Free: Southern California horses to watch for week of Dec. 9, 2019
MEISTERMIND
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Dec. 7, race 3
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 83
This gelding rallied from last in $25,000 starter route won by pacesetter. Meistermind remains in peak form, and would be competitive in allowance or high-level claiming route at Santa Anita.
TOROSAY
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Dec. 7, race 5
Finish: 2nd by 7
Beyer: 80
A lightly raced gelding, this turf-to-dirt sprinter set a hot pace and held second behind runaway winner. Could be long gone in entry-level allowance turf sprint at Santa Anita.
AZUL COAST
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Dec. 8, race 3
Finish: 1st by 4
Beyer: 75
Caught five wide both turns, this debut 2-year-old trounced maidens at a mile. Wet track benefitted the Super Saver colt, but this was a smashing debut nonetheless. Could be an exciting 3-year-old in 2020.
AFTERNOON HEAT
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: Dec. 8, race 5
Finish: 3rd by 4 1/2
Beyer: 73
Slow from the gate, this California-bred 3-year-old maiden finished willingly despite the tardy takeoff. Would be tough in statebred maiden-claiming sprint at Santa Anita.
