Santa Anita: Closer Looks for June 28, 2014

Race 1

Hazardous Dreams

Sire wins with approximately 4% of his first-time starters and with approximately 10% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from an unraced dam; not wild about the rail post at this trip, especially for a firster, but a number of his workouts hint at ability.

Bold Fantasy

The 76 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest performance represents the best last race figure in this field, and it's encouraging to see that he earned that figure in his first start over turf; he appears to be well meant with Nakatani getting the call.

Tribal Dude

He's starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while, but he's clearly a good fit against competition of this caliber; runner up from latest won next out here on 6/22 going 6 1/2f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 77 Beyer.

Table Twentyone

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 6 of 14 starts for 147k, including 3 of 8 turf starts for 83k; this gelding is a 1/2 to Mama Knows Best (4-6, 78k, including 2 of 4 turf starts for 37k); have to respect his chances in his turf debut after a promising performance at first asking.

Badasmywifeletsmeb

He's by a fine turf sire and his dam won 3 of 28 turf starts for 156k, and this lightly raced colt is still eligible to have more to show us; speedy gelding has some appeal in his first start without blinkers.

Seek First

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from eight starts for 52k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 46k; his career debut wasn't a positive performance, but he does have turf in his pedigree.

Triunfo

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and this is the first foal to race from a dam who was winless from 10 starts, and she didn't make a turf start; this looks like a tough spot for his first turf test.

City State

The long layoff alone is a concern and it isn't like his form prior to the layoff was all that strong; his recent workouts look okay, but prefer to give him a race to see what he might be capable of going forward.

Fort Cady

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his first-time starters and with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from 11 starts for 17k, including 0-for-9 racing over turf in North America; it looks like they tightened the screws in his latest workout.

Tribalist

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won 6 of 12 starts for 136k, including 1 of 3 turf starts for 26k; winner from debut won next out at Dmr on 9/4 going 7f in a G1 with a 78 Beyer; he's a very interesting player in his 3-year-old and turf debut.-Brian Pochman

Race 3

Woodys Wharf

Draws the fence for her second crack at this level after getting beaten just over a length in her first start of the year; filly should be able to work out a decent trip from here and she figures to be tighter with her last behind her; contender.

Comealongwithme

Figures to show speed while stretching out off a couple of hillside sprints; she'll go for a tag in this spot and she ran pretty well 2 starts back to just miss after getting a hot clip in front of her lone main track route was nothing special but she deserves a look in this one.

Ann's Gold

She's another who was right there despite not hitting the board again while trying the level in her second start with shades; maybe getting off the fence helps and she should get a little more pace to run at this time.

Kristinite

Drops back in for a tag after weak route try against MSWs a couple of weeks back; she did go well down the hill in her turf debut and that came off 11 months on the shelf so maybe she's set to move forward with the regression behind her.

Princesskatiebella

Statebred ran well at the trip first out against her friends but showed little in her next try over the stuff and was subsequently offered for sale on the main track; maybe the surface switch helps and they do remove the hood today; price will be right but she's got something to prove in this spot.

Awesome Request

Beat just one runner home in 2 local main track sprints with cheap claimers before showing a little lick in the Golden Gate turf route fade last month; her interim drills are slow and at 5 years of age don't know how much upside she really has; just watching this longshot.

Up the Alley

Just missed getting her nose down for half this price on the local main track and now she'll try the green in his first crack off a sharp outfit's claim; her sire gets 11% first time turf winners from his offspring and the dam did drop a first time surface winner.

Nero's Pleasure

Filly drops in for a tag for the initial time after showing some speed before fading in her first route try last month; barn boasts some recent luck with the move to this level and she's been working well in the interim for another shot at the trip; dam won twice on the lawn prior to dropping a couple of turf winners including G1 SW and 1.5 million earner Burning Roma who won 3 times on the green; expecting she'll prove a big threat with these.

Lamazone

Barn's second runner in here didn't have enough late when breaking from an outside slot in her second crack at the level; filly ran ok over the local sod after breaking from the fence 2 back; she'll get a new pilot today and may get some pace to run at but she may just be best used underneath in exotics.

Broadway Bella

Ran ok until late when dropped to this level for her first route try but maybe she's tighter with that one behind her; she hasn't been working so well in the interim and she draws outside, but she has only run a few times and does have a right to improve; one of her sibs did win both starts on the green; price should be right.

Birthday Surprise

Hasn't been close in any of her 4 starts including most recently at this trip and level; she was returning from a 3 month break and she did work ok last week, but the barn hasn't done so well second off the break; looks to be another big price.

Humming Beethoven

Draws the outside slot for her initial try with claimers; filly earned big number when fourth down the hill in her return from 15 months on the shelf and maybe she was still feeling that effort in the troubled run last time; tough starting spot, but the class relief warrants her some consideration.

Super Defence

AE just missed against cheaper on the main track while making her first start in nearly 14 months; she wasn't beaten all that much down the hill prior to the time off and this outfit has had one terrific meeting so we'd give her another shot to prove herself on the surface switch if she draws in.

Wildy Excessive

AE was third in each of her last 3 starts and now she'll try the green if she gets in; sire is just 2 for 32 with his initial surface starters; she's the first foal to race out of a dam who did win on the lawn.-Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Summerofsixtythree

Malibu Moon about 14% with first-timers in a 775-runner sample; sire graduated in second start at 2 at 5 furlongs on dirt for only win in 2-race career; stakes winning 7 for 13 dam earned almost $250K; both siblings won twice, one earned almost $80K; love this work pattern accentuated by the blowout on Wednesday.

Downton My Lady

Pioneerof the Nile 8 for 55 with debuters; sire won twice at 2, took multiple Grade 1s; 2 for 4 dam earned over $60K; lone half bro Donovan's Reef lost 5 times; drill on the 14th screams off the canvas.

Southern Sunshine

Off one of her better efforts, maybe the light has gone on; he has a chance to have a nice career as kin to Grade 3 winner and near $500K earner Den's Legacy; her experience could come into play big time today.

Redheaded Muse

Don't discount the speed she has flashed; SW 8 for 17 dam earned over $350K; this is her first to race; could at least make the pace honest as the day is long.

Miss Super Quick

Was in the good hands of Tony Dutrow back East; connections would like to see him respond like lone sibling Defy Gravity, who took a stakes and banked nearly $180K; name has not fit just yet but she has shown the ability to pass horses.

Streamliner

Lone Star Special 0 for 12 with debuters; sire lost both starts at 2, earned over $100K, won on turf twice; dam was unraced; lone half sis Spiritual Trip took 3 of 7, banked about $70K; she has not missed a beat in the mornings.

Margie's Minute

Hard Spun about 11% with first-timers in a 196-runner sample; sire unbeaten in 3 juvenile outs, took G1 King s Bishop, banked over $2.6 million; dam took debut at 2, lost next 6; family is solid; all 6 siblings won including SW and over $200K earner Hoist; could need experience.

Barbs Angel

Bernstein about 11% with debuters in a 487-runner grid; sire earned about $175K, raced exclusively on grass; SP 2 for 12 dam banked $120K; this is her first to race; Stevens enticed.

Everlovin Woman

Stevie Wonderboy 8 for 86 with debuters; sire won thrice at 2 including BC Juvenile, banked over a million; 1 for 6 dam earned about $20K; lone half sis lost 8 times; could need softer to shine.-Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Stormy Lucy

Multiple graded stakes winner is capable of getting the job done in a spot like this on her best day, but she might have to be a little bit concerned by the possibility of a slow early pace developing; she clearly commands respect as a contender, but race shape is a concern.

Dancingtothestars

The one race on her card that is strong enough to suggest that she can handle a a field like this was in a race where she benefited from an ideal early pace scenario; on a positive note, she should find herself sitting a comfortable ground saving trip just off of the early speed of Kathleen Rose.

Wishing Gate

She's another in here with multiple graded stakes winning credentials but this filly must show up with her very best effort if she's to take down this G2; Stevens has won with 11 of 41 (27%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Redressthebalance (IRE)

Minor stakes winner appears to be taking a very difficult step up in class and she was claimed for 40k just two starts ago; tough to give her a favorable push against competition of this caliber.

Moulin de Mougin

Respect what she's done from nine starts over this turf course but she's another in here who is going to need to find a way to take her game to another level in order to prove to be a threat.

Moone's My Name (GB)

Stakes winning mare has some strong turf form on her card to consider and it doesn't hurt to see that she has run well when fresh in the past; she has the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and like to see Espinoza aboard again.

Habibi (NZ)

She's a G1 winner racing in New Zealand and have to respect her as a player in this spot while making her first start in America; there is a long layoff to consider, but she's won 6 of 9 starts with more than 500k in earings, so she's obviously faced some tough competition in her career.

Dutchessa (GB)

She has just a single victory in her last eight starts going back through 2013, and of the two imports in here, it's tough to give her the nod over Habibi; prefer to see a race out of her before backing.

Kathleen Rose

This really looks like a good spot for her to step up and take on graded stakes competition, and it looks like she should be able to dictate terms through the opening stages; given an early breather, she can prove to be a tough one to reel in.

Parranda

She's won nine of 22 over turf and she's a multiple graded stakes winner on grass; she's a tough-minded mare, and if Kathleen Rose is allowed to set a soft early pace, she's shown the versatility to get herself situated up close if need be; have to respect her as a top contender.-Brian Pochman

Race 6

Declassify

Baffert colt has had his issues but he'll return without a layoff line for the first time in his brief career while making his stakes debut; guy who beat him in the prep for this last month returned to beat N3X types with a 97 Beyer; expect he'll be tighter for the initial stretchout to 7 panels and the inside draw means that his lick should be on display; pace foes draw on the outside here after starting from inside slots last time and maybe that discourages them enough to give this guy the top to himself; expect he'll have to be run down.

Drill

Fresh 5 year old is the barn's second runner in here and he was beaten just over 5 lengths in this heat's renewal last year; though he earned a career best number over the local main track last fall, he's been much better on other surfaces and hasn't won in a long time; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Gladding

Held second money after arguing the fractions in a protected claiming spot last month; he's a SW dirt router, but don't think he's up to going with sprinters at this level; he's been working well of late for this, but looms a big price today.

Sahara Sky

Six year old hasn't returned this year like he finished off last season but his most recent score did come in the local G2 San Carols at this trip; he loves this track so maybe the return to this venue helps and he does figure to get some pace in front of him today; he's run well fresh in the past so the layoff shouldn't be a problem if he's fit; one to fear in the lane.

Indexical

They aimed this guy high in his third career start at Del Mar last simmer and he ran ok until late after breaking from a tough post; he got back on track going down the hill when in against older for the initial time last out but that was in the preliminary allowance ranks and now he'll tackle G1 sprinters; he blew out sharply earlier in the week, but it's tough to get too excited about his chances today.

Cyclometer

Six year old showed solid early foot in the shorter sprint stake last month and drew away from his 2 foes to score; the runner up from that heat draws to his immediate outside today and figures to offer lick and so does the rail drawn runner so maybe his pilot can take hold of him early and secure a tracking trip which could help him get today's added ground; worth a look at an improved price this time.

Wine Police

Outside drawn gelding was run past by Cyclometer when adding shades in the G3 Los Angeles last time; move to the outside slot may make them a little less aggressive with him but if they are too passive the rail drawn speed could well set up shop; this hasn't been his preferred venue and he's yet to win at today's 7 panel trip and that's a concern.-Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Miss Machiavelli

Exits her 2nd-lowest Beyer speed figure ever which why this class leap is a tall task; the winner from last posted a 79 Beyer speed figure in her next-out AP-optional-claiming win; the 2-back runner-up Beyered 81 in a next-out AP-Grade 3 stakes triumph; she beat the 3-back runner-up who won next out in a GG-OPC with a 71.

Sheza Smoke Show

The runner-up and 12th-place finishers from last Beyered 82-80 in next-out SA-Grade 3 and 78K stakes wins; projects to work out an ideal trip saving ground stalking Rovenna and Disregarded; the main issue is she did not fire best right off the layoff before and has been idle 114 days for this.

Disregarded

Graduated right on the lead increasing the margin nicely; has good gate speed but projects to have Rovenna breathing down her neck from the bell; great sign the win rider is back for this; the debut winner repeated in an SA-allowance with a 73 Beyer.

Morning Fix

The GG Beyers suggest she fits well here; the 2-back winner repeated in a GG alw. with a 90 speed figure; main concern is moving to SA grass for the 1st time; her only prior stakes experience was on SA dirt where she posted a career-low Beyer.

Burning Arch

Just 2 starts and still a maiden this is a very ambitious placement; the 40%-jockey-trainer combo stays intact; the trainer also has Morning Fix going who is the more experienced and better-Beyer performer to date; winds up from far back and makes one run.

Sushi Empire

57 days since the sprint loss to Clenor this SA-MIle stakes winner reunites with the win rider as she stretches back out; can she win right off the bench?; finished behind Sheza Smoke Show 3-back where the runner-up finisher Beyered 82 in her next-out Grade 3 SW.

Famous Alice

Back from the east coast noting her 2-back SA Turf Mile was a sharp win and career-best Beyer; in 2 of her last 3 races she broke slowly which likely cost her those wins; if she breaks midpack or is able to stake the pace the win hopes increase a lot.

Clenor (IRE)

Stakes winner on SA grass at 1 Mile she was screaming out for more distance in her 2014 sprint unveiling and is back to her best distance today; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 84 in a next-out TAM-G3 stakes win; the 57-day layoff is the lone concern but this late runner certainly has a lot of class to her and is the one to beat.

Rovenna

Exits a best-last-race Beyer; is 4-for-5 on dirt which why racing on grass here instead of June 26 SA 6 a much easier spot at 6.5F is a sign of confidence from the barn that she is ready off the 9-week layoff; beat the 3-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 88 in a next-out SA-OPC win.

Lemon de Oro

Began career on grass with 8th and 9th-place finishes which why this spot is extremely challenging; was able to pass runners sprinting on dirt in last with a career-best Beyer but throughout career stamina has been missing; the winner from last repeated in an SA-94K stakes with an 87 Beyer.

My Monet

Stays on turf despite the next-to-last finish flashing speed at today's distance; extremely-ambitious placement here especially with the apparent distance limitations; 3-back is a field-best Beyer speed figure but that was at 6F on dirt.-Art Gropper

Race 8

Game On Dude

Just when everyone seemed to think this game 7 year old has lost a step he bounced back to take the Big 'Cap on the front end at this trip, earning a career best number in the process; he's back to his preferred strip after fighting hard every step in his failed attempt to defend his title in the G2 Charlestown Classic and he's had time off to prepare for this one; 7 year old has speed and the inside draw here, but there is a quick rival drawn to his immediate outside today; expect he'll be pushed hard from the bell but that doesn't seem to bother him much when he's on his game; one to beat in his defense of a heat he won on synthetic footing at Hollywood last year.

Fury Kapcori

G1 SP colt has come into his own this year, having run off 4 straight after getting run down at 1-2 in the G2 Californian here late last month; with speed drawn inside him he could find himself pushing Game on Dude from the bell and though he's never tried 10 panels he's certainly bred to get today's extra trip; looks to be the main foe.

Clubhouse Ride

Six year old is working sharply after running down the pacesetter in the Californian who is drawn to his immediate inside today; that was the best one he'd run in a year and he usually settles for minor awards; if things get hot early between the 2 drawn inside him here he's got a shot to run past them and he did return from his last to work well.

Imperative

Posted the big upset while running past an engaged Game on Dude at Charlestown a couple of months back; he's also had time to get over the effort and maybe his aforementioned rival again has to fight off pace pressure, bit prefer to make him show he can do it again.

Salto Del Indio (CHI)

New connections pick a tough spot for this guy's North American debut while returning from nearly 5 months on the shelf; they do nice work with runners off this type of break and first time under their care; don't know what type of quality he was facing in his native Chile, but this doesn't figure to be an easy task.

Majestic Harbor

Boasts a sharp drill for another crack at a couple of guys who finished ahead of him in the Californian last time out; 6 year old should like the extra panel here as his score 2 back came at a marathon trip, but don't know that he's as good as some of these; maybe for a minor share.

Lideris

He's another South American import making his first start in the states in this spot; don't know that he's been facing any real quality down there, but he did take a G1 at this trip the last time he was on the track and he worked a decent 5/8s here last week; his rider comes up here with him for this as well.-Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Mr Lexis

High-percentage SA trainer saw him work a bullet 10 days ago for this; 104 days away; the barn yields 9% winners with similar-fresh starters since 2013; 3-year-old vs.older for the 1st time; exits his grass debut where he won easily; obviously wish the barn scored with a 1st-time Import since '13 (0-for-5).

Chicsdigtheshark

Today marks his 1st start on grass in more than one year; turf is the concern; projects to be in a pace battle with Brother Soldier and Snaps; exits a best-last-race Beyer gate-to-wire on dirt; his 2-back win looks better since the show finisher posted an 82 speed figure in a next-out SA-optional-claiming win.

A Red Tie Day

Great sign that his 1st turf start was a win; also had to like the stalking style which fits well in a race projected to have 3 main speed runners fly early; trainer is superb at getting repeat winners (29%); as always the 1st start with winners is a huge-class test.

Chelios

Major-class drop off a career-low Beyer; his sire is 47-for-493 (10%) with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 4-for-17 grass dam (149K); she produced 2 turf winners including 301K-Grade 2 turfer Old Time Hockey; 3-year-old vs.older for the 1st time; see some upside.

Deep Play

Willing to dismiss the Mile and a quarter loss; his field-best Beyer was accomplished at 9F on a wet-SA dirt oval but is 4-0-0-0 since all on SA grass; his best races are when he breaks in top flight then keeps on going; Nakatani becomes the 5th different jockey in as many races which is usually not a good-win angle.

Back to Bako

Has never been better with back-to-back Beyer Tops; had to like the way TBaze taught him to rate effectively for the 1st time in career instead of blasting out from the gate; that type of versatility makes him a major player here; the 3-back show finisher Beyered 77 in a next-out TUP-alw. win.

My Friend Jimmy

27%-winning long-layoff trainer adds to the appeal; the winner and 7th-place finishers from last Beyered 87-65 in next-out BHP allowance and starter alw. wins; he beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 79 in his next-out SA-40K-claiming win.

Heat Flash

Consistent sort hasn't run a bad one since last July at DMR: late runner should get a hot pace to rally into; earned the exacta in a sprint and he's back at the graduation distance where beating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 100 in a next-out SA-MSW win.

Snaps

Projects as the one to catch here; super-fresh trainer goes 1st-time Mike Smith; loved the SA Mile turf test without blinkers for the 1st time defeating the 4th, 5th and 6th-place finishers; they Beyered 89-79-73 in next-out TUP-SA graduations.

Prodigious

Sire is 7-for-142 (5%) with 1st-turf starters; is out of an 0-for-1 grass dam who produced 2 turf winners from 2 other foals to race on the green including 118K-turfer Awesome Jared (6-for-41); there is a lot of upside off the debut win.

My Samurai Warrior

His SA grass win was at 6.5F but more than 1 year ago; he has a lot to prove racing long; is 0-for-4 on dirt so count latest as a prep for this; has shown zero gate speed continually and would need a pace metldown to upset.

Brother Soldier

3-year-old vs.older for the 1st time; adds to a projected-hot pace here; needed last off the 4-month layoff but wish the trainer was better than 1-for-20 with runners 2nd time off the layoff; his 3-back January grass debut at 1 Mile was a solid race on the lead and if he can somehow get loose up top the win hopes increase; the Cash Call winner (now 4-for-4) and runner-up finisher both Beyered 96 in next-out SA-G2 and GG-alw. wins.

Van Fraassen

The 1st race off the claim is a career-best Beyer but was no match for the top 3; for the 1st time in 3 turf starts he defeated 2 rivals; on dirt he beat the 2-back runner-up finisher who Beyered 71 in a next-out SA-20K-maiden-claiming win.

Tropical Heat

GG-claiming loss and now leaps way up in class to tackle SA grass a surface in 2009 he graduated over at 1 Mile; this is a very ambitious class leap for his 1st SA turf start since 2010 a 5th-place finish in a 32K claimer; career-best Beyer was on less-than firm GG turf at 1M and 1-16th.-Art Gropper

Race 10

American Pride

Like the series of drills since super return win; colt has the speed to flee the fence and note show horse in last was clear by daylight; could see him sitting a nice stalk and pounce trip; the one to deny.

Whine for Wine

May 3 winner took a $40K optional next out and the place horse in last won here last Saturday in a $40K starter; connections thought enough of him to try the stakes and that is important; confidence builder in last should help him move forward.

He's Had Enough

Back class is there and fact he broke maiden in the debut gives him a chance to fire fresh; don't be too harsh about last as Delta can be a tough track to master; like fact he has a couple of local moves to work with and the blood is there for him to have a nice career as kin Kindergarden Kid took a Grade 3 and banked nearly $350K.

Remind Mee

Can never dismiss this kind of sub :22 speed; 3/23 winner took a $50K and a $40K claimer since; the light went on in the 2013 finale; he did get to drifting last time and the stewards stepped in; the works suggest he is feeling pretty good about himself; valid player.

Endless Cruise

Gelding has fired every time as he goes from one clever barn to another; this is a long-time Spawr client so the layoff could even be a plus; why bring him back unless he is set to roll?; he could still mature with grace as kin Silver Ocean took several stakes and banked almost $400K.

Parliamentarian

Runner seems to be on the fragile side; nice bit of training to have him set off the layoff but he can back to earth in a thud last time when fried in a duel; shades on here, he could be even keener to run; will at least muddle the pace.

Final Step

Far from disgraced in the debut and the maiden breaker came back live; the 4th finisher took a maiden $50K claimer and the 7th finisher took an MSW next out; Miller has been rolling and it could have been better considering the 23 slices.

Oligarch

Pomona drills are well spaced; best when sent along and would expect that to be the game plan; 4/19 place horse last year won twice since and was 2nd a nose in a $32K claimer in 2013 closer; blowout on Wednesday should have him on his toes.

Jedi Mind Trick

Proved his dirt talent in NoCal; last 2 races in 2013 leave much to be desired; he has proven he can track close up and get it done; drawn right, and move last Monday was solid; interesting.

Celebrity Status

He basically got good last year for about a month; he may have disliked the rail last time though; he has brought back his share of checks and he has a chance to still thrive on the track as kin Allswellthatnswell took a stakes and earned over $300K.-Brian Mulligan