Santa Anita: Closer Looks for June 27, 2014

Race 1

Denotation

Has not raced past 5.5F yet; sire was best on synthetic sufaces; he went 0-for-2 in dirt routes finishing 2nd in the Kentucky Derby and 11th in the Preakness; is the 1st foal from the dam who finished 2nd in her only start at on a wet-main track at 5.5F.

Iconic Spirit

Expecting better 2nd time off the bench; the show finisher from last Beyered 80 in a next-out SA-MSW win; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 79 Beyer; field-best Beyer was back in November 2012, racing in a synthetic-surface sprint.

Verdula

A lot to prove off 2 double-digit length defeats; has not raced past 6.5F yet; sire went 1-for-1 in dirt routes winning the Grade 2-Strub at 9F on SA dirt; is out of an 0-for-6 dam (24K) who did not race past 6F on dirt; her only other foal to race Cool Samurai (1-for-3, 52K) won at 1 Mile on dirt.

Tiz Midnight

Owns an improving-Beyer pattern while 2nd-time Long is also a good angle to move forward; rider from 1st 3 goes to Little Miss S for this; new jockey is 3-for-9 for Baffert at SA since 2013; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-alw. with an 83 Beyer; has been working like she could be ready for a huge race directly off the more than 5-month layoff.

Little Miss S

Bet to below even money in a dissapointing debut 26 days ago; has not raced past 5.5F yet; sire won the 10F-G1 Pacific Classic on dirt; is out of an unraced dam who produced G1-synthetic Crisp who went 0-for-2 in dirt-routes losing both times in Grade 1s; Garcia goes here when having other options; couple of the trainer's high-percentage win moves like sprint-to-route (30%) and maiden 2nd starters (28%). - Art Gropper

Race 3

Silver Hustler

Winless in 14 races since May, 2012, on CD grass a 9F allowance; won her career debut Jan, '12 on OP dirt at 6F; have to go back to October to see her last-main track start which is her only SA attempt a runner-up finish vs. the winner who repeated in a BHP-100K stakes with an 87 Beyer speed figure; fits here beating Buckingam Bull on turf 2 back.

Buckingham Bull

The added half furlong for this is the concern after setting the pace in latest; the 2-back winner made it 3 in a row in an SA-optional claimer with a 93 Beyer; she beat the 3-back show finisher who Beyered 82 in a next-out SA-OPC win.

Sweetrayofsunshine

Projects for an ideal trip sitting just off the speedy Buckingham Bull then getting 1st run on the closrs; she exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when winning at shorter; today is the highest-weight assignment of career; she is 2-for-2 in races at today's distance on dirt; the 2-back winner and show finishers Beyered 86-76 in next-out SA-OPC and 32K-claiming wins; she beat the 3-back runner-up who posted an 85 speed figure in his next-out BHP-32K-claiming win.

Proud Vixen

Is best with blinkers on the hood came back for latest-wakeup call; has to get by Buckingham Bull here as his career-best Beyer in last wasn't good enough to land in the exacta; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 87 in a next-out SA-OPC win.

Melanistic

30%-SA win trainer hopes this one gets back in best form finishing evenly behind this same group in last and now is drawn widest; last win was gate-to-wire at today's distance on SA dirt but did not see that type of gate speed in latest; others appeal more. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Goyo

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 6 starts for 63k, and she didn't make a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to multiple stakes placed Grace Upon Grace (3-12, 163k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 55k).

Kalimba

Sire is 0-for-7 with his turf starters and dam was unraced; he didn't make much of an impression in his career debut after going to post at just under 45-1 and not sure that the move to turf will prove to be a key.

C'Mon Sister

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam won once from 15 starts for 24k, including 0-for-3 over turf; this filly is a 1/2 to stakes winner Saintly Joan (3-9, 121k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 39k); filly moves in with boys for her turf debut.

Racing for Chasen

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal to race form a dam who won once from four starts for 33k, including 0-for-1 over turf; it looks like they tried to tighen the screws in her latest workout.

Delaney's Joy

Sire is 0-for-3 with his first-time starters and he hasn't had a North American turf starter; sire was a G1 winner while winning 4 of 6 starts for 725k, and he didn't make a turf start; this is the first foal from a dam who won once from 11 starts for 17k, and she didn't make a turf start; another filly to consider in here.

Nakamoto

Limited available data on sire with regard to his first-time and turf starters, and he was a G3 winner while winning 4 of 15 starts for 326k, including 1 of 7 turf starts for 162k; dam was unraced; 77k purchase shows up for an outfit that can be live with a firster.

Sky Preacher

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was a multiple group stakes winner in Argentina while winning 5 of 25 starts for 103k, including 0-for-5 over turf in North America; this colt is a full to stakes winner Sky High Lady (4-18, 263k, including 1 of 7 turf starts for 90k); Baze has won with 6 of 19 (325) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

P Club

Sire is 0-for-4 with his turf starters and G3 winning dam won 7 of 28 starts for 482k, including 0-for-1 over turf; he has some early speed and perhaps he'll appreciate getting more distance to work with.

Kenji's Thunder

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from four starts, including 0-for-1 over turf; the move to turf might agree with this colt and like to see Nakatani in the pedals for his first turf test. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Peradventure

Note that sharp work from the gate on 6/14; his sire won multiple G2s and 1.12 million (progeny of Papa Clem are 5 for 28 in debuts); the dam was unraced; among the winning siblings is 98K earner Sharoana.

Poppy Duke

Steady work tab for this son of Awesome Gambler who netted 98K and whose offspring have won 6 of 65 initial starts; the dam won 9 of 38 appearances and 186K; winning sibs include16K bankroller Ohbabyobeyme.

Zinvor

Above average drills of late; his sire won 2 of 4 starts and 77K; descendants of Tribal Rule are 54 for 389 as far as winning their first try; the dam won 1 of 8 and 20K; sib to 236K earner Leaving New York.

Lucky Logan

Disappointed at 4 to 5 in his first run; his sire won 3 of 22 and 209K while the dam involved never raced; winning siblings include 17K earner Brojack; can upgrade if avoiding another pace battle.

Naomi's Gift

Faced winners in both tries thus far; his sire lost his only race while the dam won 1 of 3 outings and 23K; winning siblings include 4K earner Daugava; should be more of a presence at this special weight level.

Bern

Tried to stay within range in his first try but faded in the last furlong; his sire won a G1 and 761K while the dam won 1 of 6 and 12K; winning sibs include 19K earner Swiss Sugar; most recent half-mile work was modest.

Favio

Upgraded in the latest blowout from the gate; his sire won a G2 and 147K (progeny of Storm Wolf are zero for 13 in their debuts); the dam won 104K including a G1 tally; winning sibs include 83K earner Lac Azur.

Whatahustler

See Poppy Duke, above, for information about the same sire; the dam won 1 of 7 attempts and 20K; among the winning siblings is 34K earner Paradise Pete; encouraged by the even intervals to the workout regimen.

London Legacy

No match for a repeat winner in his first outing; the grey's sire won 3 of 12 and 162K while the dam won 3 of 29 and 117K; there are no winning siblings to mention; latest a.m. move at five-eighths showed progression.

Tribal Echo

Used up in a duel 2 weeks ago, he still maintained secondary honors; his sire won 2 of 4 and 77K while the dam lost her only try; among the winning siblings is 14K earner Miss Fast Eddie; outermost post is a true cause for concern. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Sahha

This is an outfit that can move one forward after a claim but this has a chance to prove to be a difficult step up in class for this mare; Perez has won with 6 of 18 (33%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Kris Furillo

Minor stakes placed miss is making her first start for the Gaines barn and viewing the presence of Talamo as a positive indicator; Talamo has won with 6 of 18 (33%) mount sfor this outfit in 2014; some sharp looking recent workouts help give her added appeal.

Sweetest Secret

Her most recent race was one of her sharper starts and she might not mind stretching back out in distance for this; not willing to give her the nod for the top spot, but a minor award appears to be within her grasp.

Van Dien Avenue

Half-sister to multiple G1 winner The Usual Q. T. (8-23, $1.5 million, including 8 of 16 turf starts for $1.2 million) is going to need to top her previous best effort if she's to have a chance at the top spot in this one.

Commander Cloud

In a race where it looks like the winner will earn a Beyer Speed Figure around 80, this mare shows a top figure of 69 after 23 starts; simply feel that she looks like more of an outsider.

Kukaluka

Improving 3-year-old earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in her latest start and that level of performance can play well in this spot; winner from latest won next out at GG on 6/8 going 1m over turf in a 94k stakes with an 83 Beyer; must consider.

Wild Bella

She is making her first start after being claimed away from the Martin barn, but her recent form has been solid and in line with what it will take to get the job done in this spot; this has to be considered a realistic spot for her first start over the Santa Anita turf.

Market Quote

Lightly raced 5-year-old is making her first start since August, but she has run well when fresh in the past, and it looks like she's been training well in preparation for her return to action; it doesn't hurt her to have the services of a fine turf rider.

Highly Rated

This barn can be live with one right after a claim, and when this mare feels up to one of her better performances, she can be a tough out on the front end; don't like to see that you have to go back to 2012 to find her latest victory, but viewing her in the light of a contender regardless.

Casey's Clem

Papa Clem is off to a good start as a turf sire, and maybe the addition of blinkers can help her along, but it's safe to say that this miss will need to step up her game in a noticeable way to get over on the top contenders in here; the outside post doesn't assist her cause. - Brian Pochman

Race 8

Wicked Finance

Grinder adds shades and it probably can't hurt; there is no turf success in the tree but there is a stakes winner and a $120K earner; a slice may be the ceiling here; would be careful.

Grachus the Hunter

Soph hooked the repeater in the debut and now has the feel of the surface; Palma has spotted them great all year but wonder if this racer needs maiden claimers to shine?; dam was unraced; 3 of 5 siblings won including double SW, near $270K earner and grass only racer E B Ryder; best of 49 bullet in the holster.

Storm the Channel

Would expect this runner to be the speed component of the O'Neills; if you figure he just needed the last, they you can build a solid case that he will move forward; 5 for 19 dam handled grass, banked over $260K; lone one-time winner in the tree cashed on the synthetic across the pond; may forget to stop if he gets a lonely lead.

Mister Wonka

Candy Ride about 10% with first-time turfers in a 256-runner sample; sire didn't race at 2, was unbeaten in 6 outs, took G1 Pacific Classic, banked $750K, won thrice on grass; Grade 1 winning 2 for 4 dam took debut at 2, banked nearly $200K, never turfed; 3 of 4 siblings won; one cashed once on grass and top kin Papa Clem took multiple G2s and banked over a million; has some things to iron out.

Designated

Homebred has been the same price in the mirror races so far; maybe he was intimidated by the fence in last; and starting the career of the hillside is never simple; dam's lone win was a dirt sprint; all 4 siblings won; 2 tried grass to no avail but kin Idiot Proof took a G1 and banked over $1.2 millioin; needs a turn around.

Larry Birdstone

He figures to thrive with real estate and has been patiently placed; like the way he didn't sulk after slow start in the debut and place horse in last graduated 5/24, then was 3rd beaten less than 2 in a $62.5K optional beating the Cassidy in the process; dam was unraced; 3 of 4 siblings won; one cashed on grass once, one banked nearly $90K; look for rider to take a hold, try to save ground, make the one run.

Clickjab

Nearly 3 clear when bet like a good thing to kick off the career; dam was 0 for 3; both siblings won; the one that cashed on grass once earned over $70K; can't fault those that give him another shot at glory.

J Serino

Malibu Moon has hit with about 9% with his first-time grass runners in a 457-horse sample; dirt only sire graduated in second start at 2 at 5 furlongs for only win in 2-race career; dam's lone win came the first time she tasted grass; lone half bro Sinatra took 3 of 9, banked nearly $130K, all of his concerts came on grass; colt is cut out to be a runner.

Unusually Green

Fresh and dangerous; he should have his sea legs under him by now and is coming off the career Beyer; note show horse in last was 5 clear; show horse 2 back graduated next out and winner 2/2 won twice since including a statet-bred $200K stakes and was 2nd beaten a head in the $100K Silky Sullivan 6/8; family includes a turf winner that banked over $600K; another threat in a good betting race.

Pantera Rojo

Freshened since pop and stop effort and he could be more relaxed and aware of surroundings with the blinks off today; tactical speed a major plus, Stevens enticed, all systems go. - Brian Mulligan