Free's horses to watch at Santa Anita for week of June 16
MICKS MIRACLE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: June 11, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 2
Beyer: 85
A nightmare trip cost this colt all chance in a N1X sprint. Off slowly from the rail, he rushed inside, was shuffled back on the turn, and lost ground while wide into the lane. He was tons best.
ACUTE FEVER
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: June 11, 3rd
Finish: 7th by 10 1/2
Beyer: 15
This well-backed first-timer had shown speed in works but was not quick from the rail, shuffled back, and never got close. He can be followed in a 2-year-old maiden-claiming race.
LAROCCO
Trainer: Ted H. West
Last race: June 12, 4th
Finish: 5th by 6 3/4
Beyer: 66
This closing sprinter was compromised by the flow in a race dominated by speed. Claimed by West from Jorge Periban, she fits in a similar $25k claiming sprint.
HOT ORE
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Last race: June 13, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 4 1/2
Beyer: 53
Off last from the rail, this 2-year-old California-bred ran well, closing from last. He could have made a race of it with a clean takeoff. He will benefit from a distance longer than five furlongs.
MIDNIGHT STORM
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: June 13, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 101
Over a slow, boggy turf course, this colt pressed fast fractions, put away his pace rival, and tried to fight back late. He’ll take some beating July 18 in the Grade 1 Eddie Read at Del Mar.