Kulinski Rose can run away from these

ARCADIA, Calif. - A month after blazing to a sharp maiden victory, speedster Kulinski Rose should be long gone Wednesday in the race 7 feature at Santa Anita.

Seven others entered the first-level allowance for California-bred fillies and mares. None is quick enough, or foolish enough, to hook Kulinski Rose early at six furlongs.

"If they want to go with her, they're crazy," trainer Bill Spawr said. Kulinski Rose set a wicked pace Feb. 8 when she wired maidens after a 22.01-second opening quarter-mile and 44.54 half. At 6 1/2 furlongs on Pro-Ride, the pace was severe, and Kulinski Rose nearly squandered the entire 2 1/2-length lead she held at the furlong pole.

To her credit, Kulinski Rose dug in and held by a nose, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

"She's putting it together and maturing mentally," Spawr said. "Before, we had trouble training her. She was too aggressive and it was hard to keep weight on her."

Spawr said Kulinski Rose has added weight and is relaxing in the morning, and he expects the bred-for-speed filly to continue her improving pattern. Neither Spawr nor jockey Mike Smith will change styles with the Mud Route filly, a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Bordonaro.

"Her whole family is speed," Spawr said. "Her mother" - Miss Excitement - "was that way. She'd run a mile and would be in front by eight on the backside."

Bordonaro is turned out, and a decision will be made in April whether the 8-year-old gelding will be retired.

Kulinski Rose has improved each start, and the 1-for-5 filly benefits from the shorter distance of the six-furlong feature. Although cooler weather may temper the speed-friendly track profile that emerged last weekend in 80-degree weather, Kulinski Rose remains the one to catch.

Her rivals include stalker Unworldly Heat, runner-up three straight at the Cal-bred N1X level; Brought It, a 5-for-16 filly running for the first time since being reclaimed for $25,000 by Frank Monteleone; Suziqcutie, a deep closer compromised last time by a wide trip; and Kneeling's Pride, upset winner last out over Brought It.

Although the main track at Santa Anita played quickly last weekend, it is expected to be slower Wednesday following the weekly renovation. The Pro-Ride was scheduled to be deep-harrowed four inches Tuesday, which typically produces slower times when the racing week resumes on Wednesday.