Santa Anita: Closer Looks for January 1, 2014

Race 2

Fury Kapcori

His three dirt starts have been fine performances and he's faced quality competition in those starts; Grade 1 stakes placed colt benefits from the rail post and he's capable of providing a legitimate test for Governor Charlie; Bejarano has won with 54 of 144 (38%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Little Jerry

Stakes placed gelding has shown the ability to dial up a pretty sharp performance on his best day, as evidenced by his latest outing, but he's yet to prove that he can be at his best racing over a dirt surface, even if he has only had one dirt start to this point in time; looking toward others.

Safety Belt (ARG)

He looks like he displayed solid form racing in Argentina and it also looks like he's done some nice work in the a.m. since arriving in America; he has some appeal in this spot, especially when considering that Stevens sees fit to take the call.

Batti Man (ARG)

Maybe there's reason to be concerned when seeing that his recent form hasn't been his best, and he's the only one in here with a price tag attached, but this gelding has some strong form on his card to consider, and he's shown the ability to run his race over any surface.

Govenor Charlie

Grade 3 winner hasn't been seen since the Preakness when reportedly sidelined by a hind end issue, and his workouts on 12/14 and 12/21 match evenly with stablemate Shakin It Up, recent winner of the G1 Malibu; his 2nd dam is Silverbulletday (15-23, $3 million).

Holy Candy

Like what he's shown in his three starts over dirt, and those races were run over this surface early on in his 3-year-old season; Grade 3 stakes placed performer can't be counted out of it after a sharp winning performance off of a layoff in his latest outing. By Brian Pochman

Race 4

Robertino

Anziyan Royalty 1 for 21 with firsters; sire lost only start at 2, took a stakes, won 6 of 20, banked over $330K; 1 for 2 dam cashed on grass; 3 of 4 siblings won; leading sibling Illegal Danish took 2 of 31, earned just over $500 a start; it's taken him awhile to get to the show.

Tommy's Kid

The extended layoff is a valid concern; only a brief threat in the lone sprint try; place horse in last took a MSW next out, 4th finisher was 2nd a length at that level and the winner repeated in a $25K optional; one can understand the patience here as several siblings banked 6 figures; lean toward watching.

Warren's Brother

Affirmative 0 for 44 with firsters; sire lost all 4 starts; 1 for 14 dam earned just over a grand a start; 2 of 4 siblings won; each banked about 36 grand; love the spacing of the drills accentuated by the blowout on the 26th.

Atticus Scouts

Even considering the extended layoff, runner must be given a look on the drop alone; 1 for 9 dam banked over $11K; this is her first to race; must be left in the hopper.

Silectico

In tough on the class jump in last but runner never raised a gallop the other time for a tag; dam out of the money 4 times; 1 of 2 siblings won; top kin took 2 for 9, banked just under $25K; has some things to iron out.

Grand Gambler

Three regressions on the Beyer scale since losing at Pomona; not good; backers can point to the fact there is an over $50K earner in the tree; would expect bug to send hard, hard to see him around at the end.

Star of America

Gelding showed improved energy in the work on the 22nd; one positive is that his best race came in the return effort in October of 2012; needs a wake-up call.

Right On Schedule

El Prado about 8% with debuters in a 660-horse sample; sire was champ at 2 in Ireland, won his first 2 races at 2, was a Group 1 winner; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; gelding seems realistically placed.

Alsace

Gelding has had his chances; runner has much more speed than he just flashed; 4th finisher in last graduated at this very level and 10th finisher took a maiden $5K claimer at GG; he can give you a sub :22 quarter if in the mood; drawn right, don't ignore.

Trando's Tremor

Seven and still trying; why he had to take off 2012 is anybody s guess; runner was over 4 clear last time; 11/3 winner repeated in a $40K starter with an 80 Beyer; connections would love to see him start acting like lone kin who banked over $120K; rates long look in all the slots.

Indian Monkey

Runner has legit speed, just little stamina at this point; 10/25 winner repeated took a $16K N2L, then was 2nd beaten a half in an $8K claimer; off rail this time, could get brave with a lonely lead.

Mr. Cappuccino

After 25 defeats, the upside is nearly impossible to find; you can say his best race was here in April of last year but he regressed next time out; gelding only beat 2 home the last time for a tag; passing.

Senor Pegasus

Was live in the debut but has went backwards since; 2 siblings did bank 6 figures including a near $200K earner; expect another solid effort here.

Little Ez

Must go longer here after the dull opener at Pomona; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; looking elsewhere for a key top horse. By Brian Mulligan

Race 5

American Blend

Runner caught fast splits in last and just could not keep up; he needs help up front and backers have to hope somebody goes with the sprinter stretching out next to and an honest pace materializes; shades off, like they were for both wins; will be in the picture late if at all.

Scorpion Warrior

Repeatedly proven fresh, note runner won at this level up north; show horse in the last race cashed 12/8 in a $34K classified allowance at GG; nice move on the 24th help the cause and he has a right to get the trip as two siblings won routing; can't fault those that project a legit threat attempt.

Ever Rider (ARG)

Runner cuts back after being pulled up in the BC Marathon, the place horse in last took the Grade 3 Native Diver next out beating rival on the extreme outside; drills since last debacle very steady but runner may have a hard time keeping up with the Mulhall charge; needs a rebound run.

Say Ow

Gelding was probably just overmatched in the stakes; return was decent and it could serve as the ideal prep; unbeaten at this distance, he was flattered in last when the winner repeated here opening day in the Grade 1 La Brea with a 93 Beyer; drilling like he means business including the best of 55 bullet on the 24th; interesting.

Big Kick

Stronach Stakes named as owner for the last race; veteran has trained solidly here; 8/3 place horse has won 3 times since including an $80K stakes win and a $50K stakes score; winner 8/3 has won twice since, the last in a $107K stakes 12/7 at Gulfstream; 9th finisher in last took a $5K Penn National starter next out and the winner repeated in a $98K stakes at AQU; surprise package.

Den's Legacy

On the stakes diet for most of last year, note runner was a good third to monster Will Take Charge last year; could see him getting a solid stalk and pounce trip and with his tactical speed he will get first run on the deep closers; must be left in the mix.

Setsuko

Connections have always been high on this guy; the nose beat in the Big Cap screams off the page but that was ages ago; in a bit tight in last in a race he had to need; would expect rider to take a little hold, try to get runner to settle, hope a duel occurs and make the one run. By Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Ricspretentiousgal

Projects to race on or near the lead with Awe' Some Kitten, and Smart N Dreamy; reunites with the 2-back win rider from her Mile-BHP grass win; the best SA grass race is when she made the lead then tired to finish 3rd at today's distance; know her early then hopes to hang on late for a share.

Awe' Some Kitten

75 days since handled by Tayrona who follows her here; there is not shortage of other gate speed signed on for this so her chances of going gate-to-wire seem compromised; hopes to work out a trip like her 4-back win last summer when rallying from 5th defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 79 in her next-out SA-starter alw. win.

Smart N Dreamy

Dull effort 1st off the claim when dueled into defeat; has plenty of other gate speed to go with her early; wired SA-turf Milers 2 back and it looks even better since the show runner Beyered 71 in her next-out BHP-16K-claiming win; October-win rider takes Boller Bomb; view as a major-pace presence.

Perfecta

46 days since tiring in the lane; both wins during career on DMR green; she has not fired her best races off previous freshenings scoring 2nd time off the layoff to graduate then with 22 days between starts; the 2-time win rider takes Awe' Some Kitten for this.

Little Emily

Exits her lowest speed figure since November, 2011, when defeated by the winner who repeated in a BHP-100K event with an 87 speed figure; back on turf where she is clearly at her best; field-best Beyer last summer occurred at today's Mile distance on DMR lawn; 80 days away does not help the confidence level; SA grass win was at 1 Mile; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Meltarib

Receives a negative 2-pound weight swing off the more than 3-length loss vs. Ricspretentiousgal; 9%-winning fresh trainer off the 8-week layoff does not help the confidence level that she can turn the tables off the bench.

Tayrona

Figures to work out an ideal trip racing midpack in a race with a lot of inside-gate speed; defeated Awe' Some Kitten in her only SA grass race and it was also coming off a similar freshening to this; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 84 in her next-out SA. allowance win; the pick.

Boller Bomb

55 days since being outfinished at 1 Mile and is now 0-for-3 since claimed off a DMR win where she offered a strong-closing kick; rider of last who seemingly had several other options stays here; the 2-back winner repeated in a BHP alw. with an 84 Beyer; wish she fired better in February the last time off a 45-day or longer absence.

High Jinks (BRZ)

Winless since November, 2012, in a Mile turfer in Brazil she has been far off her best game in USA races unable to hit the board in the states; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 84 in her next-out SA-OPC win; view as an outsider off latest 1st-blinkered loss vs. Ricspretentiousgal; projects to press the pace wide off the 53-day absence.

Hlao Roo

Was screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here; August was her last test at 1 Mile where she faded badly; the 1-for-18 grass record and widest draw where sure to lose ground are 2 drawbacks while Sutherland is rider 5 in as many races which is not a good-win angle. By Art Gropper

Race 7

Mudge

Showed some improvement in the latest a.m. move and has earned decent shares in all 3 appearances; should receive a much more heated early pace today and that can brighten her prospects.

Everheart

After a slow beginning, she made up a fair amount of ground in her November maiden voyage; her sire won multiple G1 stakes and 727K while the dam scored in 5 of 27 appearances earning 225K; winning siblings include 15K earner Hot Roxx.

Q' Viva

Newcomer was sired by Tribal Rule who won 2 of 7 attempts and 77K (his progeny have scored in 50 out of 360 debuts); the dam won 10 of 47 and 302K; among the winning siblings is 146K earner Stalking Gold.

Glance's Rule

Moved into strong fractions in her unveiling in late November; see the previous runner for same sire info; the dam won 3 of 28 and 31K; among the winning siblings is 3232K earner Moving's Gold.

Betty Bing Bing

After a fine debut in the summer, she came up empty 4 months later; her sire won multiple graded stakes and 1.04 million while the dam won 4 of 12 and 150K; sib to 47K earner Bettyboomboom.

Council Talk

Dons the blinkers for the first time after showing no firepower on either surface; her sire won 5 of 23 and 342K; the dam won 6 of 13 and 103K; among the winning siblings is 33K earner Miracle Merger.

Jogget

Scratched.

Stormin Norma

One of the main speeds to consider today; her sire won a G3 and 484K; the dam won 1 of 17 and 30K; winning siblings include 165K earner Temple's Door; must tackle this distance for the first time. Flashed more speed than usual before tiring in her last assignment; the equipment change today and all-important first visit to the claiming ranks should help the cause; workout activity last month, however, was average.

Exclusive Girl

She was sired by multiple G1 type In Excess who captured 1.69 million and whose progeny have won 118 out of 725 debuts; the dam went 1 for 11 earning 102K; among the winning siblings is 208K earner Repo.

Very Thankful

Commendable first effort nearly a month ago; the grey was sired by 1.51 million earner McCann's Mojave; the dam involved won 2 of 18 and 44K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; may be able to handle this escalation.

Glorious Rebecca

Returns to maiden claimers after unsuccessful foray vs maiden specials; prior at this level was an ok debut; adds blinkers today so should see a bit more speed.

Papa's Dancing

Could not keep pace last out following a slow break; her sire won multiple G2s and 1.12 million overall; the dam won 1 of 28 attempts and 62K; the only winning sibling is 20K earner Dancing Lute. By Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Famous Alice

Favored-debut win when professionally sitting just off the pace then scored; projects to work a similar-type trip saving ground from an inside draw hoping One More Wild Ride and Rever de Vous duel each other into defeat; would have to improve the Beyer speed figure 2nd-time out to land a major share but see plenty of upside.

Loan Savant

Graduated on a synthetic surface which she will not be getting for this; receives a positive 4-pound weight swing off the more than 7-length loss vs. Full Ransom in her only grass start; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 78 in a next-out SA-MSW win.

One More Wild Ride

Projects as the one to catch with the best-gate speed; has Rever de Vous to contend with from the gate then has to hold off the closers; 11%-winning fresh trainer and her August race off the layoff are 2 drawbacks; is here off a 62-day break; beat the show runner from last who Beyered 61 in a next-out FG-MSW win; the 2-back runner-up captured two-200K stakes in her next 2 races (77-76 Beyers); the 3-back winner repeated with an 83 Beyer in an SA-101K event.

Saintly Joan

Sire is 32-for-331 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 3-0-0-0 grass dam (1K); her only other foal to race is 0-for-1 turfer Iotapa a stakes winner on dirt; 46 days since fading on synthetic; her dirt win sprinting suggests 1 Mile is a big question mark.

Full Ransom

Posted back-to-back co-field-best Beyers at 1 Mile on grass showing immense versatility scoring from off the pace on the lead also on firm and less-than-firm conditions; the debut runner-up finisher Beyered 75 in her next-out SA-MSW victory; lone issue is the highweight gives 4-6 pounds to her rivals.

Sushi Empire

Has been a new runner since stretched out to 1 Mile although comes in here a maiden facing winners which is not a good-win angle; clearly fits well here receiving a postive 5-pound weight swing off the under 2-length loss to Full Ransom.

Rever de Vous

Sire is 45-for-477 with 1st-turf starters; projects to press One More Wild Ride for the lead; she is the 1st foal from the dam who went 4-0-1-1 on the turf (26K); beat the debut-show runner who Beyered 56 in her next-out GG-32K-maiden-claiming win.

Kris Furillo

Debut winner with 38 days to regroup for an 0-for-8-fresh trainer since 2012; new rider Talamo began the SA meet on a 1-for-25; late kick was effective 1st-time out but tests winners for the 1st time and will need a signfiicant Beyer boost to rally into an share today. By Art Gropper

Race 9

Dynamite Wind

Ministers Wild Cat about 11% with debuters in a 192-runner sample; double stakes winning sire was 2nd in only start at 2, took 6 of 22, banked nearly $370K; dam was 0 for 7; lone full sister was 2nd twice in best results; must come out running to flee the fence.

Second Proposal

The cut back is logical the way he stopped in last; place horse in the last effort graduated in a MSW with an 87 Beyer; 4th finisher won next in a maiden $20K claimer; there are a few winners in the tree, none were monsters; would think long and hard before taking too short a number.

Goyan

Gelding in the career soft spot and he was bothered last time; Grade 3 winning dam took debut at 2, won 5 of 12, earned nearly $500K; this is her first to race; expect better result here.

Qatar's Pearl

Carefully placed by sharp barn; gelding has been a tough one to figure out; he ll show speed one day, come from mid-pack the next; last race came back solidly; the place horse was 2nd beaten a head in a $50K Hastings stakes, 4th finisher took a $50K claimer there and 11th finisher won a $35K optional at Northlands next out; connections would love to see him start acting like top kin and near $325K earner Meadow Blue; rates upset glance.

Mateo

Runner jumps in class after beating 2 horses home; dam out of the money twice; both siblings won multiple races, top earner banked about $35K; could see him pushing the issue for a ways, not sure he'll be around at the end.

Alpha Bullet

Love the spacing of the drills accentuated by the best of 41 bullet on Christmas Eve; dam 0 for 2; two of 3 siblings won; top kin Seeking Sheba took 3 of 21, banked over $160K; all systems go.

Grand Humor

This is a first-time gelding; in for $25K less than purchase price, if he can run at all, he figures to show it here on the drop; 5 for 16 dam earned nearly $130K; lone half sis to race took 2 of 20, earned a grand an appearance; interesting.

Stauffenberg

Off poorly in last but he has limited speed anyway; 8th finisher in last took a maiden $40K claimer in next and the winner repeated in a $40K starter; not seeing it.

Through My Eyes

Gelding could have just been overmatched in last; 2nd and 4th finishers in last took MSW events next out; dam won a stakes at Pomona, earned over $100K; this is her first to race; best race was a year ago to the day and the drills are classically spaced.

Apache Ambush

A bit more keen to run early in last but he is hooking others with designs on the lead; dam was unraced; lone half sis to race lost 7 times; if you figure he just needed the last, you can make a case for a move forward;

Bench Press

Revenge the motive as runner got to drifting first time for a tag and the stewards got involved; runner that was placed 2nd graduated next out in a maiden $30K seller with a 75 Beyer; he has a shot to grow into his skin as kin to over $200K earner Now a Victor; the one to deny. By Brian Mulligan