebacker was 20-1 on the morning line and started at 4-1. Sped to the lead, opened up, got worn down late, and finished clear of third. Speedy juvenile filly will take some catching next out. Has improved since summer.
MATERA
Trainer: Dan Ward
Last race: Oct. 12, 6th
Finish: 1st by nose
Beyer: 69
Los Alamitos-based juvenile filly had fast works at home track. Posted a gritty win, re-rallying on the slower Santa Anita surface. Tapit sibling to Grade 1 winner Liam’s Map and Grade 1-placed Not This Time could be any type.
SHANDLING
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Oct. 13, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 4
Beyer: 74
Debut gelding was 8-1 on the morning line and started as the 2.90-1 favorite. Shuffled early, he finished with run in the maiden turf sprint and could have made it a race with a better trip. This 3-year-old gelding can run.
SAVING SOPHIE
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: Oct. 14, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 66
Comeback maiden rallied wide and finished well over speed-friendly racetrack. This was a solid comeback for the 3-year-old Creative Cause filly, purchased for $260,000 at age 2.
STORMING LADY
Trainer: Alfredo Marquez
Last race: Oct. 14, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 81
Brutal trip in second-level allowance turf sprint. She was caught in traffic and stuck behind rivals into the lane. Despite the uneasy trip, she finished with run. Susceptible to trouble due to closing style, but might have been best.