Santa Anita: Closer Looks for February 20, 2014

Race 1

Ghost N Your Heart

2 straight wins in the fall, first here Oct. 10 and then at BHP Dec. 8; of course, those came going longer (mile, 7 1/2fs) and vs. cheaper; was claimed out of the Dec. 8 race for $8K, doubled in value for a mile try here Dec. 29; well, that didn't go so well but now comes a drop, and she's still in above her claimed price; and while she's been routing note 2 wins at this shorter trip; 2 snappy recent 4f works bode well.

Secret Genius

Been knocking heads with a few of these; 2 wins last year, but they both came in the first quarter of 2013 - things have been a bit dicey since; recent pattern is a bit worrisome, too - so-so race Nov. 10/layoff/so-so return race here Jan. 2/another layoff; at least has been working well.

Zees Chris

Last win came here, and was over more expensive ($16K); trouble is, that was also nearly 11 months ago and came routing; has won sprinting at least but that may not be her best game; been knocking heads with a few of these the past year and a half or so; does have speed but since that win last March came a dull race, then 8 months off, then 2 more dull races and now nearly another 2 months off.

Fourthornsnoroses

Cesom from TUP with 2 smart races in her last 3 starts; at least after that Jan. 4 dud she bounced right back to be a sharp 3rd for this price there Feb. 5, showing no ill effects; main issue here is whether you believe being competitive with $12,500 types in Phoenix translates to being competitive with $12,500 types on THIS circuit; Beyerwise she's got some work to do; but heck, Diodoro could have left her in Phoenix but opted to bring her here so that speaks of optimism.

Granny Calling

Last rew weren't too hot but note they all came vs. more expensive, too; dueled and paid the price for nearly twice this tag here Feb. 1; most encouraging it that with the drop she also gets the meet's leading rider; ample speed here and note her 2 dirt wins came on THIS track.

Addendum

That's a hot gal she chased home last time; in fact, she was probably in just a tad too steep that day anyway; that heat has been flattered, too (produced 2 next-out winners); prior 2 starts at BHP were very nice and she's won twice on dirt so she's not averse to this footing; Talamo was up for those aforementioned 2 good BHP races and stays with her after that not-so-hot 6th vs. toughere here Jan. 18; certainly fits, though it's a tad disconcerting that she won for $20K just over 2 months ago and now they're willing to part with her for just a little more than half that. - Michael Hammersly

Race 2

Thunders Echo

He hooked good group in the debut as the winner took the BC Juvenile; the siblings that won were sprint only; must deal with Fox Trot among others; needs wake-up call.

Warren's Sallyized

Stretch out runner is due for a trip; Lewis 2 for 14 with sprint to route runners in a maiden claimer the last 5 years and 3 ran second; sire was a non-winner; dam was unraced; the one for 9 half bro that won took a route; just may break out here.

Bluegrass Fox Trot

Far from disgraced in the stakes debut before leaving Hastings; nice try two back but he couldn't build on the effort; 12/27 winner repeated in a $40K optional with a 64 Beyer; due to punch it in.

Cleardofallcharges

Sadler good with this move; he is 10 for 37 or 27% the last 5 years with sprint to route maiden claimers and 6 ran second; maybe he was intimidated by the rail; sire proved stamina taking the Haskell; dam was unraced; 2 of 4 siblings won; one carried speed successfully long on grass; a clean break and it could be a new ballgame.

New Order

Cecil 0 for 2 the last 5 years with sprint to route maiden claimers but one ran second beaten nearly 4 at 22-1; brings some semblance of speed but he has lost ground in the lane every time; sire was sprint only; 2 for 13 dam earned over $50K and won routing; the 3 for 34 sibling that won took one route, banked nearly $60K; can never dismiss this kind of speed.

Patriot Vow

Puype 13 for 61 or 21% the last 5 years with MSW to maiden claiming moves; in for $90K less than purchase price in only 2nd start; that seems like a quick give up; dam's lone win was a route; 5 of 6 siblings won; top kin Proceed Bee won 14 times, took a Grade 3, won routing 7 times, banked over $700K; if he can run at all, he figures to show it here.

Crushed It

O'Neill good with this ploy; he is 10 for 27 or 37% the last 5 years with turf to dirt maiden claimers and 9 others ran in the money; first two races came back live and the winner 11/16 took the $83K Eddie Logan, was 2nd beaten a half in the Cal Derby, then third as beaten chalk last Saturday in the El Camino Real Derby when beaten nearly 3 lengths; several successful routers in the tree and top kin My List banked nearly $600K; he's had some bad trips; Bejarano enticed, interesting. - Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Midnight Lady

May be winless in 3 turf starts but she ran very nicely in all 3 (2 2nds, 1 3rd); it did all come sprinting, as has been all her work, so it's a longer trip today, but Pender not only saw fit to plunk down $25K to claim her last time (22% off a claim) but brings her back where he can't lose her via another claim, always a nice sign.

Quinnette

Only turf start wasn't much (7th down the hill here Oct. 4) but that's her lone hiccup in her last 5 starts (2 1sts, 2 2nds in the other 4) and she may simply be a much better mare now than she was then; not only looked good winning nicely here Jan. 18 but that was flattered (2 she beat that day came right back to win); Ellis claimed her Oct. 25 and this makes for 3 straight races he does not again risk losing her via a claim; certainly pedigree-wise there's no reason she shouldn't handle the sod.

No Slippahs

Comes here from NoCal where she did plenty of good work on turf (2 1sts, 4 2nds in 9 turf tries); that being said, she was surely facing softer company than she faces here; at least it's nice to see Patterson doesn't risk her for a tag again (he claimed her 2 back) but she's dealing with new surroundings and again, likely tougher foes.

Hanserella

May have turned the corner; it took quite a while, mind you, but she finally broke through and got that elusive diploma last time in start No. 27; the best part is that it not only came on turf but after nothing but sprints she tried this trip for the first time - and won; Maldonado stays put, which is nice, too; all that being said, it's first time vs. winners so the water is much deeper but the trip and footing suit and there's a nice work since on Feb. 12 to indicate she's still feeling good.

Blazen All Star

Only 5th here Jan. 23 but remember she had a troubled start and was left with too much to do; showed in some prior outings (including a very nice 3rd on this course at this trip at this level Oct. 13) she she fits; she's not some one-dimensional deep closer, either, as she has some tactical speed; fine meet continues for Puype; food for thought at a price.

Warren's Rosebud

Comes of 2 solid outings on this course at this trip at this level, finishing 3rd Dec. 27 and 4th Jan. 23; trouble is, on both occasions today's foe Mangita finished ahead of her (2nd in each) so she must make up some ground on that gal; but hey, we're not talking about numerous lengths and it may help that Mangita is mired on the far outside; no small matter that Bejarano takes the call.

Mangita

4 very nice outings to start her career; won a dirt sprint here last April 11 then won a route on BHP synthetic May 3; wasn't seen again for nearly 8 months but she's come back strong, running 2nd in races just like this here Dec. 27 and Jan. 23; mired on the far outside but she has the speed to get up and over before too much damage is done; bullet :59 is a big thumbs-up, particularly for Trainer Bruce as when his horses go fast in the a.m. they tend to go fast in the p.m., too; but there's not much margin for error here, is there? - Michael Hammersly

Race 6

Luckyvic

Her best effort can get her into the mix against these but it's tough to place confidence in her for the top spot when seeing that she has just a single victory after 27 career starts; prefer to look toward others.

Tiz Zoe Cee

She finished behind a couple of today's rivals in her most recent start and she will need to find a way to step up with a career best effort if she's planning on seeing her number posted on top after this one is run.

Vegas Bound

Limited available data on sire with regard to his turf starters, and during his racing career he was a G2 winner while winning 3 of 5 starts for 147k, and he didn't make a turf start, and dam was unraced; this miss is a 1/2 to Jonny's Choice (2-13, 108k, including 2 of 9 turf starts for 89k).

Feline Forum

Her form took a noticeable turn for the better with the addition of Lasix and blinkers two starts ago, and it looks like she's been training well in preparation for her first start for this barn; winner from latest returned to win next out at Bel on 6/20 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 65k OPC's with a 79 Beyer.

Indygo F M A

Can't ignore the fact that she hasn't been shy about settling for minor awards through her first 11 starts but her form has consistently been on the level of what it will take to get the job done in this spot; winner from latest won next out at GG on 2/2 going 1m vs. 62k OPC's with an 83 Beyer.

Ascription

Perhaps the sharpest performance of her career was in her turf debut two races ago, but it would've been nice to have seen her follow that effort up with a sharper try in her latest outing, and she will need to be ready for better to get the better of these.

Chilada

Like to see the improved performance she showed up with in her first start over turf two races ago and she figures to appreciate the drop in class after taking on stakes competition in her latest outing; when seeing the rider switch to Bejarano, it's probably a good idea to respect her chances.

A P Pepper

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters, and he's won with just 1 of 50 starters trying turf for the first time; dam won once from 42 starts, including 0-for-3 over turf; she must show more in her turf debut in order to contend, and she doesn't have a turf leaning pedigree.

Amanda

She's been in good form lately and like to see the tactical speed that she owns as that can help her manage a comfortable trip after breaking from the outside post; not going to be at all surprised if she's involved in the running every step of the way. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Spirit Rules

Was entered in last Saturday's Phoenix Gold Cup at TUP but scratched to stay here and go in this; toss that turf dud (his only turf try) at BHP last summer and you're left with nothing but good efforts; that being said, he's still 0 for 3 on dirt (2 3rds) and he's facing some tough customers here; but heck, he got within 2 3/4 lengths of G1 SP Rousing Sermon at BHP Nov. 24 and with 2 1/2 of a very sharp Big Macher here Jan. 25 so he's got some quality.

Circle the Moon

Had things going very nicely from last 2011 into this last spring; however, the pattern since is worrisome - dull race on BHP turf June 22/layoff/faded badly on DMR turf Aug. 17/layoff/faded on this dirt Oct. 3/layoff; not only must deal with that layoff but he hasn't sprinted in a long, long time; then again, maybe the vacation and return to this trip can snap him back to life...maybe.

Explain

Love these jumpers; when a sharp horseman takes a guy off a big win such as this guy posted Jan. 30 here (for $28K) and moves him far up in value (more than doubled today) that's a great sign; it not only speaks of confidence but also tells others that if they want to claim this guy the bargain days are gone; that being said, the very nature of such a move means taking on much tougher foes and while 2 of his last 3 Beyers were big (99, 93, both here) he's dealing with a few guys who have clicked that high or higher more than a few times.

Mel's Game

Came into his own here a year ago as after 8 months off he returned here and won 3 straight, posting Beyers of 97 and 93 in the last 2 wins; then came a good stakes try at BHP (4th, beaten just a half) April 27 but things haven't gone well since; after that came a dull 4th at 7-10 at BHP June 8, then 4 months off, 2 dull outings at GG and now another over 2 months off; at least you know he loves it here (3 for 3) but is even a return to that strong form of a year ago here enough vs. San Onofre and a few other toughies, hmmmm?

San Onofre

Holds a strong hand; debut 2nd here in Dec. 2012 was promising enough but then you had to be worried when he was next gone for 11 months; well, no worries now - his 3 returns starts have been smashing, a win at BHP (98 Beyer), and 2 wins here (99 Beyers in each); has speed to be sure but that big Jan. 20 win here shows he's no need-the-lead type; oh, and if you're worried about whether he holds his edge you can see 3 big Feb. works including a bullet :59 here Sunday; lots to like, well, except the short price.

Heir of Storm

San Onofre figures the heavy fave but it's THIS guy who owns the fields top Beyer (102) an dhe posted it on this track; off that they thought enough of him to try the G1 Malibu and G2 Strub; OK, so those waters proved too deep but he's back down in class and sprinting is his game; and surely if there are no ill effects from those 2 stakes tries he can be a big threat to San Onofre...but that's no small 'if' now, is it? - Michael Hammersly

Race 8

Don't You Want Me

Giacomo 9 for 144 with debuters, 4 for 70 with first-time turfers; sire did win at 2 before taking the Kentucky Derby on way to over $2.5K career, never turfed; dam was 0 for 2; this is her first to race; youngster looks fit enough.

Kissin Lucky Lips

Dunkirk 1 for 7 with first-time turfers; sire didn't go at 2, was G1 placed, banked nearly $400K, never turfed; Grade 1 winning 8 for 28 dam earned nearly $450K, was grass only; all 4 siblings that raced won; all won on grass, one banked over $500K in Japan; she was off poorly and never recovered; barn continues to roll on all cylinders.

Lust for Life

Shows for a tag but wonder if she belonged here all the time as a $1,800 purchase?; 5 for 17 dam earned over $150K, was out of the money in only turf out; one of 2 siblings won; that runner took 3 sprints, never turfed; probably from off the pace if at all.

Bella Campari

Nearly 3 clear in the mud in the CD finale, and the show horse that day was clear by daylight; she flashed good speed in last, now moves into an action spot; dam was unraced; 5 of 6 siblings won; 2 won on grass including near $300K earner Expecting Cash; respect.

Scene Queen

In for $60K more than purchase price, lack of speed so far must be addressed; dam 0 for 3; 4 of 7 siblings won; 2 won on grass including near $185K earner and G3 placed runner Codoy; rider is making the most of the opportunities this meet.

Birthday Surprise

Cassidy one for 33 the last 5 years with MSW to maiden claiming moves; been given time since beating one on the hillside; 5th finisher in last took a MSW with a 71 Beyer and the winner repeated in an N1X with a 73 figure; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; back to the original pilot.

One More

O'Neill 30 for 141 or 21% the last 5 years with MSW to maiden claiming moves; runner brings valid speed, has the two races to draw from, should be right there with any kind of a trip; she has trained fast for this; could get brave if she gets a lonely lead.

Disregarded

Artie Schiller about 8% with debuters in a 189-runner grid, about 13% with first-time turfers in a 158-runner ample; sire won twice at 2 including the debut, banked over $2 million on grass as a BC Mile hero; dam was 0 for 5; this is her first to race; miss seems realistically placed.

Kitten de Pere

Proctor 14 for 69 or 20% the last 5 years with MSW to maiden claiming moves and 12 others ran in the money; bothered last time but that happens when a runner has limited speed; there is a grass winner in the family; there should be a hot enough pace to help the promote the late punch and Smith has had good success for this clever stable.

Lamazone

Sadler 19 for 74 or 26% the last 5 years with MSW to maiden claiming moves and 16 ran second; hillside could have served as the ideal prep; G3 winning 7 for 29 dam won 5 times on grass, earned nearly $400K; all 3 siblings won; top kin Lama Chant won thrice on grass, earned nearly $80K; homebred has every right to improve.

Veronica Bay

Abrams 3 for 60 the last 5 years with MSW to maiden claiming moves; maybe she didn't adore the rail last time; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; she has beaten 4 horses so far and could be compromised by the slot if she gets a chance to suit up.

New Nature

Strong Hope 11 for 105 with first-time turfers; sire did not race at 2, won in second start with a 95 Beyer in the slop, banked over $750K, never turfed; 6 for 44 dam earned nearly $80K, lost thrice on grass; the sibling to win took 3 sprints in the minor leagues, lost only turf out; respect cagey barn but miss may need softer to shine. - Brian Mulligan