Santa Anita: Closer Looks for January 10, 2014

Race 2

Odin

Sire gets 6% winners from his first out runners and the limited turf winning dam's lone foal to race won once in Mexico; there's not a whole bunch in here so he wouldn't need to be a killer to have a say in the outcome and he is working sharply of late for his unveiling, but the barn hasn't had a lot of recent luck with his debuters.

Dreamnofatticus

He's had his share of chances and now they'll remove the hood while putting Bejarano back up for the move back to the main track; gelding ran ok in his lone local start 3 back and maybe the return to this type of footing helps in a heat where half the field is comprised of newcomers; consider.

Charismick

Sire is just 3 for 91 with his debut runners and his limited sprint winning dam's lone foal to race was winless from 11 starts; barn knows how to get them ready and the pilot named hits at a pretty nice clip for the outfit; he's working in Arizona like he has some speed to offer.

Atascaderan

Sire hits with 14% of his newcomers and the dam retired a perfect 2 for 2 on the track prior to dropping 2 winners; he's been working well on synthetic footing for his unveiling and the barn is capable with this type but prefer to check the board for tote action before taking a shot with him.

El Tovar

He's another who has had chances but he did hit the board in each of his 3 dirt races including his lone local spin with open claimers; he wasn't beaten much against similar on the Hollywood lawn off the freshening last time and maybe he moves forward with that one behind him; consider.

Pressure Time

Outside drawn gelding didn't do much first out on the lawn but he was beaten less than 4 lengths in that one; recent local drills suggest he'll handle the new footing in this spot and his unraced dam dropped main track winners from each of her 2 other foals to race; with the initial experience behind him we'll give him the nod to beat these home.

Race 3

Ay Ay Ay

Limited available data on sire with regard to his first-time and turf starters, but he was a multiple graded stakes winner while winning 7 of 27 starts for $1 million, including 6 of 22 turf starts for 976k; multiple stakes placed dam won 2 of 10 starts for 58k, including 0-for-6 racing over turf in North America.

Lady of the Nile

Sire has won with 4 of 16 (25%) of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from two starts, and she didn't make a turf start; runner up from latest won next out at BHP on 12/6 going 5 1/2f vs. 30-28k MCL's with a 56 Beyer.

Ascription

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was winless from four starts, including a start over turf; she's going to need to be ready to take her game to another level in her turf debut in order to contend.

Water Issues

This filly is the only one in here with a start over turf on her card, and that was a fine effort in her latest outing; she's out of a dam who won 4 of 18 turf starts for 150k, and she looks like she can prove to be tough to tackle in this spot.

Stole a Kiss

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; maybe the drop in class after a couple of stakes attempts is a negative to consider, but her overall form has been solid, and this isn't a bad spot for her to try turf for the first time.

Tom Kha

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a stakes placed dam who won 4 of 12 starts for 193k, including 0-for-2 over turf; she has some early zip, but she's yet to run a race that is strong enough to suggest that she can threaten these.

Tiz Bliss

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his turf starters and dam won 5 of 18 starts for 98k, including 0-for-2 over turf; her career debut wasn't an encouraging performance and her connections will hope for better with a move to turf.

Race 5

Midnight Casanova

Tries both winners and the lawn for the initial time while returning from the freshening for his first start off the barn's claim; gelding did earn a career best number in that maiden route score and his sire does get 11% winners from his initial surface starters, but neither the dam nor her 2 other foals to race tried the footing.

I Buy Gold

He's another trying the green for the first time while tackling winners after coming up short in the Hollywood maiden sprint last time out; sire gets about 12% winners from his first turfers and the dam was 0 for 1 on the green prior to dropping foals who were a combined 0 for 5 over the stuff.

Tux

Recent graduate gets back on the lawn for the first time since failing to factor going long here last spring while making his second career start; didn't run particularly fast in victory last time and though he's kin to a couple of surface winners he's going to need to step things up to have any kind of say in this one.

Handsome Dennis

Drop to claimers did the trick for this guy in his sixth career start and now he'll take on winners in his turf debut; they've tried to get him on the green a couple of times with no success; sire gets 10% first time surface winners from his offspring and the dam was a limited turf winner who dropped G2 SW router and G3 SW turfer Handsome Mike who banked 922K in his career; maybe his last was the confidence builder he needed; consider.

Warren's T. Baze

He was inspired by the move to claimers last time as well while rallying well out of it to score in his return from the layoff; lone sib to try the green was 0 for 3 over the stuff; colt offered some late run sprinting first out on the Hollywood lawn and maybe now that he's been freshened a bit he'll be set to offer more over this footing, but Bejarano does opt to side next door.

Jet Warrior

Ran to his tote support first out on the Hollywood main track last spring and now he'll make his turf debut in his return from better than 7 months on the shelf; Bejarano will stick with him as he tries winners and there's not a lot of surface pedigree in this first foal to race out of a dam who never made it to the gate; sire is 0 for 8 with his first time turfers; don't know that he's gonna love the footing, but he doesn't look to face a very tough bunch and he's certainly working like he's ready to return running for a sharp layoff outfit; looks to be the one to hold off.

Crimson Giant

Outside drawn gelding owns the best recent surface form as he just missed getting there while sprinting on the Hollywood lawn 2 starts back; note, however, that he's winless in 22 total grass tries including 11 off the board spins over the local course; he earned a big number over the main track against a better bunch last time and catches a field that doesn't bring much turf experience to the table so he's a player.

Race 6

Wistfullee Mine

Gelding has enough speed to take advantage of the quick run to the first turn; note the zip he flashed in debut down the hill; rates upset glance.

Pot Roast

Owned and bred by trainer, maybe Proctor had this race in mind all the time; dam out of the money 4 times; this is her first to roll; if this guy can run at all, he figures to show it today.

Tiz Futurity

After 20 defeats, it's just hard to find the upside; he has limited speed but has been value in the gimmicks a number of times; maybe that is where his strength may like once again.

Indygo Andy

Bobbled at the beach, too late as the tepid chalk in last; sire was a proven router; dam's lone win was a sprint; this is her first to roll; nothing worng with that drill last Saturday; major threat.

Warren's Casper

After three non-efforts, connections try to shake things up with the shades; both of dam's victories were sprints; the sibling that won was sprint only; needs a major turn around.

Philly Slew

Another that has had umpteen chances to hit paydirt; the spotty race record is a concern and never thrilled to see repeated defeats at Pomona; no speed, no asset; can't boost.

Boss of Me

Gelding seems to be approaching his proper level; he had dead aim at the top of the lane in last, could not close the deal; fit enough to at least drill twice since the last outing; Talamo re-hired; interesting.

Citron Kid

Hung wide the other time in for a tag, he will have to adapt to conventional dirt on the fly today; a bit more keen to drill on the 16th, and look who's riding; would expect this guy in the picture late if at all.

Rob's Pal

Troubled or wide in 4 of last 5, he must be given a look on the drop alone; place horse in last graduated in a MSW, then was out of the money in an N1X spot; connections would love to see him start acting like top kin and over $200K earner Charlie and Chris; key off that Del Mar finale and this guy rates a valid look.

Slight Edge

Apparently not much of a work horse; beaten over 31 lengths in the other route attempt; that's a tough stat to get over.

Stauffenberg

Veteran regressed last time 2nd time blinks; winner of the July finale repeated a $40K starter, then ran out of the money; looking elsewhere.

Awesome Okee

He caved in badly in the route try on grass; backers can point to the fact there is a near $400K earner in the family that was stakes placed at 7; respect these connections.

Anzeau

This guy rates a look if he goes; note the solid effort two back when setting legit splits; will be running and gunning early if he gets a chance to suit up.

Angel Charge

Maybe he just hated the rail in last; he has a ton of work to do to match top kin Heavenly Landing, who took a Grade 3 and earned over $300K; he could be compromised by the slot today.

Race 7

Passionate Diva

Did not break as sharply as she would have liked in latest; back to the win surface turf; figures to sit just off Changethechannel from the gate then hopes to get 1st run on the closers; has never been this far but in her previous-longest distance race ever finished 3rd January, 2013; view as a pace presence.

Sweet Tess

Style suggests 10F would be right up her alley but has to beat Level Headed who follows her here; the 3-0-0-0 turf record is not easy to take but 2-back faced the show runner who Beyered 67 in her next-out SA-starter allowance win; the 3-back winner captured 2 Grade 1s in her next 2 starts (106-105 Beyers).

Prettypriceygirl

6-0-1-1 record without blinkers and 3-for-11 with the hood on; the blinkers are coming back on for this; 9F-SA grass winner 11 months ago so should appreciate returning to the win surface; wish she showed better stamina in last but may have to chalk that up to her inability to fire best without blinkers.

Changethechannel

Try to catch me but has much to prove on turf (3-0-0-0) with 2-SA grass defeats being very dull starts; posted a field-best Beyer gate-to-wire win on BHP synthetic; today is her longest distance race ever and by 1.5F; the 3-back winner repeated in a BHP-100K stakes with an 87 speed figure.

Warren's Flasher

Has not won past 1 Mile yet which is a concern adding 1.5F onto latest even-finish; last time on turf was no match for Level Headed and the show runner who posted an 83 Beyer in her next-out SA-40K-claiming win; the 5-0-0-1 record since the BHP-June Mile win leads me to back others.

Backintheacademy

109 pounds is the lightest-weight assignment of her career; 3-0-0-0 records on both turf and dirt are stats not easy to take while clearly been very best on synthetic surfaces; late runner can be helped by the 10F distance but others appeal more.

Level Headed

Figures to work out an ideal stalking trip chasing Changethechannel from the gate; she defeated many of these in last while 2-back handled the show runner who Beyered 83 in her next-out SA-40K-claiming win; lone win at 1Mile but has raced well in defeat twice at 9F; can she finish well enough at today's classic distance is the concern but seems the one to beat.

Scooter Bird

Exits a career-best Beyer on SA grass; her lone win was in the 3rd start off a layoff while has 91 days idle for this; beat the 3-back show runner who Beyered 73 in her next-out BHP-MSW victory; was screaming out for more distance pre-rest and gets it here; win rider is on Passioniate Diva today; scary deep closer if ready.

Race 8

Typhoon Teri

Nice win on the big track here vs. lesser Nov. 29; then tried this caliber on the big track Dec. 6, dueled early and paid the price; at least nice to see no panicky drop by Galluscio and now they more to the inner; she dueled last time but doesn't have to be on the lead; in fact, her best work has come from just off the pace so maybe a return to those tactics can get her back on track...maybe.

Marcy

Toss those last 2 turf tries (she 0 for 9 on turf so that ain't her game) and you're then left with some solid dirt form; thta includes her maiden win on this track over a year ago; that being said, save for a good run at FL in the fall even her good dirt races haven't been all that hot, including being well beaten by today's foe Victoryat Last here last March; is wokring well for this but she's going to have to come back considerably improved if she's to have a way.

Downtown Hottie

Game win over $16KB foes on the big track here Dec. 8; that was a nice way to come back after 2 months off; trainer Rodriguez having a suepr meet and this gal showed she fits at this class level....at least on turf; the good news is that Dec. 8 dirt win encourages for her chances today; 0 for 14 here, yes, but 4 2nds show she's not averse to this place.

Motion Lounge

Solid 2nd in a spot like this on the big track here Nov. 21 shows she's a good fit; hasn't run since and it was over a month until she posted her next work, but at least it was a real strong work at BEL Dec. 31 (4fs in :48.20B, 2nd fastest of 35 at that distance that day); also nice to see there's no panicky drop and she's shown before she can fire fresh.

City Gone Wild

Gave Downtown Hottie fits in that $16KB claimer on the big track here Dec. 8 when 2nd beaten only a neck; so, doesn't it follow that if 'Hottie is a threat here that this gal is, too?; darn right it does; nice also to see that Esler claimed her that day and brings her back in a spot where she can't be claimed away; broke her maiden here early last year; but geez, could she have worked any slower than she did at BEL Dec. 29 (4fs in :54.60B, slowest of 56 that day), hmmmm?

Gloria Victoria

Looks awfully scary; after a few months off she came back with a dud on turf at BEL Oct. 19 but she moved back to dirt and found herself as she whipped maidens on the big track here Nov. 13 and whipped some decently NY-bred optional claimers here Dec. 13; looks as though she's on the right track and now Pletcher moves her right up the ladder; top Beyer (68) isn't exactly imposing but she may have more improvement forthcoming.

Hot Splash

Game win for $20K at BEL Oct. 25, Servis claimed her, brought her back at this level and she was a nice 3rd, not far at all behind Victoryat Last (1 1/4 lengths); that proximity to that rival shows this gal belongs as Victoryat Last can certainly be a player here; has versatility, too, to give Ortiz options.

Victoryat Last

Good 2nd in a spot like this on the big track here Dec. 6 stamps her a player; didn't back it up at this level here Dec. 26 but she's capable of better to be sure; got no help from the draw but at least 2 of her wins have come here; that being said, could that last be a sign she's just not quite the same gal we saw here last winter, hmmmm? - Michael Hammersly

Race 8

Jenneral With a J

Papa Clem 4 for 18 with debuters; sire won at 2, took multiple Grade 2s, banked over $1.1 million; dam was unraced; lone half sis to race Poison Kiss took debut at 2, won half of 4 outs, banked nearly $20K; at least she drilled farther than this race is carded.

Kahala

Brief threat in the educational debut; show horse in bow graduated in a maiden $40K claimer, then ran out of the money; 4th finisher in opener graduated next out in this very league; dam was unraced; all 3 siblings won; top earner McCarren Park won twice at 2, earned over $200K; don't ignore.

Royal Agenda

She walked out of the gate and was finished right there; dam just one for 30; both siblings won multiple times in the minor leagues; a clean break and it could be a whole new ballgame.

Tim's Go Girl

Borrego 5 for 102 with debuters; sire won twice at 2, took 2 G1s including the Pacific Classic; dam was unraced; all 6 siblings won; 2 banked 6 figures; top earner Acceleration was G3 placed, banked nearly $135K; check out the drill on the 28th.

Emerald Executive

Council Member 0 for 24 with debuters; sire took juvenile debut on turf in England, won stakes, banked nearly $350K; stakes winning 5 for 21 dam earned nearly $200K, won twice at 2; several multiple race winners in the family; two banked 6 figures; the best was Minnie the Moocher, a 5 for 17 over $150K earner; homebred looks fit enough.

Jogget

Stalked to no avail when probably overmatched in the debut; at least she drilled okay since flashing brief speed in last; 3 for 14 dam won at 2, earned nearly $50K; she has a shot to have a nice career as kin to G3 winner and near $650K earner Paradise Dancer; rates long look.

Wintara

Silver Train about 9% with debuters in a 222-runner sample; sire won at 2, took BC Sprint, banked over $1.2 million; SP 4 for 17 dam earned nearly $200K; 2 of 4 sibs won, each won once, one was a full sister; could need experience.

Fashionably Rich

She has more speed than she just flashed and has the 2 races to draw from now; dam out of the money twice; all 4 siblings won; one banked over $100K in a long career; like this draw; don't sell too short.

Wildy Excessive

Needs a total turn around after a couple of dull ones; one for 9 dam cashed on grass; this is her first to race; has plenty of room for improvement.

Warrens Puppy Love

Mongol Warrior 1 for 27 with debuters; sire lost only juvenile start, won soph debut, earned over $300K; dam out of the money twice; lone full sis to race was just one for 16; like this work pattern accentuated by the blowout last Saturday.