Free's review: Surface fair to all

Thursday, May 8 review

The racing surface played slower than normal, which was both unusual and encouraging. Late-runners actually had a chance. That is something that has not happened often this spring over a dirt surface that is typically fast and speed-conducive.

A bias-free surface is always welcome, and the main track was definitely bias-free. Examples included the race for 2-year-olds which was won from behind in slow time, and a low-level claiming race for 3-year-olds that fell apart after a quick half-mile.

Normally in those circumstances, the speed would hold. It did not hold Thursday, which was just fine, because the best horses won. How about that?

BABY TALK

Sea Mona did not break any time records in her debut in race 1. In fact, based on final time (4 1/2 furlongs in 53.22; Beyer Figure 48) the race was awful. But the 2-year-old sibling to stakes winner Let Em Shine was thoroughly professional. Sea Mona ($11.20) was not quick from the rail, sucked back behind the pace, rallied three wide and won going away.

Trained by Adam Kitchingman and ridden by Joe Talamo, Sea Mona is by the excellent debut stallion Tiz Wonderful, whose progeny have won 21 percent first out. Cannot overlook the final time, but Sea Mona galloped out well, and should go farther than 4 1/2 furlongs.

The disappointment was odds-on Desert Steel, who was well backed based on sharp workouts. She dueled three wide, was no match for the winner, and finished a tired second. Desert Steel is by a stallion whose progeny have not fared well first out. Desert Codes are now 1 for 16 in their career debut.

This handicapper erred Thursday by inferring that the sire did not matter because Desert Steel had trained fast. The stallion does matter. Pedigree nuances matter. And the next time a first-timer by Desert Code shows up against a first-timer by Tiz Wonderful, the same mistake will not be made. Tiz Jolie, a first-timer by Tiz Wonderful, runs Friday in race 1.

Kyankes, second choice, was shuffled back early, made a little move on the turn, and flattened out badly. Fourth-place finisher Abets Abet had a brutal trip. Her trouble was self-caused. She was uncomfortable inside and behind runners, took up multiple times, and could have finished closer. She can be followed.

TURF SPRINT

It was five minutes to post for race 1 when the announcement was made that race-3 entrant The Cleaners was scratched due to a shoeing issue. The scratch was pivotal for pick-five bettors, because it put front-runner Big Note on a lonely lead in the $50,000 claiming sprint.

Big Note got his front-running trip, and went slow (21.80 down the hill is easy). But he did not open up. A Toast to You was always within striking range, and outgamed Big Note to win by a head as the $6.40 favorite. The win by A Toast to You validates the form of Safety Belt, a good South American that won the allowance race A Toast to You was exiting. Safety Belt runs Sunday in race 2.

Ed Moger claimed A Toast to You in a two-way shake. Moger also trains Luckarack, a closer who did not have a fair chance in race 3 due to the pace.

NO SLAM DUNK

Cousin Ricky was hammered to 3-5 in race 4, a sprint for $12,500 claiming 3-year-olds. But the pace was too fast for the low-level gelding. The opening quarter-mile was 21.95, the half was 45.02. That is too fast for this level, particularly over a slower-than-normal surface.

Cousin Ricky, so-called “best bet” by this Daily Racing Form handicapper (should be called “most probable winner”) put away the speed, but was no match for Runaway Que ($14.40). The winner was last early, got a ground-saving ride from Joe Talamo, and won going away. Didn’t think he could sprint, but given ideal circumstances, he certainly can.

Cousin Ricky ran well in defeat and was claimed by Tim Yakteen in a three-way shake. Turf Paradise invader Colton’s First met his match. He finished nowhere as the co-second choice. It was disappointing for bettors who thought 5-1 was an overlay. Alas, it was not.

JOCKEYS

Yes, riders do make a difference. Corey Nakatani rode Unusual Style for the first time in race 5, a turf route for California-bred maiden fillies and mares. Nakatani stayed on the rail every step of the mile race, remained inside when the proverbial Red Sea opened along the rail in the lane, and won going away. Unusual Style returned $8.60.

Unusual Style was sired by Unusual Heat. Another filly by that sire did not make it back. Nightfall broke down in the right front, and was later euthanized. It was the second career start for the sibling to stakes winner Beltene.

The mystery was Princesskatiebella. Her debut was smart, but she was keen and unrelaxed Thursday and empty into the lane. A horse’s second start is often more revealing than the first, and it certainly was for Princesskatiebella. Even if she is better than her ninth-place finish indicates, her class is debatable. Not a good second start.

Fernando Perez gave Born Lucky ($6.40) a patient ride in race 6. He saved ground until the top of the lane, swung outside, and won by length. Nice ride by a good, low-profile jockey. The runner-up was Lilly’s Perfect for the Art Sherman-Victor Espinoza (California Chrome) team. Born Lucky and Lilly’s Perfect both were claimed by Peter Miller. Both claims were later voided. The “voided-claim” exacta returned $11.40 for $1.

Aaron Gryder ended an uncharacteristic 45-race drought in race 7 by guiding Mangita ($6.40) to a victory in race 7, a mile turf allowance for California-bred fillies and mares. It was the first Santa Anita win for Gryder since March 27. Call it an aberration.

Horses to Watch

ABETS ABET

Trainer: Mike Harrington

Last race: May 8, 1st

Finish: 4th by 5 1/2

Beyer: 29

It was a tough trip for this 2-year-old first-timer. She raced inside, and wanted no part of the tight quarters, took up repeatedly, and faltered late. The race was slow, but this filly by Southern Image is worth a second look from an outside draw.