Santa Anita: Closer Looks for February 22, 2014

Race 1

Salsita

Not only is there little opposing speed for her to deal with but she comes here with by far the best form; that includes 2 2nds in 2 sprints on this track, most notably her last start, too, Jan. 19; that also came at this level so you know she fits; speed to utilize the rail; lots to like...well, except the short price.

Veronica Bay

First 2 starts weren't very pretty but in her defense, not only were those her first 2 outings but they also came vs. tougher straight maidens; it certainly didn't help that she broke poorly in both, too; drops and moves to dirt and she's worked in solid fashion here; certainly isn't facing much power here either.

Soar Home

Debut at BHP last June 2 wasn't terrible (ran 5th) when you consider that not only was it her debut but it also came vs. straight maidens; wasn't seen again for nearly 7 months before returning at BHP Dec. 22; she finished 3rd that day and while well beaten (7 1/4 lengths) the 2 gals who beat her are quite promising; drops, mvoes to didrt and has worked well here, and as noted above this isn't the strongest bunch you'll see at this level; 2 sibs to race are Yes He's Trouble (6 wins, $70K) and Lydia's Reward (3 wins).

Queen Mad

Last 2 were ugly, yes, but remember, both came vs. straight maidens; go back to her debut, for $30K at BHP and she ran on well for 3rd, and had trouble that day, too; could be this is simply a much better level; that being said, she's still a question mark on dirt and geez, could she have worked any slower than she did at SLR Feb. 17 (3fs in :41.40, slowest of 4 that day), hmmmm?

Top Pegasus

Pulled up in her turf route debut vs. straight maidens at BHP Dec. 14, so that wasn't good, but at least she came back in 6 weeks at this level here Jan. 26; of course, she was no real threat that day either (ran 6th) but at least she attracted money (sent off at 7-1); nice to see no further drop today and there are a couple works since; lone sib has 1 3rd from 2 starts. - Michael Hammersly

Race 2

Brave Act

Although he earned the figure racing over dirt, he boasts the best last race Beyer in here, and that race has proven to be productive; winner from latest won next out here on 2/14 going 1 1/16m vs. 25k OPC's with an 87 Beyer, and third finisher won next out here on 1/23 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 77 Beyer.

Play Maker

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this gelding is a 1/2 to Gladsong (2-15, 48k over turf); he's making his belated career debut, but a couple of his recent workouts hint at ability.

Mr Lemon Tree

Can't ignore the presence of Bejarano aboard another in here, but if you only focus on what this gelding has done in his four starts over turf, he can be listed among the contenders.

Gentlemen Pete

His best effort might be fast enough to get him into the mix against these, but it's always tough to place any confidence in a horse for the top spot that has been hanging around the maiden ranks as long as this one has.

Mahogany Run

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 6 of 34 starts for 222k, including 0-for-6 over turf; it's interesting to see the wagering support he attracted in his career debut and that he's making his first start for Sadler after a claim.

Heat Flash

He was beaten by today's rival Brave Act when last seen and he's going to have to improve over what he's shown in his first seven starts while making his first start back from a long layoff if he's to prove to be the one in this spot.

Do Some Magic

Like to see the improved performance he showed up with in his first start routing in his latest outing, and this gelding is out of a dam who won 4 of 10 starts for 134k, including 2 of 5 turf starts for 77k; winner from latest won next out here on 2/15 going 1m vs. starter alw. rivals with an 81 Beyer.

It Is Living Water

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 5 of 32 starts for 108k, including 0-for-4 over turf; his career debut was a very encouraging performance and he has some turf in his pedigree. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Kylee's Star

Hard to make a serious case for her off latest far-back defeat on SA dirt vs. Room for Me; she has been very best on grass posting a field-best Beyer speed figure at 1 Mile on SA turf in April; her November-synthetic surface exacta finish looks better since the winner repeated in a BHP-10K claimer with a 61 Beyer; trainer is 1-for the last-21 with runners going route-to-sprint.

Stepinmoon

Has never raced this long of a distance but off latest outrun line added yardage can only help the cause; good 2nd-time Beyer improvement after a troubled debut vs. the show finisher who posted 61-49 speed figures in 2 next-out wins.

Room for Me

Was claimed off a favored loss when racing very well in defeat posting a career-best Beyer 1st time on SA dirt and off a 65-day layoff; is back in just 20 days for this which is the main issue; she benefits flashing gate speed in latest and today projects as the main speed in a race void of any other early zip.

Frannie'sspirittoo

Dirt-exacta finish occurred at today's distance in September at BSR; the main knock is prevously never finished better than 4th on SA dirt; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 57 in a next-out SA-20K-maiden-claiming win; must show more locally to back.

Sri's Red

Have to like the career-improving Beyer speed figure pattern while in latest rally today's added 1F would have come in handy; figures tough to hold off in deep stretch today if can only repeat last; races 2nd time off a 128-day layoff a high-win percentage angle for her trainer; see lots of upside here.

Georgia's Niece

Lone-show finish of career was in this same spot on SA dirt 11 months ago; lacked the finishing punch off the bench when middle moving; a well-timed ride is needed to produce best finish; worked an LA-bullet for this; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 83-66 in next-out wins. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Woodlandsway (GB)

Getting back over turf proved to be a positive for this filly in her latest start, and if she can find her way back to one of her better performances, she's eligible to have a say in the outcome.

Joeandbetty'sbaby

This filly has been a pretty consistent performer throughout her career and it is worth noting the success she's had in her starts against claiming competition; she's a proven commodity over this turf course and commands respect as a top contender.

Julio's Gold

She brings a good deal of early speed with her, and when seeing what she did in her only start over turf prior to this, it's probably a good idea to respect her chances; third-place finisher from latest won next out at GG on 2/14 going 1m vs. 16-14k claimers with a 63 Beyer.

Blake's Magic

Half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Mobil (12-29, $1.8 million, including 5 of 13 turf starst for 877k), clearly has some ability to work with, and the drop to the 32-28k claiming level might be just what she's looking for.

Sweetest Secret

She responded in a positive way when given another chance to see what she can do over turf three races ago, but it does look like she's going to need to step up with her sharpest performance to date if she's to get the better of this field.

Disko Dasko (FR)

She was beaten by today's rival Burns Turn in her latest outing, but still viewing this as being a sensible drop in class for her, and she's run races in the past that are plenty strong enough to suggest that she can get the job done in a spot like this.

Tap the Magic

This filly has a nice pedigree for turf and when looking at what she's done in her two starts sprinting over turf prior to this, the turn back in distance can prove to be a key; she can't be counted out of it while dropping in class for this.

Burns Turn

Don't like to see the way that she seems to be comfortable with settling for runner-up finishes but she's clearly a good fit at this level of competition and she beat a couple of today's rivals in her latest outing; it is interesting to see that this will be her first start wearing blinkers. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Zuzu's Petals

Cuts back after tiring from her pace setting efforts at the level in her first start since Del Mar; she may prove to be the quickest of this bunch early from this inside draw and the shorter trip should play to her benefit; with a sharp drill from last weekend in tow it looks like they'll have her to catch and beat.

Lake Maracaibo

Mare always takes strong tote support and her first with winners down the hill in her first crack off this barn's claim was no exception; she looked good running away from cheap maidens 2 back in her lone start on dirt and her sprint speed did resurface last time; with speed drawn inside her here expect they'll look to take hold of her early and try to run it down at an improved price.

Corinthian Melody

Took her 11 cracks to break through the maiden ranks and she needed the drop to a career low level to do it against an overmatched bunch; gal who beat her just a couple of lengths 2 back starts next door to her today; at this level it looks as if her best hope may be for a minor share.

Sidebar

Addition of shades has helped this gal since they moved her to dirt in her return from the break; filly failed to capitalize on the duel in front of her last time, but she did break from the fence while earning a career best number that day; lightly raced gal looks to be the main danger on the slight cut back here.

Lets Get Frisky

Fresh 4 year old tries dirt for the first time since tackling winners for the initial time at this level 10 months back; she fired a solid one off a shorter break in that one and she has been working regularly for her return; barn is profitable with its returnees but this gal figures to need some help in front of her to seriously threaten first time back.

Elegant in Silk

Steps up for a protected spot while switching surfaces and turning back off a late running placing on the local lawn; though she broke her maiden on dirt 2 back she hasn't run particularly fast over the footing and the barn's recent numbers on the surface switch aren't much; prefer others on the win end. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Kyriaki

Returns to her shortest-distance test since the dirt-career debut defeat; reunites with the win rider who scored the only other time piloting her; the long layoff is the big issue as she's never raced following longer than a 45-day break but has 8 months away for this.

Madre Luna

Today's 114-pound assignment is the lighest of her career; has been more than 2 years since posting her maiden breaker on SA grass at today's distance; faded in last while 2-back rallied from off the pace but neither style produced her best effort; she has been best when she stalks the speed.

Lord Kitra

Both exacta races on the lead but has Deity and Madre Luna to fend off early then the closers in deep stretch; has not raced this short since the debut key-race dirt loss; she has never raced following longer than a 43-day break but has 10 months away for this so will be taking a wait and see approach.

Diaminda (IRE)

Should be set up nicely for another big effort as her 1st USA start was a solid show finish when breaking a tad slowly from the gate; 2nd race off the nearly 9-month layoff so see some upside; connections thought highly of this one; 2-back she faced Group 1 rivals including the winner who repeated in a 591K-stakes race.

Deity (GB)

Speedster tired in latest while catching a field today top heavy with other-gate speed; she is the one to catch; hopes to run back to her 88 field-best Beyer speed figure accomplished in her 1st USA start March, 2012, at today's distance on SA green producing a runner-up allowance finish.

Somethingabouther

Cuts back to her shortest-distance test since August, 2012; exits a career-best speed figure at 1 Mile; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 87 in her next-out SA-allowance win; lone victory was on the lead at 5F in the career debut in an IND-MSW turfer; the final yards here are the issue trying to end the 16-race winless drought.

One Time Only

51 days since winning at longer on the lead; she ran a big race the only time racing on SA grass at today's distance being a menacing presence from bell to finish; is drawn outside of the main speed which does not help the cause; she races off her longest layoff ever to meet winners for the 1st time which is often any runner's toughest-class assignment.

Velvet Mesquite

Perfect runner at today's distance on SA green; beat the runner-up finisher from last who Beyered 77 in a next-out SA alw. win; 41 days away is the issue noting she won back in just 16 days; recent-dirt workout suggests she will be a major factor again closing into a hot pace.

Royal Empress (IRE)

1st race at today's distance in the USA was a middle-moving loss; the rider from last sides with Baruta; is another 1st-time Import who produced her best finish 1st time in the USA when rallying well at 1 Mile; the 2-back winner captured G1 and G2 atakes next out with 97-95 Beyers.

Villeneuve (GB)

Posted a mild worktab off the long layoff; the winner from last repeated in a BHP-allowance with a 90 Beyer while the 7th-place finisher Beyered 83 in her next-out DMR-40K-claiming win; cuts back to her shortest-distance test since October, 2011; being 0-for-13 on turf with 1 exacta finish leaves her ranked as an outsider for this; graduated at 6F August, '11 on a synthetic surface; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Baruta (BRZ)

Cuts back to her shortest-distance test ever; nearly 1 year since her 4th straight BRZ-G1 loss; the hot-SA trainer is 1-for the last-20 with long-layoff starters yielding 30% winners 1st time-out with new acquisitions; couple of bullet workouts off the bench add to the appeal. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Kate's Event

Lack of speed is a concern for this guy; he's won a stakes but on the synthetic; in his 2 attempts on turf, he was beaten 2 and a half when 4th on this hill in 2011 and beaten 7 and a half at 5 furlongs on turf at Del Mar; one of three Hollendorfers in this race, look for Espinoza to try to save ground, ease this runner into contention, swing wide crossing the dirt and then try to reel them all in; needs very best.

Coach Bob

Seldom beaten to the first call, but this guy has a tendency to back out of it when things get heated; stretched out on grass after his last win and he has not been able to greet the cameraman since; 12/29 place won next out in a $62.5K optional, then was third beaten 3 in the $75K Phoenix Gold Cup; he's trained on the conventional dirt at Pleasanton since the last race but can't be thrilled with his grass slate; got a feeling if he is looked in the eye, he'll blink.

Summer Hit

The class is there off the repeated Grade 3 wins and he has much more speed than he just showed; note he was leading after a sub :22 quarter on this course just over a year ago; and note that win on the hillside came in a second off the layoff spot; he's trained fast this month with this race in mind; respect.

Lakerville

Nice bit of training to have this runner set off the extended layoff; his trainer was confident he would run a good race in the return and was rewarded; nice spin in the first drill after the return, he toned it down in the move last Sunday but should still have him on edge; wide in his first defeat, he bobbled and steadied in the other; Stevens enticed this time; repeat well within the realm.

Ain't No Other

Gelding ran out of the money in his prior race last year before ringing the bell in this race at 9-2; dueled into submission in his November race and he stalked to no avail in last; show horse 11/16 won next out in a $34K NC allowance, then lost twice in stakes; love the spacing of the return drills, can't be counted out.

Mr. Ornery

Would expect this runner to be the closing component of the Jones pair; he showed grit in last overcoming a not so perfect trip, but he will have to prove he can deal with proven stakes performers; homebred does have a decent turn of late foot and would expect rider to allow the leaders to duel and hope they give up the ghost; look for this guy late if at all.

Ambitious Brew

Perfect on the hillside, drawn right, he fires every time and he proved he belongs in this league after the tough beat in the Real Good Deal last summer; love fact he can be placed anywhere and still fire and he obviously has some try in him never being out of the exacta; the horse that beat him in the 2013 closer won next out in an N2X, then won the Grade 2 Palos Verdes with a 104 Beyer; look out. - Brian Mulligan

Race 9

Soul Saver

Once they start piling up 12 or 14 beats, the upside is just hard to find; lack of speed a concern, he s had no success breaking from the rail and the day he was in the money last year, he didn't scare anybody; not my kind of play.

Alsace

This guy is similar to the rail with the 13 shots; he at least showed some semblance of speed in last; and he has the 2 races recently to draw from; runner was nearly 4 clear in last but he just has not shown that killer instinct; he's drilled okay of late and could be around the wire once again.

Eat My Bubbles

Trainer spotted them just fine last year; at least he did flash brief speed while getting a taste of the game; 3 for 17 dam banked $120K; this is her first to race; one could build a case he will flash speed again, it's just a matter of how far he can go at this point; could at least muddle the pace.

End of Time

One race jumps off the page and that is his first with wraps; he soured as soon as he went over to Inglewood but he s been giving it up big time in the late stages of late; nothing wrong with the work pattern coming to this event and the move on the 10th in Orange County was solid; there are a couple of solid runners in this family including double stakes winner and $275K earner Kodema; nice move on the 10th, needs a turn around.

Anzeau

Another that has had his chances; hung wide to kick off the year but he regressed badly in last and he didn t look like a happy horse when he dwelt; hard to boost off the last fiasco.

Spectacularjourney

Five and still trying, he took pretty good action in the next pair of races after his career Beyer last May but he pretty much went through the motions in last; he's been handled by a number of today's rivals; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Love Forever

Educated at Golden Gate, he flashed some semblance of speed and at least worked since; 5 for 26 dam earned over $100K; both siblings won once including half sister Wedding Note, who took only start in a maiden $30K seller here last year with a 57 Beyer; gelding may like it here.

Dark Timbers

Notch up yet another that has started several times without much success; he caught the fastest splits in his career last time and picked up a little ground late; backers have to hope they go bonkers and the race falls completely apart; the hotter the pace the better.

Profire

Drawn right, he was nearly 3 clear in the Florida finale and seems to be approaching the proper level; game in defeat last time at the demanding distance; backers can hang their hat on fact lone sibling took 3 of 5 and banked nearly $65K; colt just may be a good thing in an ordinary race. - Brian Mulligan