Free's review: Big efforts from top horses

From a breakout performance in a first-level allowance to a solid Grade 1 victory by a Midwest shipper, top horses produced big efforts Saturday at Santa Anita.

Fury in defeat

Although odds-on Fury Kapcori lost the Grade 2 Californian Stakes, his runner-up finish was actually a fine effort. That takes nothing away from winner Clubhouse Ride, an old pro who has returned to the best form of his career.

Fury Kapcori had won four straight and was expected to use versatility to sit second in the Californian behind likely pacesetter Storm Fighter. But instead, Fury Kapcori raced to the front. The fractions were fast in the 1 1/8-mile race – 45.97 seconds and 1:10.02.

Fury Kapcori shook away from his pace rival at the quarter pole but drifted off the rail into the lane. That allowed closer Clubhouse Ride, with a fine ground-saving ride from Joe Talamo, to cut the corner. Clubhouse hooked Fury Kapcori from the inside, and those two battled to the wire.

Clubhouse Ride inched clear and won by a half-length in 1:48.74, good for a 104 Beyer.

Considering the fast pace, Fury Kapcori ran well. It remains unknown how far he can run. Six wins were at 1 1/16 miles or less. But if he goes 1 1/4 miles June 28 in the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita, Fury Kapcori would make it interesting for presumptive Gold Cup favorite Game On Dude. Both are frontrunners.

Clubhouse Ride won the Californian for a second straight year. He won last year at Hollywood Park. Clubhouse Ride would have a big chance in the Gold Cup.

The win by Clubhouse Ride, previously fourth in the Charles Town Classic, validates Imperative and Game On Dude, one-two in the CT Classic and expected in the Gold Cup.

Gold Cup rankings, first look: 1-Game on Dude, 2-Clubhouse Ride, 3-Imperative, 4-Fury Kapcori, 5-Majestic Harbor.

Oaks to shipper

The American Oaks was run for the first time at Santa Anita, and Midwest shipper Room Service crushed the 1 1/4-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies.

Wayne Catalano trains the filly, owned by Gary and Mary West. She shipped from her Midwest base and rolled to a 2 1/4-length win under Shaun Bridgmohan. The favorite Nashoba’s Key took up in traffic at the quarter pole. It did not cost her the win, but she could have made it closer.

Sweet Bliss, considered “live” at 6.80-1, was keen and unrelaxed. She pressed a fast pace three wide void of cover, and surrendered. She needs to learn to switch off. Room Service will return to the Midwest, while the locals, including runner-up Diversy Harbor, become candidates for summer turf filly series at Del Mar. The Grade 2 San Clemente Handicap will be run July 19, followed Aug. 16 by the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks.

School’s in for summer

The race 4 allowance win by Schoolofhardrocks was among the most impressive performances on the Saturday card. In his first turf route, he finally put it all together and romped by more than four lengths. A 3-year-old, he trounced his older rivals in 1:47.83 and earned a 93 Beyer.

All winter, Schoolofhardrocks trained like a beast for David Hofmans. Clockers loved him. But he did not deliver on dirt, twice finishing far behind California Chrome. A son of good turf sire Rock Hard Ten, Schoolofhardrocks improved last out when he switched to a grass sprint. On Saturday, he took another step forward going 1 1/8 miles.

Early this winter, one idea making the rounds was that Schoolofhardrocks was the best 3-year-old in California. Maybe that optimistic assessment only needed a qualifier – best 3-year-old in California on grass. Schoolofhardrocks is owned by his breeder, John Amerman. He could be any sort.

Horses to watch

CIRCLE THE MOON
Trainer: Karen Headley
Last race: May 31, 1st
Finish: 5th by 5 1/4
Beyer: 75

Three and four wide every step in a $40,000 claiming route on turf, this gelding was not at all disgraced. Next time, with a frontrunning trip, he has a shot to upset.

BROADWAY BELLA
Trainer: Julio Canani
Last race: May 31, 6th
Finish: 6th by 3
Beyer: 61

Four wide throughout racing a mile on turf in a $40,000 maiden claimer, this filly would have been right there with a different trip. Sired by English Channel, she is getting good.