Santa Anita: Closer Looks for February 15, 2014

Race 1

No Ez Money

New face was sire by Don'tsellmeshort who won 4 of 18 starts and 402K (his progeny have scored in 4 of 35 debuts); the dam won 2 of 12 appearances and 59K; there are no winning siblings to highlight; fair work tab on view.

Awesome Kite

Six-year-old flashed improved speed in his only start since November;even though the latest drill at five-eighths was an upgrade as well, it is difficult to recommend him as a serious candidate here.

Bosque Angel

Sired by Cyclotron who won 1 of 4 attempts and 46K (his descendants are 3 for 17 as far as winning their first outing); the dam never competed; among the winning sibs is 46K bankroller Angel's Moon; playable.

Omar Little

When dropping to this level, he turned in a commendable showing especially since he suffered through another troubled start; his sire won a G2 and 703K while the dam won 2 of 4 and 69K; among the winning siblings is 178K earner Grumpy Small Mouth.

Chat n' Cut

Beginner was sired by G1 victor Include who garnered 1.65 million and whose offspring have won 11 percent of their first attempts; the dam never raced; winning siblings include 144K earner Dancing Erin.

Best Ransom

Yet to hit the board and was clearly trounced by Slight Edge in their last encounter; third start off the bench angle may not matter in this case; has plenty of work to do and will be a generous price once again.

Slight Edge

A terrific effort on the turnback last month and if he can equal, or surpass, that performance level he will prove very tough; latest blowout suggests he is primed and ready and he warrants exacta inclusion once again although the price will be less appealing.

Gold Tie Please

Stayed within range of a quick pace until the half-way point in his last assignment; cutting back in distance should help matters as should this post as he is positioned to the outside flank of one of the main pacesetters; can work out ideal stalking trip.

Slick Caper

Did not rebound from a slow break in his debut of long ago; the colt's sire was a G1 winner on the turf who captured a total of 1.42 million; the dam lost her sole attempt; sib to 85K earner All Yours Baby; decent drills of late may prove insufficient. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Salutos Amigos

Connections thought enough of him to sent him into the stakes after the graduation party but runner has not closed the deal since; inside here and he has enough speed to attempt to take advantage of the quick run to the first turn; clever move last Saturday suggests he is feeling pretty good about himself; don't sell too short.

Caramuru

Toss the turf races and the form brightens; he was probably just sent too far in the Del Mar finale and one more jump and he wins the Pomina closer; 6th finisher in last got up by a neck in an Oaklawn race next out and the winner repeated in a $10K claimer here with a 72 Beyer; can't be dismissed.

Midnight Casanova

You don't really want to break from the rail like he did on the hillside 2 back and it may have been pushing the envelope going 9 furlongs in last; place horse 1/24 cashed next out at this very level with an 80 Beyer; look for Garcia to put him into the race at the sound of the bell; legit threat.

Sidepocket Champ

Pool hustler got an assist from the stewards for the lone win; he has a shot to get the trip as kin Sidepocket Cat took 6 routes on way to near $140K bankroll; winner of last repeated here last Sunday in a $32K claimer with an 89 Beyer; Baze got a chance to know him and runner has sub :22 speed; theft attempt?

Wonderful Union

Ellis is great spotting his horses and although this is a maiden, he has some things going for him; he cost a pretty penny, was wide in the debut and dueled into submission two back; he gave up the clear lead in last but maybe he just didn't care for the surface; not impossible task.

Italian Mirage

He's run much better on the conventional dirt; hung wide from slot 10 two back and the huge drop in last proved the remedy; homebred has a right to mature with grace as kin Kalookan Dancer won at stakes at 6 on way to over $400K career but was sprint only; homebred probably needs to improve to repeat.

Awesome Prospect

He proved he could fight on the front end and live to tell about as blinks and move to grass proved to be the cure; he came back with a nice move last Saturday but he's looking at much more speed this time; he also could be compromised by the slot; lead toward watching a race vs. winners. - Brian Mulligan

Race 3

Cacau

He brings a lot of early speed with him but he does figure to get hooked up in an early pace dispute with Rangi and it is going to take a career best effort out of him to get the better of these; not all that wild about what he's shown us in his most recent starts.

Rangi (GB)

He looked good sprinting over this turf course in his latest outing while making his first start for this barn after a claim and the 92 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for that performance represents the best last race figure in this field.

Tortola

Outside of a maiden breaking performance three races ago, his form hasn't been very encouraging, and this looks like a tough spot for his first start sprinting over turf; runner up from latest returned to win next out here on 1/11 going 1 1/16m vs. 50-45k claimers with a 90 Beyer.

Brokered

Stakes placed runner appears to be on top of his game entering this race and he put together a decent effort in his first start over turf just two races ago; runner up from latest returned to win next out here on 2/9 going 6f vs. 40k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Monument

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 9 of 21 starts for 291k, including 2 of 10 turf starts for 120k; winner from latest won next out here on 2/1 going 1m vs. 62k OPC's with a 103 Beyer and runner up won next out here on 2/2 going 1 1/16m vs. 40k OPC's with a 90 Beyer; note that he's the only multiple winner in here.

Presenceofagenius

He's done little wrong in his first two career starts, including a sprint start at first asking, but this isn't exactly a soft spot for him to be meeting up with winners for the first time; nevertheless, going to respect his chances with Bejarano at the controls.

Death Star

Relatively lightly raced 6-year-old earned his career best Beyer Speed Figure racing over a synthetic surface and he hasn't shown enough in this four turf attempts to suggest that he can get over on the top contenders in this one. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Master Chef

Beaten chalk is entered in a protected spot while returning from the freshening here; 4 time local winner should be tighter with that one behind him and though he moves to the fence there does look to be some pace for him to track; with Bejarano returning he's a contender.

Free Time

Cal bred switches surfaces while trying open company in this spot; 6 year old has solid tactical foot and should find himself close up from the outset, but don't know that he's good enough on dirt to prove a serious threat for the top spot; prefer others.

Bluegrass Reward

Turns back and switches surfaces after chasing stakes turfers at just short of 50-1 on the board; gelding is a 2 time victor over the local dirt but he hasn't seen the winner's circle in a year; maybe he has a little extra to offer in the lane at this trip, but a minor award looks to be his ceiling.

Los Bambinos

Steps up to tackle older foes in his first off the claim for an outfit that boasts a recent winner with this type; gelding seeks his fourth straight score here and he clearly likes sprinting; presence of pace and the slight cut back mean that this improving 4 year old could again be coming hard at the leaders in the lane.

Close to the Edge

He's been a pretty popular claim of late and his recent crack at the local trip was rather solid; 3 time local winner has shown sharp early foot of late and he does draw inside a quick one in this spot; may be pushed hard to go from the bell and that won't make it easy on him late in here.

Seeking the Sherif

Lightly raced 5 year old gets off the fence after setting quick splits and holding second money in his first off the hot barn's claim; nice to see him return in a protected spot and maybe from here he's capable of sitting a pace tracking trip; doesn't get much time to get over the big trip, but a repeat of his last makes him tough to down.

Money Cannon

Got second money behind a next out winner while making his first off the claim in his return to the local main track over which he's won twice; gelding returned to work sharply here and he likes to do his running from close up which could help him secure a tracking trip from this outside draw; consider.

Macias

Seeks his third straight score after getting his neck down to beat cheaper over the hillside course; outside drawn gelding is a 3 time course winner and he looks to be in a good spot to sit just off the pacesetters from the outset today; should have every shot to keep going from here. - Steve Grabowski

Race 5

Life's Journey

Like to see the improvement he's shown since being placed over turf, but he has been beaten by a few of today's rivals in his two most recent races, and removing the blinkers will have to improve his game in order for him to get the job done.

Cowtownmary

He ran well in his career debut when finishing right behind today's rival Bury Pacer and have to respect the early speed that he showed before giving in late to finish fourth; he's eligible to improve with that performance behind him and have to respect the rider switch to Bejarano.

Bury Pacer (IRE)

He ran well in his first start in America in his latest outing after attracting wagering support in a race that saw him get the better of a few of today's rivals; he did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario that day, but this lightly raced colt clearly commands a good deal of respect off of that performance.

Quotient

This gelding ships across country after breaking from a tough outside post in his career debut at Gulfstream Park and this barn can have have one ready for better at second asking; runner-up from debut returned to win next out at GP on 2/8 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer.

Big Medicine Man

This colt has developed a nice level of consistency to his game but he's starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while and he loses the services of Bejarano to another in here; perhaps a minor award is the ceiling.

Cognoscente

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 15% of his turf starters, and dam won once from eight starts for 5k, and she didn't make a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to minor stakes winner Startjumpin Marnie (8-19, 218k, including 3 of 7 turf starts for 88k) and Extremist (6-25, 185k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 77k).

Crushed It

He appears to be the weaker of the two O'Neill-trained horses in here, but he put together a fine run over the synthetic surface at GG in his latest outing after taking some time off, and he's still eligible to have more to show us.

Go Black Tie

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam won once from 10 starts for 28k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 13k; this colt is a 1/2 to Affair Dabbler (4-22, 145k, including 3 of 17 turf starts for 113k); runner up from latest won next out at GG on 1/26 going 1 1/16m vs. MSW rivals with a 68 Beyer.

Maxx the Kid

He must show more in order to get the better of this bunch, but his recent workouts look lively, and not only is he by a fine turf sire, but his dam was a stakes winner while winning 3 of 10 turf starts for 141k. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Dublin Up

Much better than the last performance line indicates as he was jammed up between rivals for a good part of the running; his sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.31 million; the dam was unraced and this is her sole foal to start; leads off a field which should form a key race.

Footstepsinbronze (IRE)

Excellent try over the lawn last month when facing a dozen opponents; his sire won 427K including G1 success; the dam lost her only attempt and this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Superlooper

Drilled a sharp half-mile 4 days ago; his sire won a G1 and 1.69 million while the mom won 5 of 23 and 236K; sib to 113K bankroller Fond; legit excuse in that first defeat when well behind Rprettyboyfloyd.

The Admiral

Goes back to blinkers after disappointing without them a month ago; previous effort was sharp and the maiden voyage before that was a sprint of high quality; seven furlongs may be an ideal fit for this turnback runner.

Reno Rebel

Exits a very fast affair in terms of pace and final time; his sire won the Kentucky Derby and 3.61 million; the dam went 4 for 18 earning 120K; sib to 108K earner Standup Comic; may be pursuing easier early fractions here and move forward.

Simon Kenton

Encouraged by the recent workout regimen for this colt, son of Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker who banked a total of 1.98 million (his descendants have scored in 11 percent of their first races); the dam won 2 of 7 and 93K; sib to 128K winner Clear Sailing.

Rough Passage

Roughly on par with The Admiral and his work tab this month does show improvement; likely to find himself much further off the early lead today and the middle move must be timed properly; not an easy runner to fathom at this distance.

Rprettyboyfloyd

Dead game in both efforts and he closed powerfully when beginning his career at this trip; his sire won 1.76 million including G1 success while the dam won 2 of 14 and 83K; sib to 78K earner Stick to Your Guns; obvious major player.

Malbros

No firepower shown first time out of the box but that was last summer; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.76 million; the dam was without a victory in 4 tries; this is her sole foal to compete; generous odds assured once again.

Vegas Strip

New face has been turning in some superior workouts; his sire won multiple G1s and 3.63 million (progeny of Harlan's Holiday have won 67 out of 479 debuts); the dam won 1 of 4 attempts and 9K; sib to 69K earner Passion Tamer.

Argentine

Huge improvement to the work regimen and that fact, combined with the equipment change, can create a sudden wake-up now; his undefeated sire won multiple G1s and 749K; the dam won 6 of 25 and 387K; sib to 51K earner Tape It; consider.

Lord Lochinvar

Beginner hails from the mighty A.P.Indy who won multiple G1 stakes and 2.97 million (his progeny are 95 for 831 as far as winning their first assignment); the dam won 1 of 6 and 37K; sib to multiple graded stakes winner Master Command who netted 1.13 million. - Jim Kachulis

Race 7

Sprague River

One of two live looking fillies signed on in here for the Miller barn and this miss figures to appreciate turning back to a sprint distance for this; she was a very sharp winner in her first two career starts, and going to look for her to give a good account of herself against these.

On the Backstreets

Have to respect the sharp winning performance she showed up with in her turf debut in her latest outing when getting the better of a couple of today's rivals, and it might have been as simple as the move to turf when seeing that she's by a strong turf sire and that her dam won 2 of 10 turf starts for 48k.

Susans Express

She jumped up on a field at over 60-1 in her turf debut in her latest outing, a performance that was strong enough give her a competitive look against these, and this miss might prefer sprinting to routing; others entice more, but can't count her out of it.

Famous Alice

Lightly raced filly has a fine pedigree for turf and she's done little wrong in her first two starts; she displayed big early speed in her latest outing and it does look like she'll be able to grab the early advantage against these if she chooses.

Harlington's Rose

She's another in here who seemed to benefit from a move to turf in her latest outing as she put together a solid performance while battling it out through a fast early pace in a race that saw her finish relatively close behind today's rival Susans Express.

Soresca (IRE)

She looks like she's had some good moments from eight starts racing in France and Germany, and judging from her recent workouts, she appears to be ready for her first start as a 3-year-old; like to see her getting Lasix for her USA racign debut, and her dam was a G3 winner racing in Germany while winning once from 11 starts for 134k.

Bajan

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and minor stakes placed dam won 2 of 12 starts for 42k, including 0-for-6 over turf; she's multiple stakes placed racing over dirt and synthetic surfaces, and not going to be surprised if she handles the transition to turf.

Smoove It

It's safe to say that this stakes placed filly outran her odds in her turf debut in her latest outing when chasing a couple of today's rivals to the finish, but she finds herself facing an even tougher assignment this time around. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Iotapa

Consistent sort hasn't missed an off-the-board finish while competing in 4 graded stakes; been an amazing claim off the debut win June, 2012; main issue is she has not won past 7F yet; her only race at today's distance on dirt was a Grade 1-stakes placing on today's SA Main Track; reunites with the BHP-stakes-winning rider for this.

Fiftyshadesofhay

Clearly has something to prove off latest-SA defeat by similar rivals Ondine and Let Faith Arise while 2-back racing on BHP synthetic is a field-best Beyer speed figure; reunites with the Iowa Oaks win rider; her August-Alabama was a good one when defetaed by the winner who repeated in a BEL-Grade 1 with a 105 Beyer.

Ondine

Has never raced on the lead during career but in today's paceless event new rider Smith could find himself loose up top which is always a dangerous scenario for any runner; has to beat Let Faith Arise who necked her out for the exacta in last a race she needed off the 135-day absence; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-G1 with a 91 Beyer; curious the riders of Fiftyshadesofhay and her switch mounts for this from the La Canada event.

Yahilwa

Has not won past 7F yet; finished evenly vs.much lesser in her USA debut on SA dirt; is an outsider on the class raise against a strong group; the workout for this was dull but the rider from latest is back for the 2nd start off a 128-day layoff.

Let Faith Arise

2nd-time Long is often an improvement angle and if she moves forward off latest they will have a tough time holding off her rally in deep stretch; 78 days fresh produced the new Beyer-career Top now back in just 27 days for this; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-G2 with a 97 Beyer; she beat the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 94-89-86 in 3 next-out wins including 2 stakes.

Golden Production

Stakes winner on SA dirt at today's distance gets a negative 5-pound weight swing off the head win over Stanwyck; 3-for-3 since claimed off a turf-sprint win; her 3-back victory looks better since the show finisher Beyered 77 in a next-out BHP-allowance trumph.

Stanwyck

Receives a positive 5-pound weight swing off the head loss to Golden Production in a prep race for this; seems set to turn the tables here although wish the workouts for this sparkled more; reunites with the 2-back G3-SW rider at BEL; the June winner repeated with an 88 Beyer taking a SAR-100K event; the Feb. victor repeated in an SA-76K stakes with a 92 speed figure. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Cassie's Harbor

Rockport Harbor about 11% with debuters in a 268-runner sample; sire took debut at 2, took a G2 at 2, banked almost $325K; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; wonder how high the expectations can be for this $1,000 purchase?

Ilovefools

Blinks off for the cut back last time but it didn't seem to help much; he s been beaten double digits every time but capable barn is due for a little luck; tough to adore.

Bully's Magic Girl

Kipling about 8% with debuters in a 196-runner sample; sire took 5 of 28, banked over $120K; dam s lone win came routing; both siblings won but they are a combined 2 for 27 and earned less than a grand a start together; homebred has trained steadily for this.

Charger Girl

Once they start piling up 10 or 11 defeats, it's just hard to find the upside; lack of speed a concern and considering the cut back, she could be left with a ton of work to do turning for home; she really gave way late in last; not sold on chances.

Itsabeautifulday

Been given time since the pop and stop effort at Del Mar when she was offered for sale for the first time; try to get a good look at this gal on the track.

Trinity Rose

She has beaten 5 horses in 4 races; on top of that she has been a bad actress at the gate; she has blown out several times since her last race but she has not shown an inkling of speed in the p.m.; hard to pull the trigger on this miss.

Teacher Teacher

Seven and still trying, she ran okay last time the first for a tag and she was caught wide in the process; place horse in last won at this very level next out, 7th finisher took a maiden $25K seller at GG and the winner was 2nd beaten a head in a $40K starter; backers can point to the fact that there are several multiple race winners in the tree including full sister and multiple SW Tilde, who earned nearly $350K; due.

Dulcemia

Never thrilled to see multiple defeats at Pomona; miss doesn't run them alike; one day she'll flash :22 speed, the next time she'll be dead last at the first call; barn is due for a little luck with 7 slices this meet but miss has to invent a try to get home on top.

Kid Rollins

Debut was decent, she was educated on the grass, and at least was in the money last time; more experienced pilot called on here; dam third 3 times in her best results; the 2 siblings to race are a combined 0 for 9; all systems go.

Silver Marquise

Best effort came at Fresno and she still lost ground in the lane that day; outside again, could see her pushing the pace but not convinced she'll be around at the end; Couton got a chance to figure her out; looking at a big number right back. - Brian Pochman