Santa Anita: Closer Looks for February 17, 2014

Race 2

Big Medicine Man

Stuck to the turf with some positive results in his last few, and was a belated third in his lone dirt start going short here in the fall; son of Indian Charlie has the look of a professional maiden, who should only be used on the bottom of gimmicks.

Seldom Seen Slim

Classic winner Bernardini has sired nearly 12% debut winners; homebred is the first foal from a minor route stakes winner who banked nearly $250K; controversial trainer is 1 for 12 (8%) with first-timers in routes over the past five years ($0.38 ROI).

Dublin Up

Ran fourth behind a streaking Chelios at second asking in his local bow and first start for Miller; the promising winner of his debut at Churchill subsequently annexed an N1X at Oaklawn with an 82 Beyer; son of Unbridled's Song has the pedigree of a router, and should welcome the stretchout to a mile and a sixteenth.

Garen

Dueled through rapid fractions before flattening out in the final sixteenth in his improved second start going five and a half furlongs; son of Street Cry is a half-brother to three route winners, most notably G1 BC Classic winner and Horse of the Year Invasor; he worked a lively three-quarters the other day at San Luis Rey.

Big Tire

Was along for second in his first dirt start behind El Nino Terrible, who subsequently finished a distant seventh in the G2 Lewis; son of the red-hot Candy Ride appears to have found his calling around two turns on the dirt, over which he worked quickly the other day. - Ron Gierkink

Race 3

Warren's Brother

Did little running first out at the level on New Year's Day and now he'll draw the fence for his return from the brief break; barn does boast some recent luck with its runners who have had a race this guy did work ok from the gate early in the month; limited sprint winning dam dropped 2 winners, one of whom won sprinting.

Tasha's Courage

Drops back to the level of her beaten chalk placing 2 back after another solid second place finish against better last time; gelding gets a huge rider switch for this and given his pedigree he should have little trouble with today's added panel; giving him the nod to beat them home.

Karaiskakis

Ran on late but proved little threat to the 3 who finished in front of her at a shorter trip in his return from the freshening; 7 year old has yet to get back to the number he earned in his debut here last winter and the window for improvement is certainly closing on him; have to side with others for the money slots.

Ice Cream Truck

Gelding has hit the board in 3 straight including most recently at a slightly longer trip in his return to this venue; off the pace type doesn't break so well and that could leave him with a lot of work to do in the lane but he should be rolling late; consider.

High On Final

Lightly raced gelding brings plenty of speed to the table after getting run down at odds on first time for a tag at this level; new barn is at the helm and they name a capable journeyman pilot as this guy draws inside his main pace foe; he'll tackle an added panel here and could well have class dropper looking him in the eye, but they'll probably have to run him down to win.

Destino

Thirty time loser gives this level another crack after offering little at 9 panels late last month; barn doesn't win many races and don't know that this guy is going to wake up on the turn back to this trip; looking elsewhere for the winner.

Bench Press

MSW dropper was used in pace while making his first start of the year with shades added at the trip last out; he's worked well in the interim for the drop to claimers and he did beat a better bunch before getting his number taken down 2 back at Hollywood; dangerous foe from a tracking spot.

Senor Pegasus

Adds the hood for the turn back to sprint after tiring in his route debut last time; gelding did run ok at one turn at this level 2 starts back, but from a figure standpoint he's going to need to improve several lengths to prove a legitimate win threat; maybe for a minor share. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Obsess

The winner and 5th-place finisher from last posted 91-78 Beyer speed figures in next-out DMR-200K stakes and 50K-claiming wins; February, 2012, 6F-SA-optional-claiming represents the field's best Beyer but overall is 1-for-13 over the track; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Turn On the Brites

7F seems like the ideal distance winning at this trip in last while his October 4th-place finish at 7F is a key race where the winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 92-78 in next-out BHP-25K-16K-claiming wins; fires for the win rider who returns also posting his career-best speed figure for Orozco.

Jet Warrior

Projects as the one to catch; this versatile-perfect runner scored from off the pace in his debut and now is aiming to win on 3 different surfaces as today is 1st dirt; the SA workouts are superb including a Jan. 24 best of 25 bullet.

Memphis

52-day absence for a 1-for-13 fresh trainer since 2013; winless on dirt while the 10 minor awards with one win overall stands out as a runner who often races well in defeat like last when chasing the winner who repeated in an SA alw. with a 99 Beyer; the 2-back runner-up Beyered 84 in his next-out BHP-starter alw. win.

Toledo Eddie

65 days since his career-best Beyer win on a synthetic surface; is 2-for-2 in 7F dirt wins and 2-for-2 on SA dirt reunites with the April-SA win rider on the lead; wish the worktab for this stood out more for a 1-for-14 fresh trainer since 2013.

Crimson Giant

2011-SA-6.5F mud race rallying from 6th is his lone win picture; only 7F dirt start during career was December, 2011, a 6th-place finish in an SA-100K stakes; last time on dirt was handled by Memphis and the winner who repeated in an SA alw. with a 99 Beyer.

Dreamnofatticus

Win rider sides with Jet Warrior 38-day absence for a 6%-winning fresh trainer does not add to the appeal; blinkers being removed for latest and return to SA dirt were the keys to success; the 3-back winner captured his next 2 starts both with 99 Beyers. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Yana

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 2 of 10 starts for 46k, including 0-for-1 over turf; her first two starts were sharp performances and she might be looking forward to getting a chance to see what she can do racing over turf.

See Ya Signe

Limited available data on sire with regard to his first-time and turf starters, and during his racing career he was a multiple G1 winner overseas while winning 8 of 9 starts for $6.7 million; G1 winning dam won 4 of 16 starts for 503k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 34k.

Beverly the Boss

Sire wins with approximately 22% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this filly is a 1/2 to Darque Splendor (1-10, 14k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 11k); 250k purchase is by a strong turf sire and she was much improved at second asking.

La Pequena Gigi

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and G3 stakes placed dam won 3 of 8 starts for 106k, and she didn't make a turf start; she showed some early speed in her career debut and she was claimed by a barn that shows hitting at a 33% clip right after a claim.

Abide in Me

She has the look of a contender while turning back to a sprint distance for the first time since moving into this barn, and when considering the fast early pace she set, her one start over turf prior to this really wasn't a bad performance.

Parada

Sire has won with 1 of 17 (6%) of his first-time starters and he's 0-for-9 with his turf starters, and dam won once from 14 starts for 30k, including 0-for-1 over turf; despite recent statistics, this is a barn that can be live with a firster.

Sedona Gal

Sire has won with 16% of his first-time starters and he's won with 5 of 20 (25%) of his turf starters; dam was winless from four starts, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to Shezmyten (2-13, 21k over turf).

Comealongwithme

Like to see the early speed that she showed in her career debut, but she was sent to post at just over 45-1, and she will need to produce a much sharper overall performance in order to prove to be a player in this spot.

Dancinginthestreet

This filly has a nice little pedigree for turf, and after a couple of so-so performances routing over turf, perhaps she can prove to be capable of better sprinting on grass; others entice more, but not willing to count her out of it.

La Sorella

She commands her share of respect based on what she showed us at first asking and the winner of that race returned to win next out here on 1/31 going 1m over turf vs. N1X rivals with a 73 Beyer; this miss is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes placed C J's Leelee (2-7, 172k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 83k).

Vanlose Stairway

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 14% of his turf starters, and G3 winning dam won 2 of 19 starts for 171k, including 0-for-1 over turf; she has turf in her pedigree and this is a strong win-early barn.

Taylor Lane

It's safe to say that she outran her odds in her career debut against 11 rivals and perhaps she can be ready for an even sharper performance this time around now that she has racing experience to draw from. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Seadrifter

One of a number here going MSW to maiden claiming and any are eligible to run big; the debut came back solid as the 4th and 6th finishers graduated for this price, and three others ran 2nd; dam 0 for 5; this is her first to race; needs a turn around.

Hearitforthegirls

In Excess about 16% with first-timers in a 727-horse study; sire won his debut in Europe at Lingfield at 2, was a multiple Grade 1 winner on dirt; dam was one for 6; lone half bro to race lost 4 times; like fact she drilled farther than this race is carded.

Adios Pelota

She flashed decent speed and O'Neill has been putting this rider on some live mounts; 6 for 34 dam earned over $150K; 4 of 5 siblings won; top kin Pocosin's Game Boy took 4 of 25, banked $230K; no reason she won't improve.

Moscato Girl

Nearly 4 clear off the claim and the shorter trip could be just what the good doctor ordered; she has some work to do to match top kin, 2 for 5 racer and over $100K earner Heat Trap; can't fault those that give her one more shot at glory.

Ipolita

Maybe she needed dirt all the time; 3 for 4 dam earned $90K; family is solid; all 5 siblings won; 3 banked 6 figures including G2 placed $260K player Snapshot; should be in the thick of it from the sound of the bell.

Our Glitter Ball

The drop is logical after the 2 dull efforts; dam 0 for 4; all 3 siblings won; top kin Offlee Wild Boys took 5 of 31, earned nearly $125K; has some things to iron out.

She's Flush

Grinder needs things to break just right; after they start piling up 10 or 13 defeats, the upside pretty much walks right out the door; mirror races in last pair and neither really gets the heart pumping; another slice?

Alice Roadtrain

Tribal Rule about 14% with debuters in a 367-runner grid; sire graduated as older horse, took 2 of 4, banked nearly $80K; dam 0 for 7; lone full sis to run Secret Cove took 6 of 32, earned nearly $250K; she did drill farther than this race will be run.

Warrenspoweroflove

She's due for a trip; off poorly, then wide, she has at least drilled a couple of times of late; dam was unraced; lone half sis lost 4 times; the hotter the pace the better for this runner.

Gisele At Fonz's

Been a bad actress at the gate; show horse in last took a MSW next out and the 7th finisher took a maiden $25K SAC claimer next out; dam was unraced; several multiple race winners in the tree and one banked nearly $2 million on Japan; local drills ideally spaced. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Miss Serendipity (ARG)

Respect the fact that she showed up with a solid performance in her first start in America in her latest outing, but this has to be considered a tough step up in class for her first turf start since arriving in America, and it might be worth noting the presence of Stevens aboard another in here.

Egg Drop

She's displayed a tremendous competitive nature since being placed over turf five starts ago and she was last seen recording a G1 victory at today's distance; a little concerned that she might have a tough time avoiding an early pace confrontation in this event, but she's certainly shown the ability to handle early pace pressure.

Appealing (IRE)

Multiple graded stakes placed mare has been beaten by a number of today's rivals in her recent races and she is going to need to dial up a career best effort if she's to see her number posted on top after this one is run.

Tapicat

South Florida shipper is an interesting option to consider in here, especially with Velazquez along for the ride, and like to see that she's shown the ability to run well from off the pace in her two most recent races; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at GP on 1/24 going 7 1/2f over turf vs. 62k OPC's with a 90 Beyer.

Moone's My Name (GB)

Her first three starts in America were sharp performances and not going to be too hard on her for the fifth place finish she recorded when last seen in a race that saw her finish behind a couple of today's rivals; she seems to run well when fresh and like the turn back in distance for her.

Dancingtothestars

She has shown the ability to step up with a sharp performance on her best day, and she usually shows up and gives a solid account of herself, but still finding it difficult to give her the nod for the top spot over a few of the others in here.

Pontchatrain

Daughter of strong turf influence War Front hasn't run a bad race to date, and she's been especially sharp since moving up into the graded stakes ranks two races back; she is stretching out in distance for this after a few starts sprinting, but still feel that she has every right to prove to be tough to tackle in this spot.

Unusual Hottie

Like the idea of this multiple stakes winning mare stretching back out in distance after a couple of sprint attempts but it isn't like she finds herself facing an easy assignment today; perhaps a spot underneath in the exotics is the ceiling.

Stormy Lucy

She carries multiple G1 stakes placed credentials with her and she was last seen producing one of the sharper performances of her career when coming up a nose short behind today's rival Customer Base; there's a chance that a fast and contested early pace develops, and that would be to her liking.

Customer Base

Grade 3 winner helps give Glen Hill Farm and Tom Proctor a strong looking 1-2 punch in this event, but prefer to lean toward Pontchatrain over this one; that said, it certainly wouldn't be any surprise if this miss proved to be capable of getting the job done, especially with Smith at the controls. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Miss Loujean

Miss has the speed to flee the rail but she may have to be hard used to escape it; don't be too harsh about the hillside run as it can be tricky especially at first asking; there is plenty of speed outside of her; not sure the race sets up great for this gal.

Meinertzhageni

Soph must prove she can handle the conventional dirt; hung wide in the local start and it was at the wrong distance; drill last Wednesday snappy and note Bejarano 13 for 34 for this barn in the last year or so; interesting.

Rovenna

Popular winner of the Calder debut, but not very clever since; homebred has the black type to draw from and she could appreciate this softer spot; could see her getting a similar trip to the Florida win; respect.

Wonderful Lie

Nice bit of training to have this gal roll at first asking; she won professionally and has drilled a couple of times toward this fray; will likely need to improve to make it 2 for 2.

Casey's Clem

Connections thought enough of her to try the stakes but she just never kicked; the works this month have been solid as she is back with the original pilot; she only beat 3 horses in the BHP finale; with several here with designs on the top, look for pilot to take a hold, try to settle, make the one run.

Frandontjudge

O'Neill thought enough of this one to claim her back; proven locally, the only poor effort really was the debut; the winner of last repeated here 8 days ago in a $40K optional with a 77 Beyer; she has a right to have a nice career as a full to Bench the Judge, a double stakes winner and over $225K earner; wonder if she needs softer to shine? due to punch it in.

Harlington's Rose

Only in the money once since being tested in the CTBA; and that was the distant slice at Pomona; this rider was up for the lone score; due to punch it in and she is drawn right. - Brian Mulligan