Santa Anita: Closer Looks for January 18, 2014

Race 2

Julio's Gold

Figures to be loose on an easy lead but will be stretching out to her longest-distance test ever; was scratched Thursday from a 40K-claimer at 6.5F on SA turf; can not be claimed from this event on the main track; trainer looks for the perfect spot 1st off the claim; her last-SA dirt start was a 3-back gate-to-wire victory and hopes to take these coast-to-coast; the one to beat.

No Tricks for Jack

Today is her 1st start off the claim following an even finish on SA dirt; she owns her best Beyer and 6 of 7 wins on synthetic surfaces; the 3-back winner repeated in a BHP-starter allowance with a 75 speed figure; good news is the hot Bejarano gets to ride but for the 1st time for an icy-SA trainer (9-0-0-1) to begin the winter meeting.

Addendum

Solid-show finish the last time racing at today's distance on SA dirt; exits a new Beyer Top snapping a 1-for-11 mark on synthetic surfaces; toss the 3-back turf loss and her form is superb since the August claim; in that grass loss the runner-up finisher won next-out in BHP alw. with a 73 Beyer; contender.

Sky Angel

2011-SA dirt graduate but her last race on the main track was a last-place finish/fade and career-low Beyer speed figure; projects to go after Julio's Gold for the front then hopes to find the missing stamina; view as a pace presence for part.

Quinnette

Solid race 1st off the claim when primed for this at longer on a synthetic surface; brings an eye-catching 6-for-11 fast-main track record and is 1-for-1 on SA dirt posting a co-Beyer Top when winning at longer 2-back; new rider Smith began the SA meet sizzling; hopes to sit just off Julio's Gold early before getting 1st run on the closers; the pick.

Bertie

Extended layoff noting her last win was with 47 days between starts but today's absence is much longer; the 3-back winner captured her next 2 starts in GG-30K-16K-claimers both producing 79 Beyers; her last dirt start was an exacta finish facing much-lesser claiming company July, 2012.

Rossi Reserve

Likely needed last start off the 48-day freshening and could be set for best 2nd time off the bench; January, 2013, win was at 6.5F on SA dirt in an 8K claimer; career-best Beyer was at 1M over today's oval; the 3-back win looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 74-65 in next-out SA-BHP-10K-claiming wins.

Mia Isabel

The runner-up finisher from last posted a 68 speed figure in her next-out SA-8K-claiming win; her field-best Beyer was in a synthetic-surface route while both SA dirt races were at the 1-Mile distance; was screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Berlusconi

On the shelf a very long time, there is only a modest returning workout regimen to consider; although he is racing for the lowest price level of his career today, a wait and see betting approach is suggested.

Captain Salt

Interesting item on the cutback in distance and flashing of decent early speed following a layoff; can make first run on presumed pacesetter Sheriff Hutton and seems worth follow-up today from this improved slot.

Sheriff Hutton

Owns a decent first gear but has unfortunately found himself in a series of demanding speed duels; needs to shake free and clear and slow down the early tempo; has run very well each time attempting this tricky distance.

Murmansk

Newcomer hails from multiple G2 winner Northern Afleet who banked 626K and whose offspring have won 78 out of 596 debuts; the dam won 5 of 18 and 60K; among the winning siblings is 83K earner Ukandoit.

Dynamite Wind

Might have been hampered by the rail slot first time out; his sire won 6 of 22 and 368K while the dam was without a victory in 7 attempts; there are no winning siblings to mention; most recent half-mile drill was not that encouraging.

Artic Warrior

This colt has shown the ability to prompt the pace in the last few starts; switches to journeyman handling now and the workout back on the morning of 1/4 is noteworthy; should be within range against this group.

Star of America

Hard to endorse as the last performance showed very little in the way of enthusiasm; has repeatedly failed in this class while huge odds; a sudden turnaround just does not seem in the cards no matter how the pace unfolds.

Right On Schedule

Decent maiden voyage on New Year's Day, especially considering the troubled getaway; his sire won a Group 1 and 236K while the dam involved was unraced; this is her sole foal to make it to the starting gate.

Bringon the Wain

He does have some early zip in his favor but has been granted many chances; although his last race was far from his best Beyer, he showed much more fighting speed in that route before fading; can change running styles and awaken.

Eat My Bubbles

Beginner hails from one very tough runner; Gulch won multiple G1s and 3.09 million and his offspring have scored in 51 out of 623 debuts; the dam won 3 of 17 and 120K; this is her only foal to start.

Gold Tie Please

Raced in spots in the last attempt, just missing the show in the process; makes only his second outing for these connections and can unleash a fair middle move on this turnback; very puzzling possibility.

Cuneo

Surprised in the last assignment when rallying strong for the place while facing 13 opponents; most recent workout shows improvement over the prior a.m. move at the same distance; seems worth inclusion unless inside speed has dominated. - Jim Kachulis

Race 5

Gulsary (IRE)

If you're looking for the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, you don't have to look any further, and this mare is eligible to be ready to deliver a sharp performance while making the third start of her current form cycle; with Stevens riding in Florida today, Smith gets the call.

Moone's My Name (GB)

She really hasn't run a bad race since arriving in America and she's proven that she can be competitive against competition of this caliber; the early tempo in her latest race might have been a little bit quicker than what she was looking for, and like the idea of her turning back in distance for this.

Charlie Em (GB)

If you only focus on what she's done racing over turf since arriving in America, she has the look of a contender in this spot; she ran well in a tough spot after a layoff in her most recent turf attempt two starts ago, and that level of performance can play well against these.

Dancingtothestars

She ran a big race over turf when benefiting from an ideal early pace scenario back in August, and even though that type of performance hasn't been the norm for her, she's performed a consistent enough level to suggest that she can be a player in this spot.

Lady Ten

She's a G3 winner racing over turf, and even though she was beaten by a few of today's rivals in her most recent start, she's clearly capable of a better performance than that; not going to be at all surprised if she shows up with a competitive performance against these.

Fanticola

Lightly raced 4-year-old hasn't run a bad race to date and she's three-for-three since being placed over turf; she might have to be careful to avoid an early pace dispute with Lady Ten, but going to look for this filly to give a solid account of herself once again today.

Charm the Maker

Multiple stakes winner is seeking her first victory over turf but her turf form has been plenty strong enough to suggest that she can be competitive in this spot; she's shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and going to look for her to fall into good position behind the early speed of Lady Ten and Fanticola. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Superlooper

First of the barn's 3 entrants in here draws the fence for his debut; 410K in-training buy worked a sharp half mile from the gate a couple of weeks back and his sire gets 13% first out winners from his offspring; SW dam banked 236K prior to dropping 3 winners including multiple SW and 113K earner Fond.

Cowtownmary

Newcomer boasts some solid local drills for his unveiling for a barn that hasn't had much recent luck with this type; his sire is just 3 for 42 with his firsters and the dam won 6 times prior to dropping winners from each of her 7 starters including SW and 94K earner Post Invader.

Bullwhip

Hood comes off a gelding who showed good speed before tiring in each of his starts on turf and dirt; his interim drills suggest he's taken well to the equipment change and maybe it allows him to settle a bit early at this shorter trip; he does own an experience edge over most of these.

Ferocious

Sire gets about 16% first out winners from his offspring and the dam was a 2 time turf winner whose lone foal to race was 0 for 1 on the track; topped off his steady worktab with a sharp gate move here last week and they paid 300K for him in training last spring, but the barn's runners usually get better with racing.

Reno Rebel

Sire is 12 for 85 with his newcomers and the SW dam was a 4 time sprint winner and 120K earner whose 2 foals to race were both multiple winners; boasts some solid synthetic drills for his unveiling and the barn has gotten off to a nice start here.

Bayview Drive

Got caught in a wide spot first out but ran ok without taking much tote support in that one; colt has been working regularly for his return to the races and he does have a right to be better with the initial experience behind him; limited sprint winning dam's other foal to race won 5 times, but each of those scores came either routing or on the lawn.

Little Curlin

Goes first time for a new barn in his first start since getting involved too late at a longer trip in his Keeneland debut run last fall; colt has been working over the local dirt for a while and this outfit does terrific work with its newly acquired runners first time out; 2 of the dam's 3 foals were 6 figure earners including G1 SP, G3 SW Via Villaggio who banked 321K; Lasix and Bejarano complete an interesting package.

Pimpernel

This 525K yearling buy has run well in each of his 2 sprint starts including most recently over the local main track; barn's second runner in here worked well in the interim and will get Lasix for this one; dam was a top sprinter and G1 SW who banked 2.3 million and she dropped a couple SW sprinters including 155K earner Southwestern Heat; he's the one they'll have to beat.

Mr. Itkins

Sire gets 14% winners from his first out runners and the dam was a 3 time sprint winner and one of her 2 foals to race won 3 sprints; barn hasn't had a lot of recent luck with its newcomers but some of his recent local drills are solid.

Garen

Gets shades after making little impact late in his sprint debut here a few weeks back; barn does nice work with its runners who have had a race and this guy's unraced dam dropped a pretty good one in 7.8 million earner and multiple G1 SW router Invasor who was voted 2006 Horse of the Year; expecting better, but concerned he may just need more ground for his best.

Roger Rocket

Sire hits with 12% first out winners from his offspring and the dam was winless from 2 starts; his lone sib was a 3 time sprint winner and 117K earner; outside draw should help keep him out of trouble and the barn's third runner in here is working quickly of late; they certainly know how to get them ready so wouldn't be surprised if the 375K in-training buy were to come out running. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Clear Pearl

Daughter of strong turf influence Giant'sCauseway looks like she's only been so-so at best in her starts racing overseas, but she gets Lasix for the first time today and it does look like she's been training well in preparation for this.

Smart N Dreamy

All three of her starts racing over turf have been respectable performances and she earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest outing while making her first start over turf since moving into this barn.

Heat Du Jour

She was ready to run a good one in her first start back from a layoff in her latest outing and going to look for her to come right back with another sharp performance while stretching out in distance for this; Nakatani is a go-to rider for this outfit.

Somethingabouther

Multiple stakes placed filly has just a single victory next to her name after 16 starts, but she's clearly capable of showing up with a competitive performance against competition of this caliber, and it's interesting to see the addition of blinkers for this.

Oscillator

A little concerned about the added distance for this mare, but she's been a consistent performer, and she's run pretty well in her four turf attempts; it doesn't hurt to see that Maldonado has been aboard for a couple of her better performances.

Bee Brave (GB)

One of two making their first start in America for the Callaghan barn in this race, and have to respect the presence of Bejarano aboard this filly; it's safe to say that she outran her odds in a winning performance in her career debut and it looks like her recent workouts have been solid.

English Rhythm

This mare is another in here who deserves credit for her consistent approach to the game and like to see what she's done in her five starts racing over this turf course while recording a couple of wins and a couple of runner-up finishes.

Moulin de Mougin

This is her first start beyond 6 1/2f but like what she's shown us to this point in time and she's out of a multiple graded stakes winning dam who won 9 of 16 turf starts for 521k; winner from latest won next out at BHP on 12/12 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. N2X alw. rivals with an 84 Beyer, and is entered in race five on this card.

Lilbourne Eliza (IRE)

Maybe there's something to be said for her recent for not being her best, and she has been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in her two most recent races, but feel that it is worth noting that she's stretching back out in distance for this. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Dice Flavor

Super comeback when he caught fire at the end; note he took the El Camino last year in a second off the layoff run and the drill 8 days ago says he is feeling pretty good about himself; runner must prove he can win on the conventional dirt, but he s connected in Grade 2 company and there should be a hot enough pace to help the cause if Heir of Storm has anything to say about it; kin Swift Warrior did win routes on dirt and took stakes to boot and earned over $600K; look for him late if at all.

Rookie Sensation

Here's another runner that has to prove he can handle the dirt but Shirreffs is great pointing to a race and the blood is there for this runner to handle dirt as kin Mark One took several stakes routing on dirt on way to near $750K career; pushed along in last, he may be better off settling and making the one run; respect.

Shakin It Up

Handled by stablemate Charlie in the lone route try but maybe he didn't relish the Sunland surface; runner kicked off the meet sweet for Baffert and company at 17-1 and he is only one of 3 in the field that has recorded a triple digit Beyer; Smith continues to make all the right moves and he s had great success for this barn; far too sharp not to take seriously.

Zeewat

Don't be shocked if this one shows speed on the stretch out as stablemate will likely be in a stalk and pounce position; he can running in the Malibu, just ran out of real estate but proved he could get this trip in the stakes last year; not runner did win in a second off the layoff effort last year sprinting; runner also won in the stretch out move in the 2012 closer; don't sell too short.

Govenor Charlie

He's been given time to recoup from the Preakness fiasco; proven locally, he has natural speed but doesn t need the lead to win; he won at Sunland in track record time; he missed the Derby last year with a bruised foot; bred to be any kind of a stellar dam, Baffert is great with getting runners to fire off extended layoffs; love the spacing of the drills and you could build a case he will sit a nice stalk and pounce trip; interesting.

Hear the Ghost

Must respect his consistency; love the series of drills since the last effort and he has the class keying off the San Felipe last year; runner has the 2 races now to build on and he got a boost when the winner of last repeated here last Saturday in the Grade 2 San Pasqual with a 94 Beyer; his rider was talking about versatility for this guy in the SA Notes, Nakatani: "I think he's very talented. I think he can do either, go to the lead, or track and come from behind. If they want to go too fast, he ll be tracking. If they want to go a moderate pace, I think he can be on the lead"; major threat.

Heir of Storm

The turf routes leave something to be desired; the sire was sprint only, dam was unraced and this is her first to roll; colt had dead aim at the top of the lane last time but was not up to the challenge; he was forced to steady and should get a free-rolling trip here; look for rider to utilize that sub :44 speed and try to steal it; just may get brave with a lonely lead.

Say Ow

It took awhile for this runner to figure it out and he basically just got good for a month on the synthetic; he has more speed than he just flashed but not convinced he will be able to clear; runner should have his sea legs under him now but he could be compromised by the slot; would be careful here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 9

Star Act

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and multiple G1 winning dam won 6 of 20 starts for $1 million, and she didn't make a turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to Guest Star (1-10, 86k over turf); Krikorian-homebred might appreciate the move to turf.

Kitten de Pere

One of two signed on in here for the Proctor barn and this filly showed up with improved performance in her latest outing while making only her second start over turf; daughter of top turf influence Kitten's Joy has the look of a strong contender.

Dancinginthestreet

Half-sister to stakes placed Free Brave (8-60, 334k, including 4 of 31 turf starts for 169k) gets Lasix for the first time after running well in her turf debut in her latest outing after a layoff; must consider.

Ann's Gold

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was winless from 14 starts, including one turf start; this filly is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Blading Gold (3-10, 80k, including 2 of 4 turf starts for 39k).

Scene Queen

This filly has a nice pedigree for turf and it wouldn't be a shock if she was ready to show up with an improved performance while stretching out in distance and trying blinkers for the first time.

Cacica Dulima

Sire is 0-for-10 with his turf starters and dam won 3 of 9 starts for 59k racing overseas; this filly is a 1/2 to Tayrona (2-8, 83k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 27k); she must show more to beat this field but the move to turf might help her.

Bella Campari

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this miss is a 1/2 to stakes placed Oconee (5-51, 133k, including 2 of 20 turf starts for 33k) and G3 stakes placed Expecting Cash (7-27, 277k, including 3 of 6 turf starts for 111k); she has a live look to her while making her first start for the Sadler barn.

One More

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from 11 starts for 20k, including 0-for-2 over turf; she needs her best effort to date to get the better of this bunch and not sure that the move to turf will prove to be a key for her.

Perfect Cursive

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his first-time starters and with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and dam was unraced; this filly is a 1/2 to Indecise (2-9, 85k, including 1 of 6 turf starts for 59k); this barn is capable of having one ready to run well going long over turf at first asking.

Practising (GB)

She looks like she's shown some ability in her first two starts racing overseas and viewing it as a positive indicator that Bejarano gets the call; she has her share of appeal in her first start in America, and like to see the addition of Lasix.

Sierra Electrica

She's run well enough in her first four starts to merit some respect in this spot and she faced a sharp winner in Clenor in her only route attempt prior to this; the outside post isn't ideal, but not willing to count her out of the mix. - Brian Pochman