O'Neill, Sherlock each have two in first 2-year-old race of meet

ARCADIA, Calif. – A pair of turf allowance races with big fields and generous wagering appeal normally would overshadow a small-field maiden race. But an exception will be made for the third race Friday at Santa Anita.

The maiden race is equally significant to the allowance races – races 6 and 8 – because it is more than just any old maiden race. It is the start of a new season. A half-dozen first-time starters race 4 1/2 furlongs in the first 2-year-old race of the season in California.

What do trainers look for this early?

“You’re looking for speed,” Gary Sherlock said.

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He believes Roses for Laura has plenty. Roses for Laura is a full sibling to 2-year-old debut winner Time for Angie, and expectations are higher for her than for stablemate and race 3 entrant Goveness Sheila.

In spring, trainers also look for early maturity.

“You’re looking for horses that quickly pick up on the gate and are comfortable enough to load and follow those doors quickly,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “The two we’ve got in are two of the quicker learners.”

O’Neill entered Vegan and Cheap Cheap Cheap, and both are well meant. Vegan is a full sibling to Sizzlin Square and Carnivorous, 2-year-old debut winners for O’Neill. Vegan will be ridden by Mario Gutierrez.

“Mario is getting on the one that we think is better, but when those gates open you never know what’s going to happen,” O’Neill said. “Vegan looks like the better of the two but, ironically, I think Cheap Cheap Cheap is a little quicker out of the gate.”

Though she lacks a recorded gate work, O’Neill said Vegan popped from the gate “numerous times.” Cheap Cheap Cheap worked from the gate May 2. Vegan and Cheap Cheap Cheap shipped from San Luis Rey Downs to Santa Anita early this week. Both fillies were scheduled to pop from the gate again Wednesday morning.

O’Neill’s success with debut juveniles at 4 1/2 furlongs is outstanding – 11 for 28 the past five years. O’Neill credits Dihigi Gladney, a former jockey who gained notoriety as exercise rider for the Art Sherman-trained California Chrome. Gladney is key to the O’Neill 2-year-old program.

“He is the one who is instrumental in breaking these Square Eddie babies, in developing them,” O’Neill said. “Dihigi and his team have been a huge addition.”

Both the O’Neill fillies are sired by Square Eddie.

Roses for Laura will be ridden by Edgar Payeras, who has been working all the Sherlock 2-year-olds. The filly is ready to fire.

The others in the field are Indias Lute, who has been training at Sunland Park, and A Dream Is a Wish.

◗ Race 6 is an entry-level allowance for statebred fillies and mares at a mile on turf. Lostintranzlation is the likely favorite based on a runner-up comeback against males that she lost by a nose. She drops Friday into a statebred race for fillies and mares. Drop the Mic and Smoovie are secondary contenders in the 11-runner field.

◗ Race 8 is an entry-level allowance for 3-year-olds at five furlongs on turf. The wide-open field includes My Mandate, Rickey B, Miss That Kat and late-running upset candidate Unbridled’s Skye. Ten were entered, nine can start.