Hammersly's preview: Juveniles get first big test

JUVENILES IN SPOTLIGHT

Sunday’s Santa Anita Juvenile (for 2-year-old males at 5 1/2 furlongs) and Landaluce (for 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs) take some impressive maidens and promising firsters and put them right into the fire. It may be very early in the 2-year-old season but we could get a glimpse at future stardom in these two races.

After all, a little horse by the name of California Chrome broke his maiden at Hollywood Park in May 2013, was fifth in the Willard Proctor and won the Graduation early in the Del Mar meet. She’s a Tiger, last year’s Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old filly, won last year’s Landaluce when it was held at Hollywood Park.

Trainer Bob Baffert looks well situated in both races Sunday as he sends out expensive debut winner Holiday Camp in the Juvenile and expensive debut runner-up Enchanting Lady in the Landaluce.

Holiday Camp cost a pretty penny at auction - $700,000 – and is a son of Street Boss, a multiple Grade 1-winning sprinter. So far so good on the investment as the colt came out firing in his June 7 debut to duel early and edge away in the final furlongs to win by 2 1/2 lengths. He was no secret, either, as he was sent off the 9-10 favorite. His winning Beyer was nice (77), though it doesn’t give him a huge edge in this field.

Story to Tell, a son of Grade 1 winner Bluegrass Cat, didn’t exactly come cheap either, as he cost $200,000 at auction. He dueled early in his May 23 debut here before edging clear to win by 1 1/4 lengths for a 74 Beyer for trainer Dan Hendricks. Henry’s Holiday easily won his debut here May 9 by 3 1/4 lengths for Doug O’Neill. The son of Grade 1 winner Harlan’s Holiday and a $115,000 sales buy, he earned a smart 76 Beyer. Wake Up Nick was a smashing debut winner here May 1 for O’Neill, waltzing home by 9 1/4 lengths for a 72 Beyer.

In other words, the stakes is no gimme for Holiday Camp.

The Landaluce has considerably bigger separation between the top two favorites and the remainder of the field. Enchanting Lady, a daughter of Tale of the Cat who cost $650,000, was slow away from the gate in her May 22 debut. She had the speed to get into chase mode but couldn’t run down a fast and stubborn Seduire, finishing second, 1 1/2 lengths behind that gal. Seduire broke sharply that day, bounced right out to the lead and led them on a merry chase, winning smartly for Jerry Hollendorfer. These two knock heads again as the favorites, earning Beyers of 77 and 82, respectively.

Sea Mona was impressive winning her debut here May 8 for Adam Kitchingham, stalking the pace before taking over in the lane and drawing off to win easily. The Beyer, however, came back very light (49).

Morning Coffee is an interesting firster. Sent out by O’Neill for Paul Reddam – and they’ve had ample success with 2-year-olds the past few seasons – this daughter of Quiet American has been working splendidly for this first run. O’Neill could have picked a maiden race but opted for this instead. That speaks of confidence. After all, he knew who he’d be running against.

ONE TO WATCH ON REBOUND

Fly to Freedom, who with her sizzling speed would have been a key play on Friday, was scratched from that day’s 6th race after flipping in the paddock. Provided she came out of that incident all right, she bears watching for when she resurfaces for trainer Peter Miller.

It was interesting that before that incident she was ice cold at 8-1 when she scratched.

SPOT PLAY

Race 5

HEAT TRAP (#5, 5-2) has come back firing. She was gone nearly eight months but came back firing, easily winning a hillside N1X sprint here May 23 (defeating Baruta, who was Grade 1 placed in South America). If anything she’s eligible to improve off that outing and this longer trip should be no problem. She’s up in class, yes, but she’s not facing anyone who looks as tough as Baruta, and while she may well go favored, she can be your linchpin for your multi-race wagers.

HORSES TO WATCH

PEPPER SWEET
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: June 20, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 9
Beyer: 59

Was coming off a smart win over $12,500 N2X foes at Golden Gate May 16 when he was claimed by Miyadi. This was a tougher spot as he was up in price and facing open claimers, not restricted ones. He broke poorly but ran on decently, though he was no match for two old pros who cleared off to make this their own private two-horse race. This guy did finish seven lengths clear of 3rd. He was taken by trainer Richard Baltas and may prove a fruitful claim for him.