Santa Anita: Closer Looks for January 20, 2014

Race 2

Rockin Home

Invades form TUP where he did some real good work, winning 3 straight including a SW, before runnign 5th in another stakes Dec. 28; water is likely deeper here but it's noteworthy his connections could very well have left him in Phoenix and maybe found a spot to run there; instead, they opt for these deeper waters so that does speak of optimism, doesn't it?

Indianapolis

Came out firing to win his debut at BHP Nov. 24; sure, that was almost 2 months ago and now it's first time vs. winners and first time on dirt but he's been working lights-out for Baffert (always a good sign) and he's bred top and bottom for dirt; that was a nice bunch of maidens he beat, too, and if he moves forward off that 81 debut Beyer, well, he'll be tough.

Papa Turf

3rd behind the highly promising Chitu and Street Icon, who came back to win a very tough turf sprint here Thursday; in other words, he chased some toughies; that was also a nice dirt run, and note a big maiden win on this dirt Sept. 28, too; that Dec. 27 run showed soem newfound versatility, too - after all, he'd been on the pace dueling in his first 3 starts but that Dec. 27 outing showed he could sit and finish.

Elmonte Cristo

2 starts, 2 easy wins; that being said, both came on GG's synthetic track so he must deal not only with new surroundings but dirt for the first time, and surely today's foes are tougher than any he's seen; then again, Hollendorfer is on a tear these days, opted to bring this guy south for this and gets Bejarano to ride so there are plenty of positives here...and it's not as if he's facing any monsters or any 3yo peer like stablemate Shared Belief.

Beach Hut

One of 2 Bafferts in here; came out firing to win his debut here Nov. 3 but then came a dull run in the Real Quiet routing at BHP; you could chalk that up to routing, the footing and facing winners for the first time but what to you do about that Dec. 27 run here, on a track you know he likes at a trip (6fs) at which he's already proven?; at least there's no panicky drop by Baffert and there is a nice work since; those who like the 'other' Baffert angle may end up here, though note the 2 guys who rode him in his 3 prior starts, Garcia and Bejarano, both end up elsewhere today.

Race 3

Omega Star

Outsider has struggled since March, when he captured a restricted $200K stakes here going six and a half; hall-of-famer Hollendorfer has surprisingly weak numbers when adding blinkers; the 10-pound bug takes over and definitely has his work cut out for him.

Brokered

Earned some black type when second in the '13 Turf Paradise Derby; has been working bullets here on the dirt, and might be poised for a peak effort in his third start after a long layoff; Nakatani, who's been riding high at the meet, should have him rolling in the lane; a must-use underneath in all vertical bets.

Protocol

This allowance could set up for this lightly-raced 4yo colt, if he's good enough; looked good in his maiden-breaking performance on the dirt at Aqueduct, but was ineffective in a subsequent allowance on the Hollywood sod; Zenyatta's patient trainer Shirreffs possesses excellent turf/dirt stats, and he's begun the meet with a bang.

Groovin' Solo

Didn't show much while being campaigned sporadically last year, and is returning from a seven-month absence following some quick works on the training track; half-brother to G1 stakes winner Street Hero is a router who's probably prepping for a longer engagement.

San Onofre

The three speeds are on the outside, and this one might be best equipped to track the others, even though he's drawn inside them; son of Surf Cat put up back-to-back Beyers in the high 90s in his two triumphs, both under Mike Smith; the one to fear most.

Got Even

Maldonado and hot trainer Peter Miller teamed up to score with a longshot on Friday; this need-the-lead type has improved with each subsequent appearance since returning from an extended layoff in November; not thrilled about his chances, unless the other speed scratches.

Chief Lion

Gray/roan is bred to be rapid, and wasn't headed at the first call in five starts on three different surfaces; his maiden win on the turf at Hollywood has produced two next-out winners, but the runner-up could only manage sixth in a subsequent maiden special; trainer/rider combo is 0 for 2 at this stand; seven-eighths seems beyond his range.

Race 4

Texas Ryano

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and G3 winning dam won 8 of 20 starts for 448k, including 7 of 13 turf starts for 443k; this colt has a lot of quality to his pedigree and a couple of his workouts hint at ability.

Closet E

He's making just his second start for the O'neill barn and perhaps putting the blinkers back on this colt can prove to be helpful; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 1/11 going 6 1/2f over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer.

Big Medicine Man

This colt has steadily improved his game from day one and he ran well in his turf debut in his latest outing; the 73 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field.

Cronut

It would've been nice to have seen him show a little bit more in his career debut, or at least attract more wagering support, but this colt does have a good deal of turf on the bottom of his pedigree, and not willing to count out the possibility of an improved performance at second asking.

Life's Journey

His lack of early speed is a concern, and he was beaten by one of today's key rivals in Big Medicine Man in his latest start, but he ran well enough in his first two turf attempts to merit some consideration against these.

Pantera Rojo

If you rate his chances on what he showed in his only start over turf prior to this, he can be listed among the contenders; still prefer to lean in another direction for the top spot, but wouldn't consider him a surprsie by any means.

Cowtownmary

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam won 6 of 37 starts for 64k, including 0-for-2 over turf; firster has some appeal when seeing how sharp a number of his workouts look.

Bury Pacer (IRE)

One of two signed on in here for the O'Neill barn and it looks like this colt ran well in his two starts overseas; his workouts look solid leading up to his first start in America, and viewing the presence of Smith as a positive indicator.

On Draft

He's going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to get the better of this field and his connections will hope that the addition of blinkers can lead to an improved performance.

Race 6

Relentless Heat

Stakes placed gelding has earned all four of his career wins over this turf course and he might be ready to step up with a sharp performance while making his second start back from a layoff.

Distort This

His most recent start after a long layoff wasn't a bad performance and he has run races sprinting down the hill in the past that are strong enough to suggest that he can get himself into the mix against these.

An Shanachie

Relatively lightly raced 6-year-old brings some early speed with him but he's going to need to improve over what he's shown in his three turf attempts if he's planning on getting the better of this field.

Insideondoutside

Have to be at least mildly concerned when seeing the direction his form has headed in since his most recent claim, but he has form on his card that indicates he can be competitive at this level; third-place finisher from latest returned to win next out here on 1/11 going 1m over turf vs. 25-22.5k claimers with an 82 Beyer.

Accelerant

He was once very capable of showing up with a competitive performance against competition of this caliber but it's just tough to have confidence in him in this spot when seeing that he's making his first start since November 2012.

Big Note (IRE)

He surprised a field in his most recent start while making his first start back from a layoff and this speedy gelding seemed to appreciate being sent out without blinkers; that said, he is stretching out in distance and the early pace in here figures to be fast and contested.

Macias

Multiple stakes winner has run well in two of his three starts since moving into this barn, and when seeing that he's run well over turf in the past, especially over this turf course, he has some appeal.

Koast

He's had some success sprinting down the hill in his career and he has a live look to him in this spot while dropping in class and making his second start back from a layoff; stakes placed veteran commands a good deal of respect.

Valentine Boy

He's seeking his first 1-2 finish racing over turf and not sure that his best effort is quite strong enough to get the job done in this spot; winner from latest returned to win next out at BHP on 7/6 going 6 1/2f vs. 32-28k claimers with a 92 Beyer.

Dekko (ARG)

It's difficult to give this lightly raced 6-year-old a favorable push in this spot based on what he's shown us in his three starts since arriving in America, but maybe he can prove to be capable of better with blinkers coming off.

Dixieland Blues

He enters this race after a useful performance off of a layoff and it doesn't hurt him to benefit from the services of Bejarano again; feel that he deserves to be listed among the contenders while getting back on a turf course that he's been at his best over.

Diamondsdiplomat

He hasn't been at his best sprinting in his career, and when considering the long layoff, perhaps his connections are just using this race as a steppingstone to a longer event the next time around; runner-up from latest returned to win next out at Dmr on 7/25 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 40-35k claimers with an 85 Beyer.

Race 7

Wired for Fun

Cuts back a furlong following that tough beat where she was probably best if not for drifting out late; quick blowout since means she has maintained her edge and should be within striking distance once again; reverts to original rider.

Sixy Eddie

The latest a.m. drill was fairly good; her sire won a G1 and 837K (offspring of Square Eddie have scored in 2 of 15 debuts); the dam was zero for 4; among the winning siblings is 62K earner Sixy Song.

Yana

Two fine efforts thus far and her most recent half-mile work was upbeat; her sire won multiple G1s and 3.18 million; the dam scored in 2 of 10 appearances earning 46K; this is her only foal to compete.

Cause Ur My Babe

Raced evenly behind Wired for Fun 3 weeks ago but was in definite need of that effort (a slow break did not help matters either); she could prove an interesting value play here if able to secure ideal stalking position behind battling leaders.

More Complexity

Upgraded in that second attempt over the turf; her sire won a G1 and 837K while the dam won 2 of 8 starts and 62K; winning siblings include 24K earner Last Diamond; most recent blowout could have been much sharper.

Seraphic Slew

Newcomer hails from 342K earner Council Member whose progeny are zero for 25 as far as winning their first test; the dam won 1 of 6 and 6K; among the winning siblings is 433K earner Seattlespectacular.

Mia Luccia

Although off the board yet again in her last try, she improved pace-wise in that event; switches to apprentice handling now and generous betting value will be the case as she has been defeated by several of these same rivals in the past.

Cadillac Desert

Firster hails from Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Desert Code who banked 1.08 million and whose descendants have won 1 of 12 debuts; the dam scored in 1 of 6 races earning 28K; sib to multiple G3 victor Unzip Me who compiled 959K.

Wonderful Lie

Moderate work tab for this new face; her sire won 3 of 15 and 115K (offspring of Bedford Falls have won 1 of 13 initial attempts); the dam went 9 for 50 earning 194K; sib to 25K earner De Alibi.

I'msoulflattering

Progeny of Flatter, who won 4 of 6 and 148K, have won approximately 10 percent of their debuts; this filly's dam won 1 of 8 attempts and 15K; winning siblings include 358K earner Da Svedonya.

Capers N Wine

One of the main speeds to consider here despite the surface switch; she was game in defeat 2 back when facing high-grde claimers and is familiar with breaking from wide posts; reverts to Espinoza who was aboard for that sharp placing 2 back.

Magic Spot

Outfinished by Wire for Fun last month but was used up in an early pace battle; now must deal with extra-wide post for the first time and might be compromised; workout activity this month is above average, however.

Gala Moon

Faced weaker in her unveiling while high odds; see Yana, above, for information about the same talented sire; the dam won 1 of 7 and 33K; among the winning siblings is 66K earner Spectaculous.

Warrenspoweroflove

Closed with a rush to capture the place in her first run, a sharp effort considering the poor start; her sire was zero for 4 while the dam involved never raced; there are no winning siblings to mention; curious item despite the class rise.

Race 8

Major Truth

Never been a big fans of the rail on the hill unless a runner has clearing speed; that is not the case here; he had to fight for that last win and has not been sharp since; needs very best.

Pulla Train

Tribal Rule about 16% with first-time turfers in a 158-runner sample; sire graduated as older horse, took 2 of 4, banked nearly $80K; dam won a stakes but never turfed; 2 siblings won on grass including Bathing Beauty, who cashed the only time she tasted turf; plenty of spots for him over in Phoenix so it's interesting he's testing these waters.

Crimson Giant

One for 23 on the grass just about says it all; he has been value at times in the gimmicks and that is where his strength may lie once again.

Mr. Ornery

Wide two back, he has the three races to draw from and appears to be racing himself into shape; he has a nice style for the hill, Bejarano sticks and the pace should be legit; look out.

Candy's Sunrise

This guy is coming to the race sharp; forced to steady the last time he started from up the hill but key off the race in 2012 here and he's a player; O'Neill has been putting this rider on some live stock; repeat could be in store.

Old Man Lake

Synthetic to turf was the recipe for the last win; not all that into it since; a couple of regressions since the November return; needs very best.

Pulpit's Express

Maybe he needed last as he cuts back here; the route could have help the stamina; runner can give you a :21 and change quarter at times and he was boosted when the 8/3 winner took the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby next out with a 91 Beyer; can't fault those that give him another shot at glory.

Elusive Journey

It took him a long time to figure it out; some like this play figuring the runner now has the confidence to build on but that can be a slippery slope; look for him very late if at all.

Waitwaitdonttellme

First time for sale, you would figure it to be an all out go; love the spacing of the return drills but you have to wonder if connections have a route in mind for him down the line?; must prove he can win going short.

Free Time

Far from disgraced the other time on the hillside; 8/29 place horse took a $40K starter next out and then was 2nd beaten a nose in an N1X; trainer spotted them just fine last year with limited starters; don't ignore.

Wings of Mojave

Gelding found the waters vs. winners quite a bit steeper; note this rider was up for the November return and he rides this course as well as anybody; look for runner to settle, try to save some ground, come out when they cross the dirt and kick hard.

Bro's Bro

Colt has been pretty solid since he won; he ran far too good to lose in his other try on this hill and he has the tactical speed that will give him first run on the deep closers; another threat in a good betting race on this holiday.

Korban

Like the fact he has beaten higher-priced foes; grass debut pretty solid, and there is no reason why he can't build on that race; another with positional speed, will be a handful if he gets a chance to suit up.

Great Friends Rule

Back at claimed level, the winner of the BHP finale cashed next out in an N1X with an 88 Beyer; this guy is a good earner, he fires more often than not but he beat the smallish field in his last win; wonder if he will be intimidated by the full gate if he goes?

Race 9

I Dig Elle

Caught wide in her debut run, she never got untracked; her sire won a G1 and 464K while the dam won 1 of 4 and 68K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; shows a modest work tab this month.

Mean Emma Jean

She finally draws inside after a pair of wide journeys; her sire won a G3 and 447K in total; the dam won 1 of 2 attempts and 10K; among the winning siblings is 1.41 million earner A Shin Wein.

Filli Vanilli

Did not recover following a slow break from the fence in her maiden voyage over the turf; her sire won a G1 and 1.73 million; the dam did not race; among the winning sibs is 114K bankroller Tanquerray.

Notonthefirstdate

Scheduled to race with blinkers for the first time after losing serious ground a month ago, her first attempt around 2 turns; seems better suited for this distance and switches to apprentice handling for the first time.

Lovely Instinct

Finished midpack in her last assignment and the extra distance today could work in her favor; note distinct improvement to the latest half-mile drill over the course; seems worth some inclusion in exotic wagering approach since market value will be there.

Grammy Times Six

Beaten favorite set too fast a clip in her last assignment and she was pressured in the early going; not a ton of pace opposition on view and that should be to her benefit; should give a better performance, at a better price, this afternoon.

Yesterday Sings

Exits a key race where she did not break alertly; her sire won a G1 and 1.5 million while the dam scored in 3 of 35 appearances earning 99K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; moves down a notch and can show more.

Perched

Makes only her second start in the claiming realm after appearing in several added money events; did not have a comfortable stalking position in the last run and can secure better sailing here; legitimate money chances.

Katy's Plum

Unleashed a sharp late burst in her first attempt to nearly capture the place in the final yards; her sire was unraced while the dam was zero for 5; winning siblings include 44K earner Bugsy Losty; will have to deal with a new type of pace today.

Warrens Goldnugget

Beginner hails from Affirmative who was zero for 4 lifetime and whose offspring are 1 for 50 as far as winning their first try; the dam won 1 of 9 and 33K; this is her only foal to make it to the races; steady work tab of late.

Cheeky Stone

Dons the blinkers after middle moving in her last assignment before fading in the late yards; sudden improvement to the latest a.m. move suggests she is at the ready; might fly under the betting radar and is worth exacta use if that is the case.

Singleinthelast

Set a fair clip in her last try but now races outside of the statebred ranks for the first time; not sure if she will hook up with Grammy Times Six in the opening stages and that may prove one of the important keys to the outcome.

Warren's Susie Q.

No match for Lovely Instinct last month and she will have to improve several levels now; her sire was without a tally in 4 tries; the dam went 1 for 20 earning 37K; there are no winning siblings to highlight.