Santa Anita: Closer Looks for February 13, 2014

Race 2

Melanistic

Has speed and the rail and that could come in awfully handy here; after all, heavy fave Eblouissante figures to lag back so this gal can get a nice headstart and first run; she knows what she's doing, too - you don't win 10 times by accident; a viable alternative if you're looking to beat the heavy chalk.

Hero's Marine

Toss those 2 turf tries, toss those last 2 synthetic tries and you're left withy 2 very nice dirt efforts including a route win; of course, that came at BSR, vs. maiden claimers, hardly the situation she's facing today; and what if those last 2 dull outings weren't as much a function of the surface (turf) as they were due to facing winners, hmmmmm?

Eblouissante

Sister to HOY and local legend Zeynatta sure made a big splash in late 2012/early2013; that was enough to ship her East as Shirreffs took a string back there but there was a long layoff, she threw a fit in the gate in the G3 Shuvee and never got involved; Shirreffs opted to regroup, has brought her home; been working very well and figures a short price; remember, though, nice as her first 2 wins were they weren't overwhelming on the Beyer scale (88, 83) and while she's kin to racing royalty she's NOT Zenyatta.

Macha

Very promising last winter/spring but the pattern since is worrisome - faded in a G1 on BHP turf/faded in a turf stakes at DMR/gone 5 months/no factor in turf sprint return here Jan.31; the good news is that there's no big panicky drop and that Bejarano stays with her; it's first time dirt so maybe the surface switch can snap her back to life; hey, she's bred for it as daddy was a G1 SW on dirt and damsire was 2nd in the G1 BC Classic, his only dirt try; food for thought.

Changethechannel

Has enough speed to try and keep Melanistic honest early, though note that gal put her away when they battled up front early at BHP Dec. 12; very nice next run by this gal, though, as she led all the way going 10fs on turf; best work (all 3 wins) have come wire-to-wire so she likely needs to outrun the rail gal early; and if she does go fast enough to do so, does that leave her ripe for the plucking in the lane when the big fave figures to come calling, hmmmm? - Michael Hammersly

Race 3

Quiet Force

Needed last start off the 72-day absence with 39 days idle for this; is seemingly setting up for best now racing back again on SA grass and also back at the Mile distance which produced a co-field-best Beyer speed figure in September when chasing the winner and runner-up finisher; they Beyered 93-84 in next-out SA-72K stakes and optional-claiming wins.

Warren's Tyler S.

Trainer just has 1 first-off-the-claim starter since 2013 so this one must have caught the eye; finished 5th and 9th in 2 grass races during career but moves right back to the lawn in the 1st start for new connections; the 3-back show finisher Beyered 78 in his next-out SA-25K-claiming win.

Handsome Dennis

Posted his best-turf Beyer sprinting when losing to Copper Bay who is here; offered a mild rally to finish behind the runner-up from last who posted an 80 speed figure in his next-out SA-starter alw. win; has 3 off-the-board finishes from 3 route races during career so has much to prove trying 1 Mile again.

Tribe

Won his only race without blinkers sprinting on a synthetic surface which is far from what he is signed up for today; 41-day absence is not a great angle for an 11%-winning fresh trainer; his co-field-best Beyer speed figure was posted one year ago closing sharply on SA grass at 6.5F in his 1st start with blinkers on noting the hood will be removed for this.

Causewere Gamblers

Has not raced past 6F yet; sire did not race on grass but won at 9F on a synthetic surface; sire is 1-for-18 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race but neither runner raced on grass.

Boss of Me

Last grass start was a 3-back outrun finish vs. the runner-up who Beyered 84 in a next-out BHP-$62,500-claiming win; exits a co-field best Beyer speed figure when getting loose on the lead to win at today's distance on dirt; the 6-0-0-0 turf record does not help the confidence level that a repeat victory is on the way; the 1st start with winners is often any runner's toughest-class assignment.

Gallant Charm

Makes his 1st-SA turf start since tiring at shorter in March vs maidens; has something to prove over this turf course; exits his lowest Beyer since September when going back to dirt; his 2-back turf loss 1st off the claim is a career-best speed figure when rallying from midpack to chase the winner who repeated in a TUP alw. with a 79 speed figure.

Copper Bay

Gets his shortest-distance test since finishing 7th in October when racing on today's SA-turf course; 0-for-6 record since the August claim; the only win of career was produced on today's SA turf at the Mile distance; the runner-up finisher from last posted an 80 speed figure in his next-out SA-starter alw. win.

Crusher

Claimed for grass?; sire is 1-for-28 with 1st-turf starters; dam went 0-for-2 on the lawn; her only other foal to race stakes winner Otero (3-for-16, 105K) did not race on turf; defeated the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 65 in his next-out SA-20K-maiden-claiming win.

Tiz Futurity

22nd start was the charm rallying from far back to graduate at 1F longer than this; was defeated on dirt by a few of these in recent losses; offered a mild rally in his only other grass start in November; have him ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Trouble X Two

Exits a career-best Beyer speed figure racing on a synthetic surface; like most runners when loose on an easy lead he got braver with each step going all the way; wish we saw a better stretch kick in his 2 turf losses but off latest success racing on the lead may be sent hard from the gate then hopes to hang on late for a share.

Dancer Humor

Trainer is strong 22% winners 1st time out with newly-acquired runners; lone-turf start was a win and despite being outrun throughout in last he comes off a career-best Beyer speed figure; has some very good-improvement angles brewing.

Mavericks Gun

Trainer is just 1-for-13 since 2013 with long-layoff runners; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 97 Beyer then made it 3 in a row with a 93 speed figure taking an SA-alw.; was outfinished in latest so would have to be ready for very best to hold off the late runners.

Wistfullee Mine

Maidens vs. winners is always a tough-win angle except in 2-year-old races where we've seen debut runners win juvenile stakes; removes blinkers and back to turf; 2-career starts with that recipe produced 2 last-place finishes; hard to recommend. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Awe' Some Kitten

Moves inside a slot for the cut back to sprint in her first crack down the hill; maybe the hood helps as she drops to this level and her better surface numbers do fit well in here; can get in the exotics mix with a late run for this low profile outfit.

Spiced Latte

Mare brings speed to the table for her first start of the year and second try over the hillside course; she did fight through some hot splits against a notch better last time but there's speed drawn to her outside here and that will probably keep her engaged from the bell; keeps things quick up top.

Woodlandsway (GB)

Speedy filly tries open claimers while returning to the lawn in this spot; her turf efforts were not very good and there's not much to suggest she'll go much better in this spot; have to side against her and with others for the money spots.

Promiscuoussuances

Opened a clear lead through quick splits in her return to the hill but gave way late and finished behind one of these at the finish; mare draws outside some with lick in this heat so that's going to give her some problems and she hasn't won in quite a while; new pilot has had a rough stand thus far.

Hlao Roo

Hood comes off a mare who drops to a low level today after tiring in her first start over this course; 5 year old wasn't embarrassed while sprinting on the lawn in New York before shipping out here and maybe the cut back helps, but she's got some moving forward to do in order to factor in here; just watching.

Creditcardroulette

Got her nose down to score on the drop to this level last month; mare will pick up plenty of weight with the switch to a journeyman pilot here but he's been aboard her before and there does look to be pace up top today; she's a solid repeat threat.

Midnight Lady

Fresh filly tries the hill for the first time in this spot after a near miss as the chalk against her peers on the Hollywood green; filly has some positional foot and maybe that helps her find a good spot off the pacesetters today; runner ujp in both of her surface outs warrants a look at an improved price.

Anita Marie

Five time winner steps up to face better in her first crack off this slumping barn's claim; filly tries the hillside course for the first time and maybe the route was just too much for her last time on the green; Bejarano sticks and the price should be right.

Tribal Chatter

She's been idle since failing to threaten against a bit better first time down the hill; mare did break her maiden sprinting on the green and maybe the drop to this level helps get her back on track as she was pretty solid on the front end 2 back over the Hollywood main track; worth a look.

Sleep Tight

Drops for her first start under the care of this outfit; she wasn't beaten much at the level over the course last month, but the winner of that heat does return in this spot as well; solid journeyman pilot gets aboard and maybe that helps move her up, but she hasn't run so well over the course in the past.

Born Lucky

AE looks to get back to the lawn in her return from the freshening first time under this sharp outfit's care; barn hits at a nice clip with this type and this mare does handle the lawn; expect to see her running late if she draws in. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Red N Black Attack

Ran into a superior group in his debut and then crushed the the field when dropping into a field of moderate claimers; certainly bred to handle this extension in distance, the colt looks like a legitimate threat today despite spotting 2-turn experience to some of his foes.

The Mad Hungarian

Maturing runner held on with determination to graduate last month in a blanket finish; he is one of several sprinters in this line-up stretching out for the first time so the overall pace picture is a bit cloudy; shows a moderate work tab of late.

Ghost of Harrenhal

Exits a useful effort last month when losing important ground in the early stages; although the Beyer achieved does not match up well today, he had to gain some valuable education in that try and will be a generous price on the board once again; worth some inclusion in exotics.

Runaway Que

He is the only course and distance winner in the field yet he may have a difficult time recovering from such an all-out performance; additionally, he will have to deal with a much swifter half-mile fraction now; the fact remains the trainer at the helm has established a fine record at the meet.

Sams Blue Cat

Overcame a wide trip to win a close decision nearly six weeks ago; son of G1 type Bluegrass Cat is another member of this crew who should handle the mile without a problem; Bejarano, who has done well for these connections, remains loyal.

Three Strike Rule

Since switching to route racing last year, he became a consistent runner who never finished out of the money; earned a split decision while favored last month at Golden Gate but the pace and final time were modest; repeat victory, especially with the additional 8 pounds, will not be easy to achieve.

Rambling House

The vastly improved workout on 1/24 was the tipping of the mitt as the gelding ran to it when graduating recently; looks like a clever claim and Smith should be able to achieve decent early position; can prove to be the right value play in this open race.

Bixley

Yet another entrant who won a narrow decision in their last outing; he moved into slow fractions in that tally but will have to rally from much further back today because of the pace nature of the field; will have to improve several notches in order to have a say.

Lieutenant Seany O

A clear-cut second in his latest attempt, he seems to be improving at a steady rate; will appreciate the much faster tempo that is anticipated here and if the midpack rally is timed perfectly, he should be a trifecta player at the least; note fine gate workout 5 days ago.

Clouds Clearing

Blinker experimentation did work out last month so they are scheduled to be removed; previous showing over the lawn was fair but he draws an outside post for the first time in his career and might be compromised; average a.m. drills of late may not be enough to negate that disadvantage. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Bayern

Made quite a splash in his Jan. 4 sprint debut here; dueled through fast splits, took over and drew off; not only got a big fig (92) but 2 he beat came right back to win; also came back with 4 works, 2 of them biggies recently; all that being said, they take off the blinkers (?) and it's not only first time vs. winners but first time routing so there are hurdles to be sure; but there appears plenty of upside here.

Papa's Paisley

May have turned the corner and it coincided with the move to routing; first 6 starts, all sprints, showed some ability but nothing to get the pulse racing; then moved to a mile here Dec. 27, beat maidens, moved to 1 1/16 miles vs. winners here Jan. 16 and won easily; apparentlydespite being by a classy sprinter he wants this game; that being said, the Beyers for those 2 weren't much (58, 64) and he's well up in class today facing a bunch of guys who have gone faster; but hey, he may still have more improvement to show.

Brother Soldier

2nd to a horse who's G2 SP so that's pretty nice; plenty of speed here and with the rail horse surely showing speed these 2 could knock heads; lone win came sprinting but that last run on turf shows he can carry his speed; question is, can he carry it as well on THIS footing vs. THIS kind of opposition, hmmmm?

Baranof

Son of 3yo champ and multiple G1 dirt route SW Bernardini; came out running to win his debut on grass at TUP; came here, stayed on turf vs. some of these but was away slowly and never got inolved; no reason at all he shouldn't handle this ground and there's a very nice breeze Feb. 3 to indicate he's doing well; still, his top Beyer of 60, albeit earned on grass, still says he needs to find quite a few lengths if he's to compete with these.

Tap It Rich

Debut here Oct. 12 was a beaut - he blew the start, raced greenly and still romped, and the horse he easily beat back into 2nd (Candy Boy) has emerged since as 1 of the top 3 or 4 3yos in SoCal (2nd in G1 CashCall, won G2 Lewis here Saturday); then was a good 5th in the G1 BC Juvenile, again despite racing greenly; they tried a new bit for the G1 CashCall Futurity Dec. 14 but that race was an utter disaster; Baffert has regrouped and the horse is working splendidly and gets blinkers, and maybe that's equipment he's needed all along; gives Baffert a heckuva 1-2 punch here with Bayern and if he behaves and runs well then he's right back on the Derby trail, where we all thought he was a few months ago.

Flagman

Only 2 dirt tries weren't much but remember, those were also career starts 1 and 2 so he didn't really know what he was doing just yet; form has improved since as he's moved to routing, though those good 4 outings came on turf so he remains a question mark on this ground and must not only deal with a horse who beat him last time on turf (Brother Soldier) but 2 scary Bafferts as well. - Michael Hammersly

Race 8

Warrensgoldenyears

At least homebred was a bit more keen to run in last; 1 for 7 dam earned nearly $20K; both siblings won, one was a full bro, neither has been special; must hurry.

Anythingtogeteven

Gelding has had his chances; the 2nd and 9th finisher two back graduated next out and the winner repeated in a $40K optional with a 64 Beyer; nice move on the first; look for rider to be sending hard.

Grifters Mark

Last race came back fine; show horse took a maiden $40K claimer, 4th finisher beat $50K claimers next out and the 6th finisher was 2nd a neck in a $12.5K maiden seller at GG; dam was one for 13; lone half sis Gallantly took 3 of 17, earned nearly $25K; not sold on him.

No Longer Blue

He's been a bad actor at the gate; dam 0 for 4; this is her first to roll; could need softer at maybe a different venue.

Jackhammer

Sherman 1 for 9 the last 5 years with route to sprint maiden claimers and that runner paid $36; still in for 9 grand more than purchase price; stakes placed 3 for 19 dam earned over $100K; all 3 siblings won; one was a triple winner that banked over $60K; he did break through the gate in last; watch in post parade.

Stenoa

Powell one for 25 the last 5 years with debuting maiden claimers; that runner paid over $25 and 2 ran second at 15 and 18-1; Dunkirk 3 for 45 with debuters; sire didn't go at 2, was G1 placed, banked nearly $400K; SP dam just one for 16; both siblings won; they were a combined 3 for 17 and earned less than $30K together; gelding looks fit enough.

Closet E

O'Neill good with this move; he is 10 for 25 or 40% the last 5 years with turf to dirt maiden claimers and 4 ran second; nice try the other time for a tag and she got a boost when the show horse two back graduated in a MSW, then was far back in the Lewis; best of 13 bullet in the pocket; could be a good thing in an ordinary race.

Reps and Warrants

A bit more energy in the drill last Saturday at Pomona; connections wouldn't mind if he starts acting like One Chin Again, an over $200K earner; this guy is figuring it out.

Illybilly Boy

Like the way he was getting to the winner in last; soph had kind of a weird trip in last; he was close up, dropped back, came again; must be left in the mix.

Samurai Assault

The routes could have helped his stamina; both siblings can run some as they both earned nearly $180K; trainer has been firing on all cylinders; interesting.

Western Showdown

The freshening seems to have perked him up; there are nothing but winners in the family; he should be fit enough now; can't be counted out.

Polished Silver

Runner at least got a feel of the surface; dam 0 for 3; this is her first to roll; off rail today, has chance to improve.

Code of Pleasure

Hung wide in bow, could be looking at the same fate; dam's lone win was a route; this is her first to roll; drills are ideally spaced. - Brian Mulligan