Santa Anita: Closer Looks for January 11, 2014

Race 1

Voluntary

Improved nicely second-time out, when a charging third across town in lesser company than this $50K seller; his inside draw is a negative, and he doesn't have any racing or recent work experience on conventional dirt; others have more appeal.

Ke in Motion

Had a wide journey during his first-out fade job on the dirt here in October; son of Big Brown also couldn't keep up in a subsequent race at this level on the Cushion at Hollywood; his stakes-winning dam produced the restricted stakes winner Comandante ($270K); not yet.

Magna Warrior

Led most of the way in his six and a half-furlong debut on opening day, when he was nosed out of third after tiring late; he set a lively pace then, and may take some catching in this shorter but tougher assignment; trainer hit with 17% of his maiden-claiming second-timers over the last five years ($1.46 ROI).

Fuzzy Logic

Wasn't an impact player in the maiden special ranks, and is adding blinkers for the turnback and drop in class; he drilled a quick half-mile the other day, and would appear to be at his best as a closing sprinter; a must-use underneath in all vertical wagers.

Red N Black Attack

Flashed cheap speed at first asking in a Hollywood maiden special, from which the unbeaten winner exited to land an allowance/optional claimer; O'Neill has weak numbers for this situation, and is 0 for 12 at the meet when using this jock, with whom he won the Ky. Derby.

Matt the Hammer

Roman Ruler has sired 13% first-out winners; this gelding is a full-brother to sprinter Tiny Woods, a stakes-placed debut winner who banked $95K; Matt has worked fast on more than one occasion for a smooth operator, who has excellent stats with newbies; preferred.

Ten to Show

Good turf sire Rock Hard Ten has sired 12% debut winners; unraced dam has thrown four other foals of racing age, all of whom won on the grass, including Birdie Birdie ($110K); homebred has the pedigree of a turf router, and might need one or two before finding his best stride. - Ron Gierkink

Race 2

Golden Itiz

Was claimed to run in the Longacres Mile, and ran well to be third, just missing second; now he is aggressively brought back in a 50K claimer; can understand why; he's been layoff-prone over his career and he went nearly 2 months between works (Oct. 13 to Dec. 9); looks too good for these unless he goes badly off form.

Designer

First start off the claim was disappointing; he broke second to last and never got near a fast pace; certainly bred for the stretch out in distance; Glatt is liking hoping the slower pace of a route will put this one in the race more.

Mega Heat

7 years old and just 12 career starts - he's had his share of setbacks; being by Unusual Heat, he figures to be much better on turf and synthetic than dirt; given the time away, this dirt race might simply be a prep to regain fitness.

Carlsbad Mountain

Has just a single win to his credit, though it did at least come at SA; still quite questionable classwise in light of him having just a maiden win and taking on much more seasoned runners; others are faster too.

Lucky Primo

Has made 485K and is a multiple stakes winner; he won the Cal Cup Classic on this track in 2012 but had an off year in 2013; perhaps age is finally catching up to him; continues to drop; also faces a good amount of speed in this lineup for a short field.

Planet Sunshine

This minor-award prone horse ran his best figure over this track when second to Tiz The Truth in September; toss his flop on the grass two back and he's been in good form since Del Mar; a prime candidate to use underneath in the exotics. - Byron King

Race 4

Spectacularjourney

His three most recent races have been a few of his better performances but he enters this race off of a long layoff and it remains to be seen if he can't be at his best racing over dirt; it does look like he's trained well over dirt lately.

El Magico

Limited available data on sire with regard to his first-time starters and he won 2 of 23 starts for 36k during his racing career; this is the first foal to race form a dam who was winless from two starts.

High On Final

This gelding has a bit of quality to his pedigree, and even though he's making his first start over dirt, it's tough to ignore him in this spot based on what he's shown us in his first two starts; he has the look of a top contender while dropping in with maiden claimers for the first time.

Satch

Can't ignore that he's making his first start for the Sadler barn and this gelding was last seen in a productive race; winner from latest won next out at GG on 5/3 going 1m over turf vs. 12.5-10.5k N2L claimers with a 74 Beyer and 3rd finisher won next out at GG on 5/11 going 1m over turf vs. 20-18k MCL's with a 62 Beyer.

Fly High

His better races were run as a member of the Baffert barn, but like the idea of him dropping back in with maiden claimers, and he has run well over dirt in the past; looking in another direction for the top spot, but not willing to count him out of the exotics mix.

El Neron

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won 4 of 35 starts for 27k; this colt is a 1/2 to minor stakes winner Starbird Road (12-29, 198k, including 10 sprint wins) and multiple graded stakes winner Summer Hit (9-15, 417k).

Starry Shark

He has some early speed to throw at these but it's just difficult to place any confidence in him until he shows more through the stretch in his races; he looks like more of an outsider.

Old Pueblo

It was over a synthetic surface, but his career debut can be viewed in a favorable light, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he proves to be capable of better now that he has some racing experience to draw from.

Anzeau

A couple of his recent starts have been decent performances and perhaps this colt will appreciate being turned back to a sprint distance for the first time since his second career start.

Mixed Nuts

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; he's one of three in here making his belated career debut and his workouts appear to be on the slow side.

Dark Timbers

6-year-old has had his chances to show us what he's all about and he will need to step up his game if he's planning on getting the better of this group; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out at GG on 1/1 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 20-18k MCL's with a 72 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Kristo

Clever winner was a poorly kept secret as he went off at 3-5 but was hooked wide he was over 3 clear in his Santa Anita debut but tricked his foes and treated his fans when he stretched successfully; stakes winning dam was sprint only but was Grade 3 placed at this mile distance and lone sibling took 4 sprints in her career; cozy slot, carefully managed, just may have a break out race today.

I'll Wrap It Up

This $35,000 juvenile purchase ran third when up for sale to kick off the career; this guy showed vast improvement going long on the turf and was coming away late in the maiden breaker; sprint only dam took a Grade 3 and earned $330,000 and lone full sister to race was out of the money in her only start; soph was boosted when the horse that beat him on 11/16 took the $83,000 Eddie Logan next out; probably needs very best to make an impact.

Life Is a Joy

Youngster showed talent from Day One and the Fresno victory came at this very distance; he had a legit excuse in his local debut when he stumbled but was inching toward the winner late; out of a 2-time winning sprint only dam, one full brother won twice routing and top sibling and full bro Life Is a Rock took several routes and earned nearly $180; he also was still running at the end of his last race as he got the last furlong in :12.24; the pace should be hot enough, look for him to be swallowing up rivals late.

Ontology

Callaghan is 0 for 8 the last 5 years going turf to dirt but one of his starters was 2nd beaten a neck at 30-1 when switching surfaces; connections had to be confident of this guy as he was entered in a stakes as a maiden in his second career start and was not disgraced; note he drew the rail in his only start here and may have just hated the inside; his dam took a stakes and earned over $300,000 and she could win long on dirt; this her first foal to race; don't ignore.

Top Fortitude

Owens is 3 for 23 the last 5 years with sprint to route winners and 6 ran second; respect this runner; he seems to have taken to this surface and his sire, Top Hit, took a Grade 3, was a proven router and banked nearly $450,000; dam was third in her best moment but she dropped several 6-figure earners including multiple stakes winner, double route winner and over $500,000 earner Ez Dreamer; she also dropped local Grade 2 winner, triple route winner and near $700,000 earner Uh Oh Bango; the blood sure is there for him to excel.

Midnight Hawk

The blinks come off here and Baffert one for 11 with first-time blinkers off runners in a Graded stakes in the last 5 years but 4 others ran in the money; soph soared onto the racing scene in exciting style after breaking a tad slowly; he gets his class from the dam who broke her maiden in a stakes and was Grade 1 place; Baffert also trained this guy's sire, who was a sprint only but was only beaten a nose at Santa Anita in a Grade 2 route; no reason this runner will not get this distance as his half brother graduated at Anita routing and took a route stakes at TUP; sizzling local drills jump off page. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Dress Code

Respect the fact that this veteran appears to be in good form entering this race and he breaks from a favorable rail post as he makes his first start routing over turf since February of last year.

Beau Maverick

He has just a single victory after 27 career starts and he's never run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can handle competition of this caliber.

Husband's Folly

He can benefit from getting back over turf for this and he's proven that he can produce a performance that is on the level of what it will take to get the job done in the spot.

Gab Power

He had every right to need his most recent race after a lengthy absence and it looks like this 6-year-old will appreciate getting back over turf for this; he's certainly not out of the question while dropping in with 25-22.5k claimers.

Anythingscookin

His best race is strong enough to make him competitive in this spot, but he is seeking his first win over turf, and he's an early speed type who figures to feel legitimate early pace pressure; leaning toward others.

Botch

He earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his first start over turf in his latest outing, but that was sprinting, and it will take a much stronger performance to threaten the top contenders in here.

Mr. Candy Bar

Minor stakes winner is eligible to produce a competitive performance at this level of competition, and in a race that figures to have a lively early pace, he's capable of sitting out the early running and making one late move; on a negative note, he only has one win in his last 23 starts going back through 2012.

Major Magic

He's done some nice work racing over turf in his career, but this minor stakes winner appears to be better off sprinting than routing, and he can't afford to show up with anything less than his best against these.

Usbek Thunder (BRZ)

Not wild about what he's shown in his first three starts since arriving in America and he is going to need to step up his game if he's planning on seeing his number posted on top after this one is run.

Danderek (GB)

He has every bit the look of a top contender against these, and even though some of his better races have been run on the lead, it's encouraging to see how well he ran from off the pace in his latest outing; Bejarano has won with 5 of 12 (41%) starts for this barn at the current meeting.

Dancin Upside Down

He may very well prove to be the dominant early speed in this race but he doesn't figure to be able to catch an early breather with Anythingscookin signed on; it looks like a slow early pace will be a key for him to have any chance at staying involved in the running late.

Charlie'sboywins

He's been at his best racing over synthetic surfaces in his career and this looks like a difficult spot for him to be trying to secure his first turf win; he has the look of an outsider.

Kingpin Ryno

Multiple stakes placed performer has run well routing over turf in the past and he figures to add fuel to the early pace fire if he draws in; he's a good fit at this level of competition but the shape of this race might not favor him; runner up from latest won next out at BHP on 12/15 going 6f over turf vs. N1X alw. rivals with an 82 Beyer.

Polytechnicien

He's a G3 winner racing overseas, and even though his form since arriving in America hasn't been quite as strong, he's clearly capable of being competitive at this level of competition; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 1/3 going 1 1/8m over turf vs. 50-45k claimers with an 86 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Blingo

They toyed with the idea of making him a Derby hrose back in 2012; well, things didn't pan out in that regard but he sure looked like a potential turf bigshot; however, after 3 straight 4ths on turf he was gone 15 months; the good news, though, is he came back firing with his best effort ever and it came on dirt; could be this is the game he really prefers; have to love the way he powered home to win that stakes at BEL; freshened since, working well and he should get a nice pace at which to run.

Blueskiesnrainbows

Toss that FNO dud and you're left with 3 straight big efforts, 2 of them wins including a G3 at BHP and the other a 2nd in the G2 BC Marathon here; has tactical speed and obviously has proven he can carry it; note, too, he isn't a need-the-lead type, which may be key as the guy to his right is almost surely quicker; that may amount to a very nice stalking trip and that bullet :46.20 move here Jan. 7 says he holds his edge.

Majestic City

Awfully, awfully game when posting a 15-1 upset in the Big Bear on this track Oct. 31; then ran into a horse who freaked in the G3 Berkeley at GG, but this guy still ran pretty darn well; back to dirt and back to SoCal; question today is can he carry his speed the extra half-furlong?; after all, Rousing Sermon and Drill were both getting to him in the mile Big Bear and he faces not only those 2 again at this longer trip but a few other toughes including the 2 guys to his left.

Spud Spivens

Seemed to come into his own in May 2012 with a big win at BHP that got a 102 Beyer, and earned him a shot at the G1 Hollywood Gold Cup that July and he ran 4th; trouble is, he hasn't been seen since so we're talking about one long layoff; could certainly be ready to fire off the bench but he picked an awfully tough spot for his first run in 20 months; heck, there's no guarantee his best race from May 2012 would be good enough to win this and he's winless in 9 dirt tries to boot, so the hurdles today are fairly significant.

Majestic Harbor

Probably not as quick as Majestic City, but he does have speed so it's conceivable he pressures 'City to some degree; but even if he does that, how can that translate into a win for him?; at all, he won just once in 2013 and hasn't been seen since last May 31 so he's dealing with a layoff, some tough customers and a track he's never seen before; at least 3 of his 4 wins came from just off the pace, the type of trip he figures to get today and his career-top Beyer did come off a layoff, albeit a much shorter one.

Rousing Sermon

Gives Hollendorfer 2 big looks at this (also sends out Blueskiesnrainbows); continues his good form; toss that 7th at DMR last Aug. 3 and you're left with 8 straight top-3 finishes; 3 for 8 here so he's handled this place just fine and he's got the versatility to give Bejarano options.

Drill

Just behind 'City and 'Sermon in the Big Bear here Oct. 31 and not far behind Blueskiesnrainbows and 'Sermon in the G3 Native Diver at BHP last month, so he surely isn't out of his element classwise; that being said, he has just 1 2nd from 4 tries at this trip and he hasn't won since May 2012; while he's run well in some routes he's always struck us as a bit better around one turn; did work well here Jan. 5 and again, that Big Bear effort shows that if he fires his best shot even at this longer game he can be dangerous. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Brimstoned

Unusual Heat about 10% with debuters in a 457-horse study and about 12% with first-time grass runners in a 364-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 12 times; never been a fan of the rail on the hillside.

Home Run Kitten

Colt took his far share of action and he was far from disgraced; dam was 0 for 4; lone full sister Let the Kitten Run took 2 of 17, earned about $70K, was grass only; he worked well for this accentuated by the blowout on Tuesday.

Sudden Rumor

Birdonthewire 7 for 96 with first-time turfers; sire won juvenile debut in Philly going short, took multiple stakes including a G1, earned over $500K, was 2nd twice on grass; stakes placed 2 for 15 dam earned nearly $75K, lost twice on grass; both siblings won but neither cashed on grass; top kin Got Even took a stakes, banked nearly $225K; look for him late if at all.

Arctic Code

Colt had to deal with the rail but he still ran well; stakes winning 4 for 24 dam earned over $200K, won twice on grass; several multiple race winners in the family, 5 tried grass to no avail, must be left in the mix.

Wynhurst

Fairbanks 1 for 32 with first-time turfers; sire didn't race at 2, took 6 of 19, won a Grade 2, banked nearly $900K, lost twice on turf; dam s lone win was a dirt sprint; all 5 siblings won; one tried grass to no avail; 2 won juvenile debuters including near $200K earner Twelve Pack Shelly; best of 38 bullet locked and loaded.

Wicked Heat

See rail for sire stats; 3 for 26 dam won once on grass, earned nearly $100K; 3 of 4 sibs won; 2 full siblings won multiple times on grass; gelding has trained steadily for this.

Pyrotechnics

After 4 dismal efforts, this runner may need softer foes; the sibling to win took a dirt route; can't endorse.

Friendswith K Mill

Flashy Bull 4 for 61 with first-time turfers; G1 winning sire graduated at 2, took 5 of 19, earned almost $850K, never turfed; dam 0 for 7; all 3 siblings won, none tried grass, none were special; finally off the rail, maybe that will shake him up.

Footstepsinbronze (IRE)

Footstepsinthesand 2 for 9 with debuters, 2 for 8 with first-time turfers; sire won juvenile debut, was unbeaten in 3 starts, all on turf; dam out of the money in only out; this is her first to race; barn has been firing darts all meet.

Distillery

Love the series of drills since the troubled run on the hillside; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; place horse in last took a MSW and the winner repeated in the Grade 3 Generous; still has some things to iron out.

Relative Time

Youngster showed in the debut he could pass horses; dam s lone win was a dirt route; this is her first to race; the winner of last repeated in an $80K optional with an 83 Beyer; don't ignore.

Melatonin

Kodiak Kowboy 0 for 7 with first-time turfers; sire won 4 times at 2, won multiple Grade 1s, never turfed; SP 4 for 16 dam earned almost $100K, won once on grass; the sibling that won cashed 6 times in the minor leagues, once on grass; can't fault those that give him another shot at glory.

Cowtownmary

Cowtown Cat 3 for 42 with debuters, 4 for 21 with first-time turfers; Grade 2 winning sire took 4 of 16, banked over $550K, never turfed; 6 for 37 dam earned about $65K, lost twice on grass; all 7 siblings won; one took juvenile debut, another won only start, 2 tried grass to no avail; the drill on the 24th screams off the page.

Cronut

Broken Vow about 11% with debuters in a 613-runner survey; about 11% with first-time turfers in a 414-runner sample; sire took a G2, banked over $700K, never turfed; dam was unraced; several multiple race winners in the family; several won on grass including 6-time grass winner and near $300K earner Boyum; soph looks fit enough. - Brian Mulligan