Santa Anita: Closer Looks for June 29, 2014

Race 1

Navarre (GB)

This gelding has a good deal of quality to his pedigree and something seemed to click with him in his latest outing; he's run well against winners racing overseas and this really isn't a bad spot for him to land in after earning his first career win.

Secret Wishes

He earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in breaking his maiden in his latest start and the third-place finisher from that race returned to win next out here on 5/22 going 6f vs. 30k MCL's with a 60 Beyer; he will need to move forward to threaten these in his first attempt against winners.

Copper Bay

He's light on winning form after 15 starts and he might be looking for more ground to work with than today's 6 1/2f assignment offers; winner from latest won next out here on 3/2 going 1m vs. 40-35k claimers with a 91 Beyer.

Sun Spots

He's another in here exiting the maiden ranks to meet up with winners, and he's yet to run a race that is strong enough to suggest that he can handle the top contenders in here; he looks like more of an outsider.

Off the Deep End

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from five starts for 35k, and she didn't make a turf start; this gelding is a 1/2 to Magico (3-12, 29k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 13k); he's tough to ignore in his turf debut after a very strong showing at first asking.

Romar Success

He deserves a lot of credit for the way that he's performed since being returned from an extended layoff back in April, but this does look like a tough group of starter allowance rivals for him to be meeting up with.

Redistribute

Like the improvement he showed with the addition of blinkers three starts ago, but he was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing, and he will have to produce his sharpest performance to date to beat this field.

Will True Up

Multiple stakes placed 4-year-old has run pretty well since being returned from a long layoff two starts back, and he beat a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing; not sure that the top spot is quite within his reach, but a spot underneath in the exotics appears to be.

Saint Adalbert

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was winless from one start, and it wasn't a turf start; his synthetic surface form has been decent but looking at this as a tough spot for him to take his first turf test.

G'night

He has a very nice pedigree for turf, but he's also made nine turf starts, and he is going to need to step it up over his previous best effort if he's planning on putting any pressure on the top contenders in here.

El Tovar

Half-brother to stakes placed Comoros (2-11, 144k over turf) was a sharp winner at a big price in breaking his maiden while making his first start back from a layoff in his latest outing, and the runner up from that race returned to win next out at SA on 6/22 going 6 1/2f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 77 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Hot and Pleasing

She's started 13 times and has yet to hit the board; she wasn't beaten all that much last time before returning to work well for this and maybe the move inside helps her get more involved from the bell, but the barn's recent numbers second off the break are weak; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Windy Starlite

Showed little in her debut run at this trip and level and her interim morning moves aren't much; filly is the first foal to race out of a turf winning dam and the barn is having an excellent meeting so maybe she deserves another look at which figures to be a big price.

Spoiledandentitled

Filly's turf spins were weak and her sprint prep return try for this was weak; she did run ok going long on synthetic footing around this time last year and maybe she moves forward with her last behind her, but her sibs are a combined 0 for 3 on the green.

Grazenette

Found trouble in a slow pace main track heat with open company and now she'll move back in to face statebreds in her turf debut; she earned some pretty solid numbers going long on dirt in her 2 prior cracks against restricted runners; sire is 0 for 1 with his first time turfers and the sprint SW dam was off he board in both grass tries prior to dropping a surface winner; lightly raced filly could prove a big threat on this new footing.

Cee's Tizzy Belle

She's only run twice and wasn't beaten much in either of those starts; 5 year old has been working well for her return from the short break and the slumping outfit does boast some nice numbers with this type first time back; she's kin to G1 SW and 779K earner Tiz Flirtatious who won 5 of her 10 turf starts.

Susan B Good

Ran ok for third money after tracking a slow clip in her first start at the level and she returned to work sharply; filly has a right to improve as she's run just a few times but she has yet to show the stretch kick necessary to put them away.

Asparagus

Ran into a next out winner as well as one of these when debuting down the hill and she didn't do much running at all; maybe the new hood helps as she did work well last week but neither of the dam's other foals to try the green won over the stuff; will need to improve significantly.

Peggy Sue's Loose

Runner up in her last 2 starts gives the trip and level another shot here; she's quick enough to secure a good spot early and clearly likes the local course; she's had her share of chances and has settled for plenty of minor awards, but in her recent form she's the one to beat.

Aphrodite's Favor

Nothing but trouble in 2 straight synthetic spins to begin her career and now she'll try the green and a route of ground, both for the initial time; both her dam and lone sib to race were limited main track sprint winners who never tried the lawn and her sire gets 12% winners from his initial turf starters.

Three Blondes

Mare wasn't good enough to go on after being afforded the top through soft splits in her first start back from 17 months on the shelf; she's had a little more than 3 weeks to get over the effort but that may not be enough recovery time and she'll go from the fence to a slot near the outside here; she owns some solid back numbers but don't know that she'll be able to get to them here; maybe for a share.

Lethal Story

Gets back in with maidens after getting within 2 lengths of the top at the finish with winners a couple of weeks back; she doesn't run particularly fast and prefers a plodding style which hasn't gotten her very close to the winner in most of her starts; maybe for a minor share.

Euroclydon

Sprinter draws outside for the stretch back out after a couple of sharp efforts down the hill; she nearly beat winners 2 back off this barn's claim and was a neck and nose shy of the place spot when back in with this type; she wasn't bad going long here earlier in the year and despite the tough starting slot it looks like she could prove the main threat today.

Cravin' the Heat

AE wasn't beaten much in her first start of the year down the hill and now she'll stretch out from a tough outside slot; her route spins weren't much so don't know that she'll move forward enough to have a say in the outcome at today's extended trip if she gets to go.

Q' Viva

AE ran well in her lone route try here in the spring and has since shown some ability down the hill; it won't be easy for her from this outside draw if she gets to go, but she can clearly run some and her early foot figures to have her in a stalking spot from the bell. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Mr. Itkins

Mirror races and neither were pretty; 3 for 7 dam earned almost $45K; 1 of 2 siblings won; that runner, Bullet Catcher, took 5 of 20, earned $112K; considering the cut back, he could be left with a ton of work to do late; not sold on chances.

A C's Crackerjack

Northern Afleet about 13% with debuters in a 625-runner sample; sire won juvenile debut at Del Mar, won multiple Graded stakes including two G2s; dam third in best effort; all 3 siblings won; top earner won at 2, banked about 30 grand; like fact he drilled this far multiple times.

Cognoscente

Beaten double digits every time; not good; the blood is there with several 6-figure earners in the tree including near $200K earner Extremist; could see him pushing the issue, not sure he'll be around at the end.

Kings Adventure

Colt flashed solid speed and could show more with the blinks today; 2 for 9 dam earned about $40K; this is her first to race; note he was also bred by the same outfit as rival on the direct inside; best of 22 bullet locked and loaded; major threat.

Alamo

War Front about 11% with debuters in a 170-runner sample; sire was out of the money in lone start at 2, won 4 times including a G2, banked nearly $425K; dam was unraced; lone full bro Boss Man Rocket took 1 of 10, banked nearly $50K; the 6/9 work screams off the page.

Conscience

Indian Charlie about 16% of his debuters in a 657-horse sample; sire took debut at 2, won first 4 starts including the SA Derby; 4 for 16 dam earned over $80K; this is her first to race; blowout on Thursday should have him on his toes here.

Storm Power

Best race by far came in the route; the lone half sister to win is one for 2 career so far; note that July race last year did come back live; trainer continues to fire on all cylinders; last angle to think about: this pilot is 25% for this outfit. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Warren's Fantasy

Hopes the return to SA dirt will improve her form noting her career-best Beyer speed figure at 1 Mile over a wet-SA oval; recent-turf form is not encouraging and likely needs longer than 6F to see best race; the 2-back winner repeated in a GG starter allowance with a 74 Beyer.

Ladies Included

Sire is 43-for-403 (11%) with 1st-time starters; is out of a stakes-winning dam (2-for-15, 161K) who did not win until race 7; she produced 3 winners from 6 other foals to race including top-earner Anni's Jackpot (6-for-35, 40K) who graduated in her 5th start.

Fair Praise

Most runners move forward 2nd-time out but she went backwards; new rider is her 3rd different pilot in as many races which is not a good-win angle; looked like she had some upside off the debut-exacta finish beating 8 runners expcept for the winner; hard to rate her close to Mom's Winner off latest.

Chain Lightning

Projects to battle Hanna No Sir for early command; stamina is the biggest drawback here; posted a 4-0-0-0 record all double-digit lenghts since the March claim; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-25K claimer with a 62 Beyer.

Mom's Winner

Strong 2nd-time out improvement; versatile sort rallied from 9th in her debut then was rushed to the front in last; has a 1-for-33-SA rider; would hope she could rate off the speedy Hanna No Sir-Chain Lightning then get 1st run on the closers; the one to beat.

She'smorethanalady

Another who has to get by Mom's Winner; a better gate break is needed to see best form as she was out last then a non-factor throughout; trainer is having a very good SA meet but we will be taking a wait and see apporach on this one.

Moonlight Stroll

10%-winning fresh trainer off more than a 4-month absence; late runner cuts back to her shortest-distance test ever; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 68 Beyer; figures to wind up from far back then make one run.

Hanna No Sir

Try to catch me; solid fresh trainer has her idle 58 days since posting a field-best Beyer; cutting back a half furlong should help the cause also; on the lead in both starts will need a quick beginning to see best form; the winner from last Beyered 72 next out when 3rd vs. starter alw.co.; the pick.

Pink Laces

Sire is 0-for-19 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 6-for-28 dam (48K) who won her 2nd start; she produced 5 winners from 5 other foals to race including top-earner 21K-Aloha Braedon (1-for-5) who graduated in his 2nd start. 0-for-13 debut trainer since 2013 suggests we take a wait and see approach.

Met Spirit

Unveiled 1 week ago at huge 39-1 odds where she lost the rider after breaking last at the start; she worked very well from the gate the very next day so essentially this is her debut all over again with a little race experience mixed in; tough call. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Kadesha (FR)

Half-sister to Kadesha (3-8, 83k, including 2 of 3 turf starts for 56k) was a sharp winner in her career debut, but she does find herself in a tough spot for her first attempt against winners; Desormeaux has won with 5 of 21 (24%) mounts for this barn at the current stand.

Mangita

The next time she runs a bad race will be the first time and she was a very sharp winner in her most recent start; third-place finisher from latest won next out at GG on 6/5 going 1m over turf vs. 20-18k claimers with an 80 Beyer.

Mom Nana Petrie

All four of her starts routing over turf have been quality ones and she shows up for a barn and rider that win their share of races together; she owns excellent positional speed and her best effort places her squarely in the mix with these.

Winning Rhythm

Her lack of early speed can provide for some anxious moments, but this Stronach-homebred has shown the ability to pack a strong stretch punch, and there's enough early speed signed on in here to help give her a favorable setup.

Marcyjane

She appears to be going better than ever entering this race and she finished in front of today's rival Winning Rhythm in her latest start; she's another late running type who can benefit from a fast and contested early pace.

Shapely

This has to be considered a tough spot for her to take on winners for the first time, but she's done little wrong in her first three starts, and the third-place finisher from her latest race returned to win next out here on 6/15 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 80 Beyer.

Baruta (BRZ)

She boasts the two best last race Beyer Speed Figures in here, and based on what she did going a mile on turf in Brazil, the added distance doesn't look like it will slow her down; she's an obvious threat and Stevens has won with 4 of 10 mounts for this barn at the current stand.

Amnesia (IRE)

Her first two starts in America can be viewed in a positive light, but she is going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale if she's planning on making a serious bid for the top spot against these; looking toward others.

Mark of a Gem

She brings a high degree of early speed with her and she's going to need to be a bit more resourceful with her early zip if she's planning on staying a mile; certainly have to respect what she's shown so far, but the added distance is a concern.

Magnificent Shirl

This filly has plenty of turf in her pedigree and she showed flashes of real ability during her 3-year-old season; like to see her back in the Hollendorfer barn, and going to look for her to be making noise through the lane; runner up from latest won next out at Bel on 9/15 going 1 1/8m in a 150k stakes with an 84 Beyer.

Vanlose Stairway

She's another lightly raced runner in here who has shown that she has ability and there isn't any reason why she can't still have more to show us; winner from latest won next out at GG on 6/8 going 1m over turf in a 94k stakes with an 83 Beyer.

Gratification

250k purchae has run well in back-to-back starts to begin her career and she stepped it up nicely at second asking while getting over turf for the first time; however, she's in tough in her first attempt against winners and she's an early speed type who figures to be involved in a fast and contested early pace.

Clear Pearl

She needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in, and if she can reproduce the effort she showed up with in her second start in America, she can give herself a chance to rally her way into the mix.

Lookinfor Mr Right

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam was winless from two starts, including one turf start; obviously she'll need a much improved performance in her turf debut if she's to prove to be a player in this spot. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Gates of Zion

Nothing to highlight up to now with several failures at huge odds; he drops to a career low price tag but the recent workout activity does not inspire much confidence; pass until more firepower is shown.

Malibu Colony

In his only run, he was caught up in a multiple speed duel and faded; the gelding's sire won 1 of 2 and 33K while the dam scored in 2 of 10 starts earning 45K; among the winning siblings is 568K earner Pashito the Che, a sprint specialist.

Giant Cowboy

Goes back to blinkers after showing little endurance in the latest venture; workout pattern this month does not suggest a sudden turnaround is in the cards; cannot endorse as a serious money candidate today.

Gospel Music

Makes first start for the new connections after a fair, wide showing in the last assignment; the extra distance today should theoretically help his rallying cause and this 20 grand field does not come up strong; demand a better price than in recent starts.

Mystique Smile

Took a while to get into gear in both outings; his sire won multiple G2s and 1.51 million while the mom scored in 3 of 16 races earning 68K; there are no winning siblings to mention; may require a sharper early pace.

Play Maker

Yet to finish in the money although the Beyer he earned in his second career start certainly fits this group; should improve off the needed tightener earlier this month when facing a blowout winner; can prove a late presence.

Extradition

Newcomer was sired by G1 victor Larry the Legend who captured 652K and whose descendants have won 10 percent of their debuts; the dam won 1 of 8 and 26K; among the winning sibs is 5K earner Time to Think Rich.

Lay It On

Although off the board again in his last assignment, he showed much more early foot than usual with the blinker addition; should be on or near a soft pace here and that can upgrade him even further; worth some follow-up.

Vavoom

After a promising first effort last summer, he aimed too high when facing special weight types; his sire won multiple G1s and 971K; the dam won 1 of 7 attempts and 55K; sib to 26K earner Cloud Top; looks realistically placed this afternoon.

The Gold Monkey

Lost plenty of energy prior to the start of his first encounter; his sire won multiple graded stakes and 1.04 million; the dam never competed and this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; distinct improvement to the latest workout.

Rare Punch

Attended the pace briefly when stretching out for the first time a month ago; scheduled to go without blinkers now and perhaps can relax off what should be an ordinary tempo; generous odds will be the case once again.

Salt of the Earth

Ranged up for the place in identical fashion the last pair; distance cutback seems minor yet there may not be enough early speed in this event to set up his rally; conflicting signals for this five-year-old.

Shaniel

Encouraged by the latest drill from the gate; his sire won 3 of 5 and 147K (descendants of Storm Wolf are zero for 13 as far as winning their first test); the dam won 1 of 5 and 14K; there are no winning siblings to mention. - Jim Kachulis

Race 8

Bailoutbobby

Respect the fact that his two most recent races over turf at Churchill Downs have been a couple of his sharper starts, and that Smith sees fit to take the call, but he's yet to prove that he's graded stakes caliber; late running type might find it difficult to rally himself into the mix against these.

Lideris

It looks like he's done some nice work from 19 starts in Peru while earning just under 350k, and even though this is only his second turf attempt, he has a turf-leaning pedigree; if nothing else, he adds a little intrigue to this event.

Irish Surf

He does appear to be in career best form entering this race, but he has been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his two most recent starts, and a spot underneath in the exotics might prove to be the ceiling for him.

Dr Action (ARG)

One of two signed on in here for the Miller barn and this colt is going to need to find a way to step up his game in a noticeable way if he's planning on proving to be a player in this spot; perhaps the addition of blinkers can help him along.

Big Kick

He was a sharp winner in his latest start going 1 1/4m over this turf course, and if anyone in here is going to lead this field every step of the way, this might be the one, but this does have to be considered a tough step up in class for him; Espinoza has won with 5 of 14 (36%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

American Act

Multiple graded stakes placed performer might find himself sitting a good trip early on behind the early speed of Big Kick, but today's 1 3/4m distance is a major concern for this runner, and he's winless in his latest 14 starts going back through 2013.

Black Spirit

He's a G3 winner racing overseas and have to respect the way that he put his game back together in his three most recent races at Golden Gate; he owns the ability to get himself forwardly placed early on and not going to be surprised if he's involved in the running throughout.

Quick Casablanca (CHI)

This has to be considered a favorable spot for him to try to take down another graded stakes win and he's shown us that he's very comfortable with the Santa Anita turf in his two most recent races; Talamo has gotten a chance to get to know him and he's won with 4 of 12 (33%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Starspangled Heat

Multiple stakes placed veteran was well known for his consistent approach to the game, but his two most recent races haven't been anyhwere near his best, and those starts are split by a layoff; certainly not going to count him out of it, but he needs a form reversal. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Ruff Proof

Turns back to sprint with the hood removed which should help her settle a bit more early; she's been drilling like she's ready to get back in the gate after 6 weeks on the shelf and she figures to get plenty of pace to run at; never off the board in 5 career tries, this statebred looks to be the one to hold off today.

Pearl de Vere

Gets off the fence after failing to factor behind some of these in her return from 4 1/2 months on the shelf; filly earned a big number in breaking her maiden over the track early last fall, but she's been a different runner since and there's not a lot to suggest she'll go a lot better this time.

Point Endurance

Looked like a new filly while dropping in for a cheap tag last time and was little surprise to the public; she'll tackle winners here and her speed figures to be on display, but she's going to need to keep getting better to have a say in the outcome here; siding against the repeat.

La Casadora

Tried a stakes field of her peers last time and didn't have a lot to say while making a token late run into a hot clip; she'll cut back a panel for this and don't know if that will benefit her much; have to side with others for the money spots.

Quay Factor

Lightly raced runner switches surfaces after just missing in her turf debut down the local hill; she broke her maiden from off the pace here and will break from a similar mid-pack draw today; figures to prove pretty dangerous from close range for a barn that is profitable on the move to dirt.

Shared Image

Returns from a short break following her maiden score and now she'll tackle winners with a sharp half mile drill in tow; filly figures to offer fresh speed in her return but there's other lick in here and that presence doesn't figure to allow her to continue improving like she'd need in order to prove a repeat threat.

On Golden Pawn

Held third money in her first start in 11 months and should be tighter with the try behind her; she's been working well in the interim and certainly appears to be a solid fit at this level; barn has had a poor meeting and that's a concern, but a move forward puts her in the thick of this heat.

Our Glitter Ball

Encountered trouble in each of her last 2 starts including most recently at this level; filly broke her maiden impressively with a number that fits here, but she did it on the front end and there are a few who are quick in here and that won't make it easy for her; still, she's worked quite sharply in the interim while reuniting with the pilot aboard for her maiden score today; worth a look.

Fly to Freedom

Outside drawn mare has plenty of early foot and nearly took them all the way in in her first crack with winners at this level last time on the heels of a big maiden score in her first start in nearly 20 months; she has a little more ground to deal with today and it may not be a cakewalk to the top, but she should be rolling from the bell and will probably have to be run down. - Steve Grabowski

Race 10

Bardy

Gelding could have been pitched a tad too high in last; the May win came vs. $8K foes; cozy slot, Hess has been rolling and he is versatile enough to be placed anywhere and still perform; don't sell too short.

Big John B

This invader is live; bothered early in last, he doesn ' have to be 20 back today; gelding has been in some very good barns in his career and he makes his debut for Mike Mitchell's assistant, who obviously knows what he is doing; all systems go.

Tropical Heat

Senior citizen has been around the block and back; show horse in last was 4 clear and racer was inching toward the winner last time but this race comes up pretty salty; he tracked the slow pace and still faltered; splits should be quicker here.

Sizzlin' Joe

Pro has acted like a new runner this year; he has a tendency to go wide, but that happens when a runner has limited speed; fit enough to drill a couple of times since the last effort; don't ignore.

Polytechnicien

Veteran comes to this race at the top of his game; he has blazing speed but doesn't need the lead to succeed; a bit more energy in the drill last Sunday is a positive angle; threepeat well within the realm.

Husband's Folly

The Carava/Hollendorfer claiming war continues; pro was coming in last, just ran out of real estate but he has never been a win machine; check out the dozen slices; look for rider to get him to settle, save a bit of ground and then make the one run.

Know Plans

Not the easiest spot for just a maiden winner; at least he has won on the course; he tends to get bumped around at the break and that is something that must be addressed; Nakatani got a chance to figure him out; needs very best.

Flagman

Life and death for lone win and it came against 5 foes; finally off the rail, but not sure what to make of the drill last Sunday; grinder will need things to break just right.

Bench Light

Hot claim box item has a nice turn of late foot; he was getting to the winner in last, just kicked too late; a bit more keen to work 8 days ago and note this runner was over 3 clear; contention goes long.

Woodmans Luck

This is a tough ticket to sell on top only; 7 times more slices than wins; fans backed off a bit last time after being beaten as chalk and the fans were dead right; last win was all out; could be compromised by the post today.

Ice Cream Truck

The blinks were re-added and magic has worked; never simple to beat winners right back but gelding pulled it off on the surface switch and stretch out; note place horse was over 3 clear; he has had the 2 tough races I a row now; would be careful today.

Welcome Home Ryan

Was 9-1 in the win this year against only 4 rivals; this is a new kind of ballgame; he has failed in his last several return efforts but he has shown the fitness to drill several times since the last effort; goes from one good barn to another; must be left in the exotic mix at least. - Brian Mulligan