Santa Anita
Santa Anita: Closer Looks for January 25, 2014
Race 1
| Well Measured |
| Sports an excellent work tab of late and will prove dangerous if able to break alertly from this tricky post; his sire won multiple G2s and 636K (progeny of Benchmark have won 68 out of 507 debuts); the dam won 2 of 19 and 121K; winning siblings include 180K earner Miss Well Molded. |
| Go Jeremiah |
| Tight workout pattern for this son of Stephen Got Even who banked a G1 and 1.01 million (his offspring have won nearly 11 percent of their initial races); the dam won 1 of 15 and 35K; there are no winning siblings to mention. |
| Setthebigboysfree |
| Descendants of Ocean Sound, who won 2 of 15 attempts and 163K, are zero for 14 as far as winning their first race; the dam was without a tally in 3 tries and this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate. |
| Nooten |
| Closed with a rush to miss by a diminishing length earlier this month and can receive a similar, if not more heated, pace today if the inside rivals run true to their workouts; looks like a legitimate exacta presence once again. |
| Even to the Moon |
| Fair try behind Nooten last time out and he was closer to the early pace that day; may be reserved further off the lead now and be able to reverse that outcome; the betting value should be there once again. |
| Next Book |
| Solid try against claimers last month but the ascent to the special weight class is usually a difficult one; the gelding's sire won the G1 Norfolk and 464K; the dam won 6 of 47 and 195K; among the winning siblings is 58K earner Indian Gaming. |
| Sudden Rumor |
| Tried the blinkers and the turf for the first time recently, a useful comeback effort; the gelding did not have the smoothest of trips in either of the previous ventures on the main oval; likely to fly under the betting radar. |
| This Cat's Awesome |
| Did not have an easy journey when defeated by some of these same rivals recently; latest blowout was an improvement and perhaps that can enable him to obtain an ideal stalking journey, right to the outside flank of battling leaders; tough call. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 2
| Turn On the Pumps |
| Benefits from having good-tactical-gate speed in this paceless event; Kessabtsi appears the one to catch here; the 2-back winner repeated in a GG-optional claimer with an 81 Beyer speed figure; the 3-back show runner posted an 83 Beyer in his next-out BHP-allowance victory. |
| Woodmans Luck |
| Rider Nakatani seemingly had other options but stays here; can he get up in time needing every bit of 8.5F to win last; snapped a 2-0-0-0 turf record both on SA green in last by defeating the show, 5th and 6th-place finishers; they Beyered 83-82-81 in next-out SA-GG-25K claiming wins; his October 5th-place stakes finish on dirt at longer than 1 Mile is a field-best Beyer speed figure. |
| Christopher Street |
| Took the blinkers off for last then posted a new Beyer speed figure Top; was outfinished 2-back and today gets a negative 7-pound weight swing off the 2-back loss vs. Turn On the Pumps; reunites with the 2012-maiden-breaking rider as latest win rider takes Woodmans Luck. |
| Prospector's Trick |
| Late runner's lone win was at longer than 1 Mile while the 2-back win rider sides with Volkonsky for this who easily defeated him in last; beat the runner-up in his November-maiden breaker that one Beyered 77 in his next-out BHP-MSW win. |
| Deep Play |
| Even finish hanging on the money in last a race he obviously needed following more than a 1-year layoff; the 3-back show runner Beyered 86 in his next-out BHP-MSW win; the first 3 finishers from his unveiling Beyered 86-85-73 in next-out SA-OPC and SA-BHP-MSW wins. |
| Gab Power |
| Claimed by a high-win percentage 1st-off-the-purchase trainer following a pair of dull efforts; 2-back is his lowest Beyer since May, 2010; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 91 in his next-out SA-OPC win; trying to remember the SA-grass win March, 2011, posted at today's Mile distance. |
| Kessabtsi |
| Exits his best Beyer since June, 2012, when racing well at 1M on BHP grass; both wins posted on SA turf occurred at 1 Mile; in this paceless event seems only to have to beat Turn On the Pumps out of the gate to make the front; his last victory was on the lead on SA green. |
| Volkonsky |
| 1st time starting in the Hollendorfer Hall-of-Fame barn yields 31% winners since 2013; reunites with the runner-up rider from first 2 races and this high-percentage pilot seemingly had other options but lands here; rematch with Turn On the Pumps who handled him 2 back at longer; lone win for this deep closer was at a half furlong longer than today's Mile event. |
| Bench Light |
| Another ground-losing trip projected breaking widest again; added blinkers for last 2 races which helped his tactical speed but did not produce the improved Beyers needed; late runner's career-best Beyer was accomplished at 1Mile on SA turf; earned his last win on BHP grass at today's distance. - Art Gropper |
Race 3
| Shark's Cup |
| Sire is 4 for 23 with his debut runners and the dam was winless from 8 starts prior to dropping 4 sprint winners; he's worked well on synthetic footing this month for this dirt spin and though the barn hasn't done so well of late right out of the box they are capable of getting a newcomer ready; draws a tough post but if he does have some ability he should be involved from the bell. |
| Cousin Ricky |
| Drops in for a tag while adding shades for his third career start; gelding worked well for this last weekend and if the new equipment helps him get focused early maybe he has enough left to stick around late; consider. |
| Prince of Paris |
| Offered little in his 2 synthetic starts this fall and now he'll drop back in for a tag; colt has worked ok in the interim and maybe he's up for an improved try; dam was a 2 time sprint winner and she dropped a couple of main track winners but this guy has some moving forward to do. |
| Patriots Rule |
| Gets off the fence after showing little against MSWs in that sprint debut earlier in the month; barn boasts some recent luck with second out runners and both of this guy's sibs to race are main track winners so maybe he goes better at a price with the initial experience behind him. |
| Seeking Asylum |
| Beaten last out chalk makes his first start off the claim by an outfit that excels with this type right back; guy who tied for the place with him last time returns in this heat as well, but this gelding gets a big rider switch to Bejarano and maybe the cut back to this trip intensifies his kick; can prove to be the one to hold off. |
| Mosso |
| Didn't have enough late after getting a solid clip in front of him and finished behind a couple of today's foes last time; he's had plenty of chances but he has earned his better career numbers of late and the shorter trip could help; even on his best a minor award looks to be his ceiling. |
| Head South |
| Speedy gelding was pressed the entire way and still held on to dead heat for the place spot with one of today's foes a few weeks back; maybe he's able to settle a bit with the move outside on the slight cut back and that could help make him stronger late; contender. |
| Warren's Sunny Boy |
| Sire is 1 for 51 with his newcomers and the dam was a 3 time sprint winner whose lone winning foal took 6 sprints; he saved his best for last with that recent Hollywood gate drill but the barn isn't going so well here and they haven't had a lot of recent luck right out of the box. |
| Dustin's Mission |
| Moves back in with statebreds after another weak effort, this time in his local debut; gelding hasn't shown much of anything yet and his interim drills don't suggest he'll have much more to offer today; looms another long price. |
| Fourth Generation |
| Took a step forward on the drop to this level second time out and now he'll try dirt for the first time; colt worked quickly here a couple of weeks back so maybe he takes to the footing and his lone sib is a 3 time main track route winner so maybe there's some more ability in him; price will be right. |
| Johns Journey |
| Just missed holding on after moving in to face open claimers over the track in his return from the freshening; he'll tackle an added half panel, but he ran well at it locally in the fall and he's quick enough to secure a good spot from the bell in this heat; main danger with the move back in with statebreds today. |
| Wicked Heat |
| He's offered for sale while moving in with fellow statebreds in his first spin on dirt; barn boasts a recent second out winner and this guy did show a solid turn of foot first out down the hill; concern is that the dam's foals all won either on the green or routing on the main track and maybe this guy will just be better when stretched out. |
| Fifteen Black |
| AE was bet off the board first out at Pleasanton last year but was beaten to the top and didn't have enough after settling in a wide spot; he'll return for his first start since then with shades on and he'll be offered for a tag here; barn does an excellent job with its fresh runners and this guy is kin to a multiple main track winner; recent drills suggest an improved try will be on tap if he draws in. - Jim Kachulis |
Race 4
| Iotapa |
| Has proven a rewarding claim, becoming a stakes winner and getting multiple graded placed, including at the G1 level; the time away is the main strike against this miss hasn't raced since July and is returning against older horses; let's see a race before backing. |
| Teddy's Promise |
| This is her swan song before retirement; toss her failures in the F&M Sprints and she's been super honest; won this race last year at this distance and also the 2011 La Brea at 7f at SA; might be sent from post 2; Socialbug and Winding Way should occupy her early. |
| Lexington Pearl |
| A live longshot, she came on strong at GP this winter, and her ground-saving second in the Glass Slipper came in a well-rated race that unfolded with a slow opening quarter; Peter Miller has done very well with Golden Production, a horse he claimed for today's owner Myron Miller; barn has good blinkers on stats; mare typically doesn't want to switch leads in the stretch, but that hasn't stopped her from performing at a high level; upset choice. |
| Heir Kitty |
| Was winless in 2013 before Miller added the blinkers, and this miss has since responded with two victories, including a biggie in the Grade 1 La Brea; she had a perfect trip in that race, behind two dueling horses, and then getting out midway on the turn when another rival to her outside stopped; now tests older stakes horses for the first time. |
| Socialbug |
| Although beaten in her latest, liked her race a little more than that of Scherzinger; this miss was keen early when third (before the first call) and then took off for an opening on the rail, taking the lead; she had a right to get tired but kept fighting to the wire, only getting caught late; might fare better here with a draw toward the outside. |
| Scherzinger |
| A long-striding mare, this miss takes a furlong or so to get in gear, but she then comes running; Smith was able to save ground with her last time, not easily done on a horse rallying from last, and then wore down Socialbug when angled to the outside; extra distance of this race would seem to benefit her style. |
| Winding Way |
| Had been owned by Spendthrift (B. Wayne Hughes) - and one would think judging by the new connections that they're looking at her more as a long-term broodmare investment; is accustomed to racing on synthetic and turf; lone try at SA resulted in a distance fourth - though she was laid off for that race - so perhaps something physically went amiss that was the cause for the poor effort; if nothing else, she adds speed; she was pushing the pace under a hard hold on the Monrovia. - Byron King |
Race 5
| Kathleen Rose |
| Only one off effort and maybe something just went awry in in the debut; she's one of 3 in the field proven on the hill; she showed a new wrinkle from just off the pace; never thrilled with runners on the rail on this course but she has the speed to flee the fence; far too sharp not to take seriously. |
| Journey On |
| Miss exits the best race; she has more speed than she just showed; she has drilled solidly since the lat effort and is back on the preferred surface; and note full sis Bella Viaggia won the Cal Cup Distaff; don't ignore. |
| Heat Du Jour |
| She was a slow learner and his is a much better distance for her; she has been handled by a couple of today's foes but could see her sitting a nice stalk and pounce journey; back in a hurry, a good ploy for this barn; can't be dismissed. |
| Marks Mine |
| Entered at the wrong distance in the lone grass run but maybe connections had this race in mind all the time and just wanted to give her a taste; multiple stakes winner has invented ways to win but she has been beating up small fields; homebred is too sharp not to be considered. |
| Runfasterelse |
| Mare was losing ground late in the last sprint run; trainer spotted them just fine last year with limited starters and nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 11 of 16; backers have to hope they go bonkers down the hill and this miss finds a lane to rally into in time. |
| Sudden Sunday |
| Proven on this grass, but not on the hill and it can be a specialist thing; 7/12 winner repeated in a $40K Del Mar optional; she has had two tough races in a row and we don't really know how much it may have taken out of her. |
| This Means War |
| Nice bit of training to have this gal primed off the extended vacation; miss has fired every time but you have to fret a bit about what cashed the layoff; is a bounce in the offing, or will this gal move forward; must be left in the exotic mix at least. |
| Unusual Hottie |
| A late third in this course in her best effort; she only beat 5 in the last turf sprint victory and she will need a complete turn around after the Maddy fiasco; one angle to think about: this rider was up for back-to-back wins back in the day. |
| Warren's Flasher |
| Did that last win in June zap her?; could be; she had to take time off, and was only in the money once, when a distant third; lack of speed could put her behind the 8 ball turning for home; needs very best. |
| Tribal Spy |
| She took awhile to figure it out but she looked good winning in last; got to expect rider to again send hard and hope for the best; note she lost ground late in the other stakes effort; probably needs to improve to repeat. |
| Ciao Bella Luna |
| Off slowly in last and never got rolling; she flashed her class with the G2 win last April; the place horse in the Raven Run 3 back took a $72K and a $75K stakes; miss has been synthetic so far so she has that to work out; needs a rebound run.- Brian Mulligan |
Race 6
| Ski's Copper Penny |
| Draws the fence for the turn back in her return to the main track after a poor start did her in on the lawn 10 months back; she did catch a wet track first out here around this time last year, but the barn doesn't do so well with its returnees and this gal's recent local drills aren't much; just watching her here. |
| Benicia Gem |
| Sire is 5 for 37 with its newcomers and the limited sprint winning dam dropped a 2 time sprint winner from 2 foals to race; barn fires right out of the box and though the pilot has been blanked at the stand he's certainly a capable journeyman; some of the listed drills are solid. |
| Heavens Stairway |
| Showed great speed in arguing the fractions when sent down the hill for the first time late last month but didn't have enough left late; filly draws towards the inside for her first crack on dirt so she should again be prominent from the bell, but even if she takes to the new footing there look to be others breathing down her neck so she'll need to earn this one. |
| Girl On the Lam |
| Hood comes off for her return from the freshening after again coming up short late; maybe the equipment change helps her settle and she did run well fresh over this footing second time out; worth a look at an improved price. |
| Tribal Torch |
| Ships down from Golden Gate after just missing as the chalk on the slight cut back while facing open company foes; filly should be more focused early with the addition of blinkers and both of her sibs to race were winners; if she takes to the dirt she's a big threat while moving in to face fellow statebreds. |
| Swiss Heart |
| She's moved forward on the figure scale since fading from a tracking spot in her local debut in early fall; maybe the return to statebred competition helps get her going and now that she's got some experience in her she could go much better over this surface. |
| Sea John's Spirit |
| Mare ran well for third money over the local main track a couple of years back and after spending 17 months on the shelf, she'll finally get back to the footing today; she's shown good speed in each of her last 2 starts over different surfaces and she's working well of late for this one; giving her the nod to get to the wire first today. |
| Tickle Again |
| Hasn't been able to get the job done in 9 career spins and now she'll try dirt for the first time; she's kin to 2 multiple sprint winners on the main track; barn has had some recent luck second time back from the break and this gal has finished close to the winner a handful of times; looms an exotic threat. |
| Yes She's Unusual |
| Offered little going down the hill first time out after taking little money at the windows; barn hasn't had any recent luck with second out runners but while the dam was a G3 SP, SW turfer and 332K earner, she also won sprinting on the main track so maybe this gal handles it as well; price will again be right to try and get her in the minor exotics slots. - Steve Grabowski |
Race 7
| Norastone |
| Raced on the lead through-hot early fractions in last; the added distance is the main issue but she is the one to catch; sire is 7-for-138 with 1st-turf starters; 2-0-0-0 dam did not race on grass; her only other foal to race is 1-for-4 Storm Fighter (48K) who did not race on turf. |
| Susans Express |
| Way off her best game without blinkers for last; the hood is back on for this; her sire is 14-for-116 with 1st-turf starters; 1-for-2 dam (11K) did not race on grass; her only other foal to race full Oscillator went 1-for-5 on turf (57K); in her lone 1-Mile race defeated the 3-back show finisher who posted a 61 Beyer speed figure in her next-out FG-MSW win. |
| Harlington's Rose |
| Stamina was lacking in 2 other Mile-stamina tests; her sire is 1-for-23 with 1st-turf starters; she is the 1st foal out of a stakes-winning dam (5-for-21, 206K) who did not race on grass; sandwiched her 2-back Beyer Top on SA dirt with 2 of the worst performances of her career; view as a pace presence for part. |
| Alasharchy |
| Freshened 57 days since beating winners; she has been a new runner since stretched out to 1Mile on the green; likely sits right behind Norastone from the gate then gets 1st run on the closers; beat the 3-back show finisher who Beyered 68 in her next-out GG-MSW win. |
| Chilada |
| Been a new runner since blinkers were removed; gets the major class test facing winners for the 1st time and right into stakes company; 2nd-time Long can be an improvement start; won on the lead but has serious gate speed to contend with Norastone and Harlington's Rose signed on for this. |
| Princess Genevieve |
| Another runner who won on the lead though easy fractions but this field with speedsters Harlington's Rose, Norastone and Chilada signed on here compromises her win chance and likely helps the closers; another one going 2nd-time Long which has been an improvement angle for a long time. |
| Kukaluka |
| Did not show the same big-late punch in last as she did on turf 2-back when chasing Alasharchy in defeat; would have to get by that one here to post the upset; was overmatched in last but a good sign that a hot-SA pilot stays right here even off the worst finish of her career. |
| Sprague River |
| Had to love the 14-point Beyer improvement 2nd-time out on turf while showing she can win from both on the lead or off the pace; rallied in last like she would love 1 Mile; sire did not race past 6F; dam did not race on turf but both wins were accomplished at 8.5F on dirt. |
| Sprouts |
| Sire is 0-for-2 with 1st-turf starters; 2-0-1-1-Group 3-placed dam did not race past 6F; her only other foal to race Mogilny is 2-0-0-0 on the green; stamna is the issue especially with Norastone likely setting hot fractions; has never raced with this heavy of a weight assignment while fading at 1F shorter; ranked a notch below the top contenders. |
| Rovenna |
| Sire is 4-for-36 with 1st-turf starters; 1-for-3 dam (19K) did not race on grass; she produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race on turf (1-for-9 Champions Gate 60K grass); stamina issues off latest with 1st blinkers where she tired at shorter than 1 Mile. |
| Water Issues |
| Claimed off the 2nd-worst defeat of career which is not a good sign when racing for the 1st time on SA grass middle moving as the betting favorite; win rider takes Sprague River for this; career-best Beyer was vs. the boys 2-back at longer than 1 Mile and likely needs more yardage to see very-best form. |
| Cal Gal |
| Today's distance is a major issue off the 3-back sprint win on SA grass which accounts for her lone try on today's turf course; graduated fresh reuniting with the win rider; mixed reviews from the worktab for this; off latest has serious stamina issues to overcome. |
| Swiss Lake Yodeler |
| Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when scoring a fresh-stakes win at shorter; scored at today's Mile distance 2-back; sire is 12-for-153 with 1st-turf starters; 0-for-1 dam did not race on grass; her only foal to race on turf is 2-for-15 Skimasco (36K grass). |
| Anniversary Kitty |
| Bullet-SA-grass workout for today's 2nd attempt leaping way up in class to face stakes rivals; exits a key-race debut win defeating the 4th and 7th-place finishers they Beyered 67-64 in next-out SA-MSW-35K-maiden-claiming wins; rallied in the 1ster victory like she would love today's Mile distance; sire did not race past 6F; dam was unraced. - Art Gropper |
Race 8
| Follini |
| His hand will be forced starting from the fence; he has been out of the money both times he started from the rail; he does fit on the Beyer scale but can he improve off a career Beyer?; maybe the shorter trip will help; needs very best. |
| Ourwestcoastghost |
| Runner got good for about 2 months last year; gelding is proven fresh but will need things to break just right for it to happen; value should be there, but would tread lightly. |
| Luckarack |
| Have always liked the claim back angle and not Moger won a stakes with this off the red tag in September; he ran well in defeat in the turf to synthetic run last year but is another that will need help up front to get it done; may need softer to shine. |
| Coach Bob |
| Over twice as many slices as wins; pushed into the stakes after the last win and he has not been able to close the deal since; place horse in last took a $62.5K optional next out; style no secret, he will be sent and and will go as far as that takes him; there is speed inside and outside of him; not sure the race sets up all that good for him. |
| Mobilized |
| A well beaten 5th the last time he cut back in distance; runner got good for a month back in 2012 but has been in a funk since; 2 of his 6 wins have been local and like the spacing of the return drills; must hustle. |
| Cyclometer |
| He obviousl loves this layout as he's been out of the money just once on the surface; a bit more keen to drill last Tuesday and that is more of Headley's style; love fact he has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to win; repeat well within the realm. |
| Lakerville |
| He's trained well on this surface but must prove he can handle dirt; consistent as the day is long, he had to take 2013 off for a pretty serious reason; trainer owns a piece so he could have brought this guy back any time; interesting. |
| Kate's Event |
| Key off his win in the Tiznow and he fits big time but wonder if that race knocked the starch out of him?; he had to hit the bench and has not been super sharp since; never thrilled to see the beats at Pomona and he was crushed; must hurry. |
| Spirit Rules |
| Proven fresh but synthetic only; 5th finisher in last took a $40K claimer next out and the place horse took a $88K stakes; gelding has been tough when given time and nice to see a smallish barn winning in bunches like last year; drills ideally spaced, must show he can handle stakes foes. |
| Big Macher |
| He has been troubled in his only 2 off efforts; 3 exited the 12/1 race to win next out; note show horse in last was over 3 clear; best of 35 bullet in the holster, drawn right, and you can never dismiss this kind of velocity; another threat in a good betting race. - Brian Mulligan |
Race 9
| Summer Hit |
| Multiple graded stakes winner has won nine of 15 career starts, including three of six over turf, and like the idea of him employing his early speed to take it right at this field from the gate after breaking out of post one; Bejarano has won with 9 of 24 (38%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. |
| Affrettando |
| He put together a pretty decent performance two races ago, a race that saw him placed first through disqualification, but he's going to need an even sharper performance than that one if he's planning on making a bid for the top prize in this spot. |
| Lucky Primo |
| He carries multiple stakes winning credentials with him and he's likely going to be sitting just off of the early speed of Summer Hit through the opening stages; he's run races in the past that are strong enough to suggest that he can produce a competitive performance at this level of competition. |
| Empty Headed |
| Respect the fact that he's been a pretty consistent performer, and that a couple of his recent races have been his best, but can't help but feel that this is a difficult step up in class for him; looking toward others. |
| Huntsville |
| Don't like to see that his recent form hasn't been his best and he has just three wins from 37 career starts while showing an 0-for-16 mark going back through 2013, but there was a time when he was capable of being competitive against competition of this caliber. |
| Weewinnin |
| He's a stakes winner racing over the synthetic surface at BHP, and even though it was in a turf sprint, he handled himself well in his first turf test in his latest outing; distance is a concern, but at the very least, he figures to be involved in the running through the opening stages. |
| Jules Journey |
| Not sure if his best effort is quite strong enough to get the better of this field, but he has been at his best racing over this turf course in the past, and his fine positional speed can help him manage a comfortable trip; interesting to see Stevens assigned for this. |
| Tiz a Minister |
| His complete lack of early speed is a concern, and to this point in his career, he's been better off racing over dirt or a synthetic surface than turf; this looks like a pretty tough spot for him to be going after his first turf victory. |
| China Prince |
| He's been in good form lately and he hasn't finished worse than second from three starts over turf, but he's really going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale to threaten the top contenders in here. |
| Unusual Meeting |
| In a race where it looks like the winner will earn a Beyer Speed Figure above 90, this gelding sports a career best figure of 79 after 18 starts, including eight turf starts; Golden Gate shipper has the look of an outsider. |
| Stoney Fleece |
| Grade 3 winner has seen most of his recent action against claiming competition but he's a tough competitor and it wouldn't be a shock to see him sneak his way into a spot underneath in the exotics while stepping back up in class for this. |
| Hittheroadrunning |
| He deserves credit for his consistent approach to the game, and might be able to get himself involved in the running through the opening stages, but he's yet to prove that he can handle a stakes assignment such as this. |
| Jonny's Choice |
| He appears to be at his best as a late running sprinter, and after struggling against a field of N1X rivals when stretched out in distance for his latest start, it's tough to recommend him against these. |
| Maybe Tuesday |
| He's run well the last two times he's been seen racing over turf and he was game in defeat when finishing right behind today's rival Stoney Fleece in his latest outing; feel that he merits some consideration underneath in the exotics. - Brian Pochman |
Race 10
| Oh Billy Billy |
| Caddyshack fans got a break last time with this guy was put up; sire routed in grass with ease; dam won 9 times, all routes; this guy has a right to have a nice career as kin to 16-race sprint winner and millionaire Cost of Freedom; would expect Garcia to let this guy roll out of their and he may have to discourage the Sadler charge to clear; not impossible task. |
| Life Is a Joy |
| Note show horse in last was well clear; legit trouble when he stumbled 3 back, he stalked and wilted in open company in the November finale but now against must deal with the Sherman freak; this guy does have more speed than he just showed and would expect him to be prominent as his stablemate will come from left field; runner could fall into a nice trip; don't ignore. |
| Public Policy |
| Bet like a good thing from Day One in the maiden claimer, colt has fired every time and he had enough in the tank last time to hold on cutting back; sire was a proven router; dam's lone win was a sprint; lone sibling lost 10 times; inhaled by the Puype runner last out and not thrilled with the way he was tiring in last. |
| Tamarando |
| Hung wide last time but he was far from disgraced when beaten by monster; he needs help up front but there seems to be enough speed to help the cause; love the series of drill since the last, Hollendorfer just firing with everything and with a hot enough pace, this guy should be picking them up and laying them down. |
| Lucky Views |
| Huge try in the stakes debut; he has to adapt to the dirt on the fly but he seems to have taken to the surface; sire was sprint only but was beaten just a nose going a mile on grass; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; he's already re-paid his $10K purchase price and would expect him to be forwardly spotted; needs very best. |
| Aotearoa |
| Off a bit poorly on the cut back and it was not the easiest spot; runner does have a nice turn of late foot and like the fact he got a feel of the surface last Sunday; barn solid with stretch out runner and Stevens takes the reins; can't toss. |
| California Chrome |
| Only beaten 2 three back when getting to the winner, he had the legit excuse in the 11/1 race and came away at will last time; this is another runner that could be closer this time early since his speed was sharpened in the sprint; he has to prove he can put wins together but runner comes off a career Beyer; don't sell too short. |
| Awesome Return |
| Colt made the huge middle move to get within 3 on the lead and then kept going; pushed wide here in his educational debut, hopping in the air last time may have been a blessing in disguise; he's trained fast for this but probably needs to improve to repeat. |
| Lawly's Goal |
| Life and death for the lone win and runner was getting late last time in first try going long; show horse in last won next out in a $75K optional at Sunland with a 61 Beyer; the Turf Paradise finale came back ultra live as 6 exited the race to win next out; would lean toward watching a local race. |
| Electric Eddie |
| Connections had the confidence in this guy to try the now champ in the CashCall and he had just nothing left after pushing the splits; the way he closed in the 11/1 race suggests he can get this trip; sire was a Grade 1 winner routing; dam's lone win was a sprint; never simple to beat winners as a maiden. |
| Better Bet |
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Two regressions since the 47-1 stakes shocker; note he also gave up 2 and a half lengths late in that race; he did win from the marooned post in the last victory but he will not likely make the lead today; must pick it up. - Brian Mulligan |