Free: Southern California horses to watch for week of Sept. 13, 2021
PRESKITT
Trainer: Walther Solis
Last race: Sept. 10, race 2
Finish: 4th by 6 1/2
Beyer: 39
Two-year-old filly ran better than running line looks. Dueled inside during fast first quarter, took back, re-rallied past tiring leaders, split the field. Fits vs. Cal-bred maidens.
SELF TAUGHT
Trainer: Bob Hess Jr.
Last race: Sept. 10, race 4
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 80
Runner-up in three straight behind the streaking Red Valor, mid-level claiming sprinter Self Taught ran super again. Trailed, angled out, finished fast in race won by pacesetter.
WICKED SUNSET
Trainer: Marcia Storz
Last race: Sept. 11, race 3
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 51
Sprint mare compromised when jockey Silvio Amador curiously stopped riding in deep stretch. Amador was suspended three days for “failure to ride his mount to the finish, costing him a better finish position.”
DOZO
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: Sept. 11, race 8
Finish: 7th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 61
Late odds drop (4-1 to 2-1 as gates opened) on Cal-bred allowance filly. She was unable to establish position, steadied in traffic, dropped out. Toss race. Fits best in restricted claiming sprint.
ELEVADO
Trainer: Mike Puype
Last race: Sept. 11, race 9
Finish: 4th by 7 1/4
Beyer: 64
Fast-working debut 2-year-old engaged in pace duel with odds-on favorite, hung tough to stretch, tired final furlong in promising debut. Elevado might be the one to catch next out.
NICHIREN
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Sept. 12, race 4
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 75
Class-drop sprinter ran super in starter allowance. Set/pressed fast fractions, shook off pace rivals, collared by late-running favorite. Nichiren can be long gone next time out.