Santa Anita: Closer Looks for December 28, 2013

Race 2

On the Fence

Nearly ran down the speed now has a sixteenth of a mile less to get up; they were also all on the line together in last, sometimes a sign of just an ordinary race; 8/25 place horse won at Pomona next out, lost next pair; soph needs help up front but there is a paucity of speed in here; look for him late if at all.

Memphis

Gelding has had his chances to get that second win; even after the head beat three back fans didn t go to the well at 21-1 and they were dead right; place horse in last cashed next out in a $25K starter with an 84 Beyer; not thrilled with the local slate; must hurry.

Crimson Giant

Runner loses over 20 in a row and fans jump on 9-1 last time; what s up with that?; at least the win did come here; apparently not much of a work horse and one for 42 is a tough stat to swallow.

Life a Riley

Only beaten 3 in the grass debut; hung wide two back in a pretty nice effort and that is a pretty snappy move for this barn on the 21st; Bejarano strings along; respect.

Topper's Ghost

Proven here, the fact he won the debut gives him a right to fire fresh; it took him about 3 weeks to post the recorded drill after the last race but the spins since have been nice; would not be shocked if rider tries to put into the race early here; fresh and dangerous.

San Onofre

Love fact he has drilled farther than this race is carded today; gelding just smashed the field across town and he hooks a group that is speed challenged; the blood is here too as there are a pair of 6-figure earners in the tree including over $300K earner Scofield Barracks; right back?

Race 3

Oh Brother Go

His one dirt start was poor over the SA-main track in September vs. the runner-up finisher who posted an 84 Beyer speed figure in his next-out SA-MSW win; likes to be fowardly placed like in his last pair and 2-back vs. the runner-up finisher who Beyered 80 in a next-out MSW win.

Easy Topper

Another who has plenty to prove on a conventional-dirt surface; outfinished 2 and 3 back but was screaming out for more yardage in last racing without blinkers for the 1st time; gets the additional yardage today; the 3-back winner repeated in FNO-67K stakes with a 73 Beyer.

Brando the Birdman

The SA-dirt workouts for this are not very enticing; 1 of 5 runners to get the class tested facing winners for the 1st time off a maiden win; style suggests the added furlong here benefits him more than many of the others; saves ground then makes one run.

Echo Zulu

Stakes-placed on conventional dirt; he beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 70 in his next-out BHP-starter alw. win; August's field-best Beyer was on a synthetic surface at 1.5F shorter than this; his last dirt start was a dull effort but was facing stakes rivals; view as a pace presence.

Charisma Code

His one dirt start on today's SA oval was a dull Mile where he was outrun throughout; exits a career-best Beyer on synthetic and today's half-furlong added distance adds to the appeal; is 1 of 5 here to start vs. winners for the 1st time which is often any runner's toughest assignment.

Storm Comin Thru

Back on dirt the surface of his blowout 2-back win; the added furlong today adds to the appeal; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 70 in his next-out BHP-starter alw. win; new rider is his 4th in as many races which is not a good-win angle.

Market Notes

Is the one to catch here claimed off a front-running score from a 4%-win trainer; an improvement is likely; the main knocks are the added distance and his return to dirt when it is apparent he prefers synthetic surfaces; the win rider lands on Rocked Twice.

Rocked Twice

25%-winning 1st off the claim barn 39%-winning-SA jockey-trainer combo while Bejarano had other options but lands here; the workout for this does not inspire confidence; the 2-back winner and runner-up Beyered 63-57 in next-out TUP alw. and maiden wins.

Race 4

Lucky Views

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and this is the first foal to race from an unraced dam; he made his career debut a winning one but this is a tough test for his first attempt against winners and his first start over turf.

Enterprising

His turf debut in his latest start was a strong performance, especially when considering that he chased a legitimate early pace while racing three-wide around both turns; runner up from that race returned to win next out at BHP on 12/7 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer.

Craftsman (IRE)

He's a Grade 3 winner racing in Ireland and it's interesting to see him making his first start in America with the additon of Lasix for a barn that does very well with imports; have to view him as being a serious player.

Flagman

The move to turf has clearly helpd this gelding improve his game but this has to be considered a tough spot for him to meet up with winners for the first time after getting the better of five rivals in a maiden event at GG in his latest start;

Morally Bankrupt (GB)

Judging from his Racing Post Rating's, he doesn't appear to be quite as sharp as the other imports in here, and it's worth noting that both of his wins were earned racing over the synthetic surface at Kempton.

Noble Metal (GB)

He looks like he's shown a little something in his first few starts racing overseas, and not only is it interesting to see him getting Lasix for his first start in America, but the presence of Bejarano is interesting as well; Bejarano has won with 15 of 62 (24%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

My Secret Affair

He's another in here who finds himself in very tough while meeting winners for the first time, but like the early speed that he brings with him,and his first start wearing blinkers in his latest outing was a much improved performance.

Royal Banker (GB)

His first start in America might be better looking on paper than it actually was, and not that it was a bad performance, but he had a really nice run along the rail, and when it looked like he might be gearing up for a strong stretch run, he really finished kind of evenly; he is lightly raced and has a strong turf pedigree, but looking toward others.

Race 5

Gameboy Luke

Solid first effort last month when gaining a good education when dueling between rivals; his sire, a G1 pure sprinter, won 669K while the dam involved was unraced; among the winning siblings is 84K earner Hipocrisy; respect.

Indian Smoke

See the previous runner for same sire information; this grey's dam won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and just under 3 million (this is her only foal to start); offspring of Zensational have scored in 3 of 37 debuts; expert connections at the helm.

Garen

Progeny of Street Cry, a multiple G1 winner who banked 5.15 million, have won 27 out of 327 initial starts; the dam never raced; among the winning siblings is powerhouse G1 Invasor who amassed 7.8 million.

Tumbaga

Drilled nicely at today's distance; his sire won multiple G2s and 920K (descendants of E Dubai are 53 for 407 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 3 of 13 and 115K; this is her only foal to make it to the races.

Smiley Eagle

This colt was sired by Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy who had career earnings of 1.05 million (his offspring have won 8 of 80 debuts); the dam was unraced; sib to 36K earner Spartan Envoy.

Chelios

Fine a.m. move from the gate 10 days ago; his sire won multiple G2s and 769K (descendants of Distorted Humor are 122 for 741 first time out); the mom won 4 of 20 and 160K; among the winning siblings is 241K earner Old Time Hockey.

Cherubim

Had decent early position in his maiden voyage but came up empty; his sire won multiple G1s and 1.12 million; the dam won 2 of 19 and 99K; this is her only foal to start; will have to upgrade significantly today.

Pimpernel

Lost all momentum at the eighth pole in his first run when ducking out; his sire won multiple G3s and 413K; the dam, a tremendous G1 sprinter, won 2.38 million; sib to 155K earner Southwestern Heat; outside slot may actually work in his favor.

Race 6

Ontology

Overmatched in the Grade 1, runner showed a new wrinkle last time flashing the speed; colt may have a harder time clearing here with the sprinters in the field going long; he seems very comfortable with Anita, and may relax with the shades off; don't ignore.

Big Medicine Man

Indian Charlie about 11% of his first-time turfers in a 328-horse sample; sire took debut at 2, won first 4 starts including the SA Derby, never turfed; dam 1 for 12 dam took a sprint in juvenile debut, lost twice on grass; 3 of 4 siblings won; none won at 2 but kin Red Lead took several stakes, won thrice on grass, banked over $850K; back to the original pilot, must be left in the hopper.

Big Tire

Nice improvement in last and the hillside is a tricky place to open the career; the winner in the bow took the Grade 3 Generous next out; place horse in last took a MSW and the 9th finisher took a maiden $40K seller; dam was 0 for 9; lone half sis to race won twice routing on dirt as older horse; handled by the Canani charge in last.

Miraglo

Slightly shorter trip could be right up his alley this time; he was nearly 4 clear in last; dam 0 for 7; this is her first to race; like this progression since he was sent long; he closed two back, then was keen to run in last; due to fire big time.

Texas Ryano

Curlin 8 for 73 with debuting juveniles, 6 for 46 with first-time turfers; sire didn t race at 2, won a ton Grade 1s as a Horse of the Year, banked over $10 million; Grade 3 winning 8 for 20 dam earned nearly $450K on grass; family is solid; all 7 siblings won; one took debut at 2, several won on grass including near $500K earner Tiz Elemental; trainer had a very nice meet here last year with limited starters; interesting.

Kozani

Love the spacing of the drills since the debut; stakes winning 3 for 15 dam didn t go at 2, earned over $225K, was grass only; the 2 siblings to race are a combined 0 for 11; look for him late if at all.

Life's Journey

Colt nearly broke the bank in the grass debut and he was bothered that day to boot; no turf success in the tree but backers can point the successful turf sibling and $120K earner D'Obsession; the hotter the pace the better for this runner.

On Draft

In tight early and that can leave young horses very uncomfortable; 2 for 24 dam was route only as an older horse; lone half sis lost twice; may need softer to shine.

Number Five

Homebred figures to be happier back on the grass; dam took one sprint as older runner, was 2nd in best moment on turf; all 3 siblings won; one was a double winner at 2; top kin Trend was G3 placed, earned nearly $270K, was turf only; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Canopus

The other Sadler was in the hunt at one point less than 2 off the lead but gave way readily; dam won at 2, lost only turf try; both siblings won; neither won at 2 or on grass but both banked 6 figures; stablemate seems more potent.

Patriot Vow

Broken Vow about 12% with debuting juveniles in a 347-runner grid, about 10% with first-time turf runners after 410 starters; sire didn t go at 2, took multiple Graded stakes, earned over $700K, never tried grass; dam didn t go at 2, was third in best turf result, took a route; 5 of 6 siblings won; 2 won at 2 including a debut winner; several won on grass including multiple SW and over $700K earner Proceed Bee; the blood sure is there.

Race 8

El Commodore

He appears to be more comfortable sprinting than routing and this has to be considered a tough spot for his first start sprinting over turf since 2010; add in a tricky rail post, and it might be best to keep looking around in here.

Chips All In

Multiple graded stakes winner has four starts sprinting down the hill, including three very sharp performances and a ninth-place finish in the BC Turf Sprint; highweight can be tough to tackle on his best effort.

Next Speaker

His form sprinting over turf has been solid but this is a tough step up in class for him after being claimed for 62.5k from his latest start, and this colt might be better off at distances short than today's 6 1/2f assignment; prefer to give the nod to others.

Unbridled's Note

He's another in here with some strong form sprinting down the hill, and not only is he 2-for-5 sprinting down the hill, but two of those loses were in the BC Turf Sprint; he's an obvious threat to walk away with the top prize.

Handsome Mike

He carries multiple graded stakes winning credentials with him but to this point in his career he's been better off racing over dirt or a synthetic surface than he is over turf; it's just tough to give him a favorable push against these based on what he's shown in his five turf attempts.

Gallant Son

Grade 3 winner appears to be going as well as ever at the end of his 7-year-old season and the third-place finisher from his latest race returned to win next out at GG on 12/8 going 6f vs. alw. rivals with a 93 Beyer; he's run some nice races over this turf course, including a number of starts sprinting.

Truest Legend

Stakes placed veteran is the 'B' horse in here for the Mullins barn and it's tough to envision this runner proving to be anything more than a possible early pace player against competition of this caliber.

Ain't No Other

Multiple stakes winner has done some nice work sprinting down the hill and like the outside post for him at this trip; however, he's probably going to need a career best effort to get the better of the top contenders in here; Bejarano has won with 54 of 137 (39%) mounts for this barn in 2013; note that he exts the same race as today's rival Gallant Son.

Race 9

Wildy Excessive

Since she has been stabled here, wonder if the connections had this race in mind all the time?; the debut came back okay as the show horse took a maiden $40K claimer next out and the 4th finisher graduated at this level; dam won once on grass as older horse; must display more.

Reflective Glory

Homebred drops a ton and could be alive with the blinkers; stakes winning 6 for 21 dam didn't go at 2, earned over $300K; 6 of 7 siblings won; none won at 2 but a pair banked at least $190K a piece; she has the Miyadi to deal with among others.

Miss Fast Eddie

Pomona debut solid but she has been rather dull since; 6th finisher in last cashed in this very league next out and the show horse beat MSW foes; the one for 13 half bro lost 6 times at 2; with limited speed, she could find herself behind the 8 ball late.

Kissin Lucky Lips

Dunkirk 3 for 38 with debuting juveniles; sire didn t go at 2, was G1 placed, banked nearly $400K; Grade 1 winning 8 for 28 dam didn't race at 2, banked $435K; all 4 siblings won; one cashed in second start at 2 and earned over $500K in Japan; note gap in published moves till 12/1.

Miraculous Mindy

Off slowly in bow, well clear in last, she should be fit enough by now; dam won over $140K, was third in both juvenile outs; 4 of 6 siblings won; top earner Hello Bolly won at 2, earned nearly $200K; due to run them down.

I Dig Elle

Dixie Chatter 3 for 27 with debuting juveniles; sire won twice at 2, took a Grade 1, banked over $450K; SP 1 for 4 dam won at 2, earned almost $70K; this is her first to race; barn usually let s them roll in the a.m. and these drills just so-so.

Red Barris

She has shown ability and looms a clever claim; show horse in last graduated in a MSW next out with a 60 Beyer; dam out of the money in only out; all 3 siblings won; 2 won at 2 including full sister and $120K earner Kinz Funky Monkey; can't fault those that give her another shot at glory.

Poppy Cloche

In for $35K less than purchase price; dam was 0 for 1; this is her first to race; at least she got a drill here on the 17th; has some things to iron out.

Lovely Instinct

Miss has more speed than she just flashed; backers can point to the fact that a pair of siblings earned over $240K; could slip in for a section.

She's Flush

Miss has run well here but she also has had her chances; a couple of siblings raced at 2 to no avail; must at least be left in the exotic conversation.

Exotic Behavior

Youngster seemed in the right spot last time on the drop but hopped in the air; now she dips again; connections hoping she mature like top kin and near $500K earner Bustin Stones; she has lost ground late in 4 of 6; due.

Warrenspoweroflove

Affirmative 1 for 23 with juvenile firsters; sire lost all 4 starts; dam was unraced; lone half sis lost 4 times; miss looks fit enough and like the draw.

Yesterday Sings

Must pick it up after beating two home; 3 for 35 dam didn't race at 2, earned nearly $100K; this is her first to race; may need even easier to shine.