Free: Santa Anita horses to watch for week of Sept. 30, 2019
CONVINCINGLY
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Sept. 27, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 3/4
Beyer: 59
Maiden filly improved a bunch second out in turf mile. Trouble early, blocked late, good finish. Declaration of War juvenile produced by sibling to 2000 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Kalanisi is ready for diploma.
EXPRESS TRAIN
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: Sept. 27, 8th
Finish: 4th by 8 1/2
Beyer: 73
Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes too much for juvenile colt who previously romped over maidens. Will skip BC Juvenile, and could run Del Mar fall meet. Remains among circuit’s top 3-year-old prospects for 2020.
CHAMPERS
Trainer: Bob Hess, Jr.
Last race: Sept. 28, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 4
Beyer: 62
Up in class to maiden special weight first start off $50,000 claim, this colt ran well. Forwardly placed in closers-dominated race that was the faster split of 2-year-old maiden turf mile. Can be followed.
DONNA VELOCE
Trainer: Simon Callaghan
Last race: Sept. 28, 4th
Finish: 1st by 9 1/4
Beyer: 91
Uncle Mo filly ran to advance billing in flashy debut, as impressive visually as it looks on paper. Bright future, but only if BC Juvenile Fillies is not too much to ask too soon for her second start.
ACCLIMATE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Sept. 28, race 7
Finish: Second by one length
Beyer: 95
Speedster set insane pace in Grade 2, 1 ¼-mile turf race, fought back, and was tough to get past. Super effort. Might run in BC Turf, looms longshot theft candidate.
STEALTHEDIAMONDS
Trainer: Jonathan Wong
Last race: Sept. 28, 11th
Finish: 5th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 77
The 5 ½-furlong distance on turf begins on dirt oval, and this filly lost her chance when she stumbled severely as gates opened. Recovered, showed speed to press pace, gave way. Race is a toss.
THUNDER CODE
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: Sept. 29, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 81
Well-regarded second-start 2-year-old colt compromised by strategy. Showed blazing speed in 21.52 first quarter, battled back, tired. Back to drawing board. Needs to settle early.
