Santa Anita: Closer Looks for February 2, 2014

Race 1

I Buy Gold

Interesting possibility from the fence because of the major class relief today; had little chance when chasing starter allowance company last month and should be a major pace factor here, especially if the firsters prove nothing special; legit money chances.

Mahogany Run

Beginner was sired by 294K earner Marino Marini whose offspring have won approximately 14 percent of their debuts; the dam involved won 6 of 34 starts and 222K; among the winning siblings is 40K earner Kofinho.

Second Proposal

Finished well but belatedly in his last assignment and the extra sixteenth of a mile should work in his favor today if the early fractions are accelerated; the key to his chances may also rest on whether or not the rail entrant is a dead send.

Take a Risk

Tries claimers for the first time after suffering through unlucky trips in both starts; his sire won multiple graded stakes and 1.04 million overall; the dam went 2 for 6 attempts earning 47K; sib to 109K bankroller Somethings Unusual.

It Is Living Water

Newcomer hails from Good Journey, a G1 turf performer who amassed 1.73 million (his progeny have scored in 8 out of 75 initial starts); the dam won 5 of 32 and 108K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Silver Love

Perhaps the scheduled return to blinkers will help matters but he has shown little enthusiasm up to now; gone to post at giant odds in all starts and wheels back quickly for this engagement; hard to endorse as a serious candidate.

Qatar's Pearl

Considering the very long vacation, that was a useful comeback race turned in a month ago; seems destined for a return to route racing yet the latest workout at five-eighths was a distinct improvement; mixed signals for this gelding. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Amanda

She seemed to handle turf just fine in her latest outing when trying it for the first time, and even though she was beaten by today's rival Luckyvic in that race, she might really appreciate being turned back to a sprint distance for this; feel that she's a legitimate threat to walk away with the top prize.

Real Bright Boots

Can't ignore the impact that her early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up but it does look like she's better off at distances shorter than today's 6 1/2f assignment; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 1/5 going 6f vs. 25-22.5k N2L claimers with a 69 Beyer.

Intoxicating Move

Not wild about the idea of a maiden facing winners, and not sure about the turn back to a sprint distance for her, but the 72 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 1/2 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 81 Beyer.

Luckyvic

She's clearly capable of running with these, especially if she feels up to one for better performances, but it's difficult to back her with any confidence with the win dollar when seeing her 26-1-9-4 race record; however, she does figure to be a tough one to keep out of the mix.

Smil'n From Above

Not to be outdone by Luckyvic, this mare sports a career mark of 34-1-8-10, but the major differnece between those to rivals is that Luckyvic has shown herself to be capable of putting together a decent performance against competition of this caliber; this mare has the look of an outsider.

Lake Maracaibo

She made it look very easy when dropped in with 20k maiden claimers for her dirt debut in her latest outing, and when seen that she's run well over turf in the past, this might prove to be a decent spot for her to meet up with winners for the first time; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 1/17 going 1 1/16m vs. 20k MCL's with a 67 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Onyx Be Good

Mare has had plenty of chances and her return to the local main track at this trip and level wasn't very good; she doesn't catch all that much and maybe the move to the fence helps her some, but it's tough to get excited about her chances of threatening, even against these; looking elsewhere for the winner.

Room for Me

Offered little sprinting in her synthetic debut at Hollywood 9 weeks ago and now she'll drop in half in price; filly does boast a little bit of route pedigree on the sire's side and she did work well from the gate earlier in the month for a profitable return outfit so maybe she'll give a better account of herself today.

Sheza Eyeopener

Proved no match for the top 2 on the surface switch in her local return, but maybe the effort served to sharpen her early interest some for the stretchout today; filly goes for an outfit that hasn't had much luck with runners tackling added ground but it's not as if she catches a difficult bunch and the price should be ok; maybe for a share.

Charger Girl

She hasn't hit the board in 10 career tries and now she'll stretch back out; filly did show some signs of life last time and maybe that helps her get more involved from the bell in this heat, but she's still got to prove she can handle 2 turn racing and make up some ground on several rivals who have beaten her handily of late.

Putahexonher

Had some trouble in her sprint debut at the level a couple of weeks back and now she'll tackle routing; filly's dam did win twice going long so she's got that going for her and the barn does hit at a decent clip with its stretchouts; not a bad place to land in a weak gathering.

Visions of Candy

Runner up in each of her last 2 earned the field's highest last out Beyer earner in her return to the local main track; she'll cut back slightly for this which looks like it may be to her benefit and she catches a pretty poor bunch of foes; likely to offer little value, but they'll have her to beat.

Kylee's Star

She's had her share of chances already and enters this one off a route spin at the level in which she wasn't within double digit lengths of the runner up who returns in this spot as well; filly did earn a couple of minor awards prior to that at this level, but neither of her dirt starts was near fast enough to win if the big gal shows up with her regular effort. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Wild Dude

This race has been won by some nice horses over the years like Native Diver, Ancient Title, the blur Chinoook Pass and Kona Gold; last year Hollendorfer's student Sahara Sky was coming off a third in a classified allowance before coming from 2nd to last to post a winning 102 Beyer; 12/1 place horse cashed next out in an N1X with a 93 Beyer; this is a nice horse, he has a nice future, but he's facing several proven Graded stakes winners and may be overwhelmed.

Sahara Sky

Triple digit Beyer animal is back to defend his title; he needs help up front but all 3 on the outside of him have speed; show horse in last took the Grade 2 Suburban next out and the place horse cashed in the G1 Whitney; he's run super fresh several times, but his style demands he gets the right splits and clear sailing; backers have to hope a duel occurs, this guy is clear and he inhales the speed late; will be flying, it's just a case of will the wire come too soon.

Majestic Stride

Proven fresh, he caught the ridiculous splits two back and could not quicken in time; 10/6 place horse won next out in a $62.5K optional, then won an $88K stakes to kick off 2014 beating rival on the extreme outside; bet like a good thing last time, he benefitted when Roman Threat was scratched in last; basically flattered rival on the direct outside with the win last time; look for rider to send hard and try to discourage the other speed.

Secret Circle

Win machine invents ways to score; repeatedly proven fresh, he was beaten by the stablemate in the 2012 closer and boasts the typical sizzling splits coming to this fray; his only local defeat was his first going long and he was probably just pushing the envelope in the 9-furlong ARK Derby; he's not missed a beat in his a.m. activity as he gets a chance to again prove his trainer right when Baffert called him 'an amazing horse'.

Moonshine Bay

Gelding represents 60% of the field that has the Hollendorfer stamp; considering the stablemates are stalkers, would expect this guy to be on the muscle from the sound of the bell; consistency has been his calling card; he's drawn right and Stevens got a clue as to his style last time; should be forwardly placed from the get go, it could just be a matter of class if he's good enough. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Bushida

Offered little first out while tackling a shorter trip at this level; filly moves to the fence so she'll need to show more early interest than she did last time; she's the first foal to race out of a SP dam who did win 3 races; prefer to just watch her in here.

Mon Petite

Sire is 4 for 19 with his first out runners and the dam won twice prior to dropping 2 winners; barn hasn't had any recent luck right out of the box but this gal has been working better of late for her unveiling.

Elda

Tried MSWs first out without much luck and now she'll give claimers a shot in her initial dirt spin; filly is kin to a few limited sprint winners and she's worked well in the interim here, but the barn hasn't had any recent luck second time out.

Moscato Girl

Beaten odds on chalk makes her first start off the claim by a sharp outfit following that placing at the level; filly has returned to work well and she does appear quick enough to take it to this bunch early; she'll have an added half panel to deal with and figures to again take tote support, but they'll have her to catch and beat.

Gala Moon

Hasn't done much in her 2 starts and now she'll switch to another new pilot who will help her with a 10 pound weight concession; barn didn't win a race all of last year and this gal doesn't present much to suggest she'll go a lot better in here; longshot again.

Strollin Home

Finally gets off the fence while stretching out a panel off a late running effort in her local return; filly ran big at a longer one turn trip 2 back over synthetic footing at Hollywood and maybe she's able to sit a better spot at this trip; one to consider.

Schmaltzy

Sire is 8 for 57 with his first out runners and the dam won 4 times sprinting whose lone foal to race won twice; works aren't much but the most recent local move wasn't bad and the barn is profitable with its newcomers.

Hurricane Maili

Sire has seen 1 of his 27 starters win first time out and the she's the first foal to race out of a limited sprint winning dam; she's another who isn't working particularly fast and don't know a lot about this barn.

Wintara

Hood goes on for her second start after bringing little to the table in her local debut at the level; she did return to work a couple of times over the local main track and her SP dam won 4 times prior to dropping 2 sprint winners; price will be right for those willing to give her another shot.

Majestic Gem

Tightened the screws with a sharp gate drill here last week; sire gets about 8% winners from his first out runners and the dam was a G2 SP turfer and 190K earner who dropped a couple of main track winners.

New Nature

Wasn't a threat to the money finishers in her debut run from the Hollywood fence a couple of months ago and now she'll drop a level for her first crack at the local dirt; filly was sent long in the morning a couple of weeks back and maybe that helps increase her stamina some; lone sib was a 3 time winner. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Yomybato

He ran well in his first start for this barn in his latest outing, but he did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario, and it might be worth noting the presence of Bejarano aboard the other Hollendorfer-trained gelding in here; he chased three of today's rivals to the finish three starts back at BHP.

Depreciable

He appears to be going about as well as ever entering this race and the third place finisher from his latest outing returned to win next out here on 1/11 going 1m over turf vs. 25-22.5k claimers with an 84 Beyer; feel that he's worthy of contender status.

Bluegrass Reward

To this point in his career he's been at his best racing over dirt or a synthetic surface and he's really going to need to step it up over what he's shown in his three turf starts in order to get the job done; prefer to look toward others.

Buenos Dias (IRE)

Grade 1 stakes placed veteran has obviously seen faster days but he still appears to be capable of producing a competitive performance against competition of this caliber; not willing to give him the nod for the top spot, but he might be able to sneak his way into the exotics mix.

Tiz Dynamic

When considering that his recent form has been improved, and that he's out of a multiple graded stakes winning dam who won 7 of 27 starts for 368k, including 3 of 14 turf starts for 112k, it might not be a bad idea to give him another chance to see what he can do racing over turf.

Husband's Folly

He has shown the ability to put together a pretty decent performance on his best day, but he does enter this race off of one of his sharper starts, and hasn't been known to string together back-to-back quality outings; note that he's finished behind a number of today's rivals in a few of his recent starts.

Olympic Blue

He has every bit the look of a top contender in this spot and it doesn't hurt to see that he produced a sharp winning performance in his only start over this turf course; feel that this multiple stakes placed gelding can prove to be tough to tackle in this spot if he feels up to one of his better performances; Bejarano has won with 9 of 30 (30%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Mr. Candy Bar

Minor stakes winner hasn't been quite on top of his game in his two most recent races, and not only does he have to show up with a top try to have a chance at the top spot, but he's probably going to need to see a few of these show up with less than their best; leaning toward others.

Te Rapa

This gelding ran very well after being returned from a layoff last June and have to respect the way that he was able to maintain his sharp form for seven consecutive starts before being tested against G2 competition in his latest outing; he has the look of a top contender and it's interesting to see the hot-riding Smith taking over. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Tenkiller Kid

Win-rider Bejarano takes the speedy Got Even for this; figures to stalk that one while saving every inch of ground like last; been a new runner since blinkers were removed; reunites with a rider who piloted to a career-low Beyer speed figure in October; beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 63 in his next-out SA-20K-maiden-claiming win.

Footbridge

Back on the win surface as he did not show anything on a synthetic surface 2-back while 1st Lasix and turf did not produce his best finish in last when rallying from too far back; necked Feb. 2013 on SA dirt at 1 Mile when defeated by the winner who repeated with a 95 Beyer taking a SUN-Grade 3 event.

Cat Burglar

Working over the track like he's ready to fire a big race today; just one start traveling today's distance during career was his SA-maiden breaker when defating the runner-up finisher who graduated in a BHP-MSW next out with an 86 Beyer; beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 99-98 in 2 next-out BHP-SA alw. wins.

Secretsatmidnight

Has 14 lengths to make up on Cat Burglar from his SA-October loss at today's distance; 4 next-out winners out of last; the DQ'd winner, 4th-5th and 7th-place finishers Beyered 87-81-80-65 in next-out SA-FG-MSW and BHP-20K-maiden-claiming triumphs.

Carlsbad Mountain

Designer rematch from 2-back where he lost to that one fresh but posted a new-career best Beyer speed figure; chance of a bounce here drilling the new Top off a 57-day layoff now back in just 22 days for this; figures to stalk Got Even from the gate then hopes to get 1st run on the closers.

Seeking the West

Pace presence has to outbreak Got Even then hold off the stalkers/closers while trying to pass the class test facing winners for the 1st time; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 78 in 2 next-out wins taking SA-MSW and OPC victories.

Got Even

All 3 wins were on the lead none past 7.5F; last score was 13 races ago Dec. 2011 at 7F on SA dirt taking a 100K event; 1st-time Bejarano riding with stamina concerns off recent sprint fades but is the one to catch; October, 2012, was stakes-placed on SA dirt the only time during career competing at today's distance with a field-best Beyer attached; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 96 in a next-out SA-126K stakes victory.the 3-back winner and runner-up Beyered 98-93 in next-out SA alw. wins.

Designer

Horse for the couse owns his career-best Beyers on SA dirt; nipped in last on the lead but projects to chase Got Even from the gate for this in a field top heavy with other early zip; claimed 3-back off trainer Baffert and most runners do not improve when leaving that stellar barn; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 96 in his next-out SA-126K stakes win; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 78 in his next-out SA-25K-claiming victory.

Groovin' Solo

Blinkers are removed after 2 dull efforts the latest over the track when no match for Got Even; lone win was without blinkers but owns his best Beyer with the hood on; the April winner captured his next 3 races incuding 2 Grade 1s with 110-100-98 Beyers.

Harlington Night

Dull-synthetic surface start the 2nd time he's shown nothing on that type of surface; clearly should appreciate the return to SA dirt where he's won twice at today's distance; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 101-99 in 2 next-out wins including a BHP-Grade 2.; beat the 2-back show runner who Beyered 88 in a next-out SA-starter alw. win; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 72 taking an SA-30K-maiden claimer next out.

Big Kick

The 1st start for a new trainer making his 1st-SA dirt start did not impress but seems set for an improved effort 2nd time back off a 62-day layoff; the 2-back winner repeated with a 94 Beyer taking an AQU-98 stakes next out; the 3-back winner repeated in a PRX-OPC wih a 96 Beyer while the runner-up Beyered 93-88-84 in 3 next-out wins including 80K-DEL and 50K-CT stakes scores. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Zackos My Man

Tannersmyman 1 for 25 with first-time grass runners; sire won twice at 2, took a stakes at 3, earned $100K taking 4 of 9, never turfed; dam lost only start; this is her first to race; cozy slot can't hurt but he has to prove he can handle this caliber foe.

Toosmartbyhalf

Decarchy about 13% with first-time grass runners in a 117-horse sample; sire took juvenile debut at Great Yarmouth at 7 furlongs on the grass by 7 lengths, was a turf monster who banked nearly $700K; dam won at 2, never turfed; all 3 siblings won including a triple grass winner; look for rider to send hard and try to steal it.

Lucky Jack

Lucky J. H. 2 for 18 with firsters, 1 for 8 with first-time turfers; sire won at 2, took a Grade 3, banked nearly $650K, won thrice on grass; stakes winning 8 for 24 dam banked over $650K, won 4 times on grass; 4 of 5 sibs won; SW top earner Super Ability won twice on grass, banked almost $150K; homebred could improve here.

Arctic Code

Debut solid and he has a feel of the hillside now; SW dam won 4 times, twice on grass, banked over $200K; several winners in the family; 5 tried grass to no avail; he's starting to figure it out.

Bertrane

Bertrando about 12% with firsters in a 776-runner sample, about 12% with first-time grass runners in a 399-horse sample; sire took juvenile debut, won multiple Grade 1s, earned $3.1 million; won a $60K stakes on grass; dam handled stakes, banked over $150K; all 4 siblings won including triple grass winner and near $190K earner Big Bane Theory; bug has been getting into some live barns.

Pyrotechnics

Lack of speed a legit concern; there is no grass success in the family; boxcars every time; is looking at the same fate.

Unusually Green

See Brimstoned for sire stats; dam took 2 dirt sprints; 4 of 5 siblings won; top earner Lady Railrider took multiple stakes, earned over $600K, won on grass once; 12th finisher in last took a maiden $50K claimer and the winner repeated in a MSW with a 74 Beyer; homebred has trained steadily for this.

Prospector Alley

Flower Alley 12 for 102 with first-time turfers; sire was third in lone juvenile out, took the Travers, banked over $2.5 million, never turfed; Grade 3 winning 7 for 28 dam banked nearly $500K, was 2nd in best turf moment; the sibling that won took debut at 2, earned over $150K, lost only turf out; Sadler doesn't dip into the claim box all that often.

He's a Real Keeper

Lucky Pulpit 4 for 30 with first-time turfers; SW sire won at 2, took 3 of 22, banked over $200K; SP 3 for 12 dam won twice on grass; this is her first to race; could need softer to shine.

Bodrum

Nearly 8 clear in a career effort; there are 2 in the tree that won on grass including an over $100K player; Nakatani rides the hill as good as anybody.

Dane O Mite

Blake's Passion 0 for 1 with firsters, limited turf data available; sire won on grass, banked over $50K; 2 for 30 dam earned nearly $140K, was turf only; 2 of 4 siblings won; one cashed on grass in the minor leagues; may need experience.

Alert Bay

City Zip about 14% with first-time grass runners in a 319-runner sample; sire earned over $725K sprinting, was third in best result on grass when beaten a length at a mile in the G2 Kelso; dam handled grass in S. America; lone half sis took 5 dirt sprints; drawn right, interesting.

Brimstoned

Unusual Heat about 10% with first-timers in a 459-horse study and about 12% with first-time grass runners in a 365-horse study; sire won debut going short in Europe, won multiple stakes, was Group 3 placed, was 6 for 16, earned over 140 grand, all on grass; dam was unraced; lone half bro lost 13 times; colt looks fit enough.

Cernobbio

Soph clearly prefers grass; he could have sulked after the poor start but still came running; show horse in last graduated in a MSW with a 74 Beyer; all 3 siblings tried grass but failed to win on turf; surprise package. - Brian Mulligan