Santa Anita: Closer Looks for June 7, 2014

Race 1

Stracciatella

Little chance last time out when breaking from the far outside in a turf sprint; returns to the proper level where she flashed decent early speed and lands into a fairly paceless affair today; should be a prominent factor from the opening bell; interesting item.

Madame Forbes

Beaten favorite lost serious ground in the last assignment and looks like a good fit against this crew; her sire twice won the Breeders' Cup Classic and 6.42 million; the dam scored in 1 of 11 races earning 25K; winning siblings include 19K earner Humor and Heart.

Moonlight Stroll

After a solid first run in December, she has regressed on the Beyer scale although the last race did involve traffic trouble; switches to apprentice handling here but there is only light workout activity since the last defeat; mixed signals.

I'msoulflattering

Tries claimers for the first time, always a dangerous angle, yet she must avoid yet another slow getaway from the gate in order to have a realistic chance; recent a.m. drills are average but she should give a better account of herself at this reduced level.

Awesome Gift

Caught wide in all starts this year but she still has a long way to go to turn the tables on Itsabeautifulday; destined to be a big price once again and she cannot be given the top vote; minor spoils at best if there is a pace meltdown.

Itsabeautifulday

Pressured from the start in her last attempt, she held on well until the final yards; if she can avoid a confrontation with Stracciatella today, she looks like one of the logical choices for the top prize; respect. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Rowdy Dylan

Moderate work tab for this maiden voyage; his sire won a G1 stakes and 633K (offspring of Sky Mesa have scored in 52 out of 386 debuts); the dam won 1 of 8 attempts and 59K; this is her only foal to start.

Diamond Majesty

Some strong a.m. moves for this beginner; his sire won multiple G1s and 3.3 million; descendants of Lookin At Lucky are 1 for 2 in the first time victorious department; the dam never raced; sib to 347K bankroller Council Member.

Sky Preacher

Disappointed while heavily favored in his first outing; see the first runner in this field for same sire information; the dam won multiple G2s and 103K; winning siblings to 263K winner Sky High Lady; bound to be overbet once again.

Ligety

Vast improvement to the latest drill from the gate; his sire won multiple G1s including the Belmont Stakes; progeny of Lemon Drop Kid have won 48 out of 543 initial starts; the dam won 2 races and 117K; this is her only foal to compete.

Visitation

Offspring of G1 sprinter City Zip, who captured 9 of 23 races and 818K, have won 87 out of 562 debuts; the dam lost her only attempt; sib to 4K earner Hard Divorce; shows a mild upgrade to the latest work at five-eighths.

Player's Charm

Distinct improvement in that second venture despite a troubled start; his sire won 2 of 6 and 98K while the dam was unraced; there are no winning siblings to mention; obvious true contender but far less appealing odds this afternoon.

Social Request

See the second runner in this line-up for same sire statistics and info; the dam involved lost her only attempt; among the winning siblings is 50K earner Alfreda who netted the majority of that bankroll in dirt sprints.

Holiday Camp

Above average work regimen of late; his sire scored in multiple G1s while amassing 831K; progeny of Street Boss are 21 for 112 as far as winning their first race; the dam won 2 of 33 and 124K; sib to 59K earner Floor Money. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Garen

Bullet-dirt workout following a dull 1st-grass experience; back on best surface for this; new rider means the lowest-weight assignment ever; the 2-back show finisher posted a 98 Beyer speed figure in a next-out SA-optional-claiming win; good-gate speed he projects to press Got Even from the gate then hopes to hang on late for a slice.

Got Even

Try to catch me; raced 1st at the 1st call in 4 of his last 5 races; the 4th and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 90-77 in next-out SA-GG-optional-claiming wins; 2012 co-field-best Beyer speed figure was posted on SA dirt at 1M and 1-16th; know him early then hopes to hang on late.

Chicsdigtheshark

Stamina is the concern tiring 3 back at 1 Mile but winning in latest with a well-timed ride defeating the show finisher who Beyered 82 in a next-out SA-OPC win; has won racing this far on SA dirt before; the 3-back winner Beyered 88-86 in next-out SA-GG-OPC wins.

Kochees

Exits a co-field-best Beyer speed figure when racing at longer on SA dirt but was outfinsihed for the win; tough customer if repeats that number here; same owner/different trainer off that huge effort; the connections thought he was something special going into the G2 San Felipe in 2013 just 2 starts removed from his turf-sprint graduation.

I Earned It Baby

Stakes-placed in his only dirt start; it appeared in last he was screaming out for more distance and gets it here; sire was a Grade 2 dirt Miler; dam's only dirt route was a show finish vs. G3 company; 0-for-8 record 1st blinkers for his trainer since 2013.

Seeking the West

Twice-beaten favorite; latest was very disappointing when handled by Kochees who is back for this; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-OPC with a 94 Beyer; has good gate speed but projects to sit right of Got Even from the gate then get 1st run on the closers; the pick.

R S Watson

The long layoff is the main concern exiting the 2nd lowest Beyer of his career; the latest SA workout suggests he could come back running well; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered -96-89 in a next-out DMR-BHP-OPC wins; his 1st win was a 2nd time off-the-bench scenario so will be taking a wait and see approach for this. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Misdeed

Goes from the outside to the inside; solid move on the 29th jumps off the page; connections would love to see him start acting like top kin Capital Plan, who loved grass, took a Grade 2, earned over $300K; can't fault those that give him another shot after the chalk flop.

Uncharted Course

Noonmark 1 for 9 with first-time turfers; Grade 3 winning sire won at 2, banked over $350K, never turfed; dam took 4 sprints in the minor leagues, never turfed; 3 of 4 siblings won; 2 tried grass to no avail, one banked nearly $170K; look for bug to be aggressive here especially since stablemate needs help up front.

Stolen Property

Off poorly in the debut, the shorter trip could work to his favor; dam lost 8 times; several multiple race winners in the family; one was a triple winner in the minor leagues, another took a couple of stakes, banked over $300K; he's starting to figure it out.

Dickery Do

Unraced Laramie's Deputy 0 for 4 with first-time turfers; 2 for 14 dam never turfed; the one for 16 dam that cashed took a route; not sold on chances.

Tizbudsformenlimo

Tizbud 8 for 48 with first-time turfers; sire did not run at 2, took the Cal Cup Classic, banked $230K, was never on grass; dam took 2 dirt sprints, never turfed; this is her first to race; could flash speed, not sure he'll be around at the end.

Know Plans

Been a bad actor at the gate at times; he has a lot of work to do to match top kin Lightmyfirebaby, who won several stakes and banked nearly $450K, over $400K of it on grass; look for him late if at all.

Hold Everything

Corinthian 10 for 133 with first-time turfers; G1 winning 6 for 12 sire, won in second start at 2, banked $1.2 million, never turfed; stakes winning dam took 5 sprints, lost twice on grass; lone full bro was third in best turf out; best of 64 bullet in the holster; due.

Oso Smart

Note he regressed badly in the second off the layoff in Feb.; backers can point to fact top kin A La Reine took a G3, earned nearly $200K on turf; can't be thrilled the way he stopped last time.

In Excessiveness

In Excess about 18% with first-time grass runners in a 642-horse study; sire won his debut in Europe at Lingfield at 2, was a multiple Grade 3 winner on grass; one for 17 dam took a dirt sprint; a half bro won on grass once and one sibling banked nearly $250K; must pick it up. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Sicilian Salute

Decarchy about 13% with first-time turfers in a 122-runner grid, about 14% with debuters in a 215-starter sample; sire took juvenile debut at Great Yarmouth at 7 furlongs on the grass by 7 lengths, was a turf monster who banked nearly $700K; dam was unraced; lone half bro Sizzlin' Joe took 3 of 18, earned over $150K, was grass only; never been a big fan of the rail on this course.

Decantered

See rail for sire stats; dam was 0 for 9; 2 of 3 siblings won; the one that tried grass was third in both grass starts; drills are well spaced and capable barn due to get rolling.

El Tovar

He's had his chances and not thrilled with the defeats vs. softer; backers can point to the fact that kin Comoros won twice on grass; show horse in last took a maiden $50K seller, winner took a $40K starter and 5 others ran in the money; needs very best.

Unusual Taste

At least he got a feel of the tricky hillside; stakes placed 3 for 18 dam banked $120K, handled grass; 1 of 3 siblings won and that runner lost only turf out; expect better effort.

Troy Story

After 21 defeats, it's just hard to endorse him; long overdue to hit paydirt; has to be left in the exotic conversation at least.

Pride Seeker

Unraced Sought After 8 for 62 with debuters, 2 for 24 with first-time turfers; dam out of the money 6 times; family is solid; 6 of 7 siblings won; several siblings won on grass including double stakes winner, 8-time turf winner and near $400K earner Control Seeker; could need experience.

Smart Journey

Can never dismiss this kind of speed and he did catch a freak last time; one for 7 dam took a dirt route; the lone sibling took on sprint, lost only turf out; he's coming to the race right.

Little Professor

Steadied in an ordinary debut; 4 of dam's 5 wins came on grass; both full siblings won including Bronster, who cashed once on grass, banked over $70K; probably a late factor if at all.

Tribal Dude

Colt has been around the wire a few times; Trujillo got a chance to figure him out, back quickly, needs to pick it up.

Sun Spots

Could see him pushing the issue but there are stamina concerns; he has a shot to mature with grace as kin Mega Heat won over $200K on grass alone; he has much more speed than he just flashed.

Lindante

Limited data on unraced Sapphire Cat; dam was unraced; lone half bro cashed once, lost twice on grass; best of 34 bullet locked and loaded; interesting.

Cernobbio

Off the rail here but he is speed challenged; all 3 siblings tried grass to no avail; he's failed 3 times for a tag; would be careful here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 7

Wonderful Union

Moves back to the fence for another crack at the level after tiring from his pace efforts off the freshening from an outside starting slot; gelding has worked quickly in the interim so the mission from here is clear and it does appear as if he may be able to control things for an outfit that hits at a nice clip second off the break; one to catch.

Myfundsarelo

Switches surfaces after failing to get involved in the outcome in his first try on the local sod; gelding did return to work a smart half mile here last week but don't know that he fits so well at this level and he's yet to prove he wants to go long; have to side with others.

Roman Tizzy

Tries winners for the first time after breaking through with the popular maiden score early last month; gelding's numbers are a little light of what the bigger ones in here run, but he is on the improve and sometimes once this type figure the game out they keep moving forward; maybe for a share.

Van Fraassen

The Kid sticks with this quick returnee who failed to impact in his return to the lawn off this outfit's claim; coly responded to the big class drop to break his maiden sprinting here 2 starts back but the number he earned in that one doesn't fit too well in this spot; have to pass on him.

Rocked Twice

Stretches out to try 2 turns for the initial time after being beaten just a couple of lengths in his sprint prep for this; colt has a right to move forward in his second start of the year, but his sire's wins all came either sprinting or on the lawn and the dam's other foal to win earned each of her 7 career scores sprinting.

Exclude

Earned the field's highest last out number when runner up in his return to the local main track at the level last time out; gelding has had a full month to get over the career best number he earned in that one and he does get an extra half panel in which to make his run in here, but note that he did sit a pretty good trip behind the pacesetters last out; with another clean run he's the one they'll have to hold off.

Brave Act

Took him 11 cracks to break through the maiden ranks but he came right back to score, though he did see his number taken down in that one; rough start did him in last time as his game is being involved in pace from the bell; he's settled for a lot of minor awards and always takes some tote support, but if he gets off to a clean beginning he could make some noise in here.

Storm Comin Thru

Sprinter tries 2 turns for the first time in his second start of the year; dam won 3 times going long so the added trip should be to his benefit and maybe he's closer to the top early at this extended trip, but he's going to have to improve several lengths off what he's done to have a say in the outcome. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Flew Flicker

Sire is 0-for-19 with his turf starters and dam won 3 of 11 starts for 68k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this colt is a 1/2 to Sweet Hanni (3-8, 82k over turf); this looks like a difficult spot for this colt to make his turf debut.

Will True Up

Multiple stakes placed gelding has run very well in his starts sprinting over turf and he has to be considered a very interesting player in this spot while making his second start back from a long layoff and his first start for a new barn after a claim.

Redistribute

Like to see the way his form has improved with the addition of blinkers two back, and he stepped it up nicely along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in his turf debut in his latest outing; perhaps an improved looking recent workout is a sign that he's ready for a sharp run.

Alpha Bullet

She's three-for-three in the quality start department to begin her career and like the idea of her making her first start in a turf sprint; she boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here and like to see Trujillo taking over for this.

Candy Anniversary

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this colt is a 1/2 to Holloween Candy (5-11, 118k, including 2 of 4 turf starts for 56k); she was improved with a rider switch to Bejarano at second asking and it's not unreasonable to look for better from her in her first start as a 3-year-old.

Johns Journey

Respect Good Journey as a turf sire and this gelding put together a decent effort in his turf debut in his latest outing when finishing behind today's rival Redistribute; he's eligible to be ready for better while making his second start back from a layoff.

Adrenaline Shot

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam was winless from one start, and it wasn't a turf start; there's a long layoff in play and his form prior to the time off wasn't on the level of what it will take to get the dob done in here.

Sir Barclay

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this gelding is a 1/2 to Pulpit's Express (4-20, 149k, including 2 of 12 turf starts for 96k); third-place finisher from latest won next out at BHP on 11/23 going 1 1/16m in a 100k stakes with an 88 Beyer.

Sidepocket Champ

Interesting to see this gelding making his first start for Little Red Feather and D'Amato after a 25k claim, and he didn't run poorly the last time he raced over turf; he's worthy of consideration, especially if he's a price.

Maxx the Giant

He's capable of producing a competitive run against competition of this caliber and like to see that he has run well sprinting down the hill in the past; winner from latest won next out here on 5/25 going 1m over turf vs. 75-65k claimers with a 92 Beyer.

Red Man Run

Tough to place confidence in him for the top spot when seeing that he has just a single victory next to his name after 27 starts, but this is only his second start for the D'Amato barn, and he has run races in the past that are fast enough to suggest that he has the ability to run with these.

Romar Success

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 3 of 11 starts for 89k, and she didn't make a start over turf; his recent form has been strong enough to give him the look of a contender in his turf debut. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Arkenstone

Coud be set for best 2nd time back off the bench but latest loss to Friendswith K Mill stands out as he makes his stakes debut in a tough spot; his win was right on the lead and in this paceless event figures to be a major player up top trying to turn the tables and post the upset.

Big Tire

Exits a co-field-best Beyer speed figure when easily handed by a runner who goes for the Triple Crown today; the winner and 6th-place finishers from last both Beyered 97 in G1-Kentucky Derby and SA-MSW wins; put up some good numbers in his maiden races during the winter and fits well with this group.

Frensham

1st start away from California breds; the graduation score earned a healthy enough Beyer but would likely need another slight move forward to repeat; working well for this and should work out a good trip sitting just off Forever Juanito and Arkenstone.

Can the Man

Makes his 3-year-old debut around 2 turns noting a career-low Beyer 2-back when sent this far over the track; bounced back strongly to win a stakes sprint and catches a field lacking credentials in a graded event; the barn does nothing but win off layoffs and his works are super for this; scary if ready.

Rebranded

Stakes-placed racing at today's distance; SA-bullet workout off his good SRP form defeating the show finisher from last who Beyered 66 in a next-out ARP-40K stakes win; began career at SAR then went to SUN to earn the diploma now is back in the majors trying to pass the class test

Friendswith K Mill

His 2-back CD Mile represents a co-field-best Beyer; Big Tire beat him in the key race SA Derby but he's been better since then posting a troubled 5th in the Derby Trial then earned his way here with a sharp score over the track defeating Arkenstone who is back for the rematch; fits here.

Forever Juanito

There is not much gate speed signed on here so projects as the one to catch; has not raced past 6.5F yet; Grade 2-stakes-winning sire banked 653K winning 3-of-9 dirt routes; is out of an unraced dam who produced 2-for-6 dirt router Fairness For All (36K).

Lolo El Canonero

2nd-time Long is often an improvment angle but has serious stamina questions to answer off the recent loss vs. Friendswith K Mill; won't get shuffled back here like he was 2-back from an inside draw; another runner who is eligible for a lot softer competition but races vs. Grade 3 rivals. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Harlington Night

Harlington has not been a positive influence as a turf sire and this gelding finished behind a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing; working in his favor, he's a late running type who can benefit from a fast and contested early pace.

Prospector's Trick

If he can perform the way he did when he was returned form a layoff four starts back, he can have a say in the outcome, but he must improve over what he's shown in his last three outs; prefer to give the nod to others in this one.

Trelawny

Repole-owned veteran is an 11-time winner and he's aggressively placed for his first start after a 40k claim; stakes placed veteran has every bit the look of a top contender and he's a proven commodity racing over this turf course.

All de Victors

Don't care to see the time off he's needed between recent starts, and that might be a reason to look in another direction, but the drop in class certainly helps; winner from latest won next out at Dmr on 8/10 going 1m vs. N1X rivals with a 93 Beyer.

Depreciable

Like to see the ability he's shown to adapt to any early pace scenario, and with the probability of a fast and contested early pace, he figures to employ late running tactics; he's capable of making noise in here on his best day.

Dysprosium

Stakes winning gelding brings a good deal of early speed with him but he's going to have a tough time keeping himself away from an early pace dispute with horses like Proud Boss and Oak Kye Why; he has to be listed among the contenders, but race shape is a concern.

Causeithertz

Nicely bred veteran appears to be heading in the wrong direction entering this race, but he has a number of turf starts on his card that help give him a competitive look in this spot; winner from latest won next out at SA on 5/25 going 1m over turf vs. 75-65k claimers with a 92 Beyer; Garcia has won with 19 of 77 (25%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Proud Boss

His best race might be a cut or two below what some of the others in here are capable of, and when considering that he's an early speed type in a race that figures to have a lively early pace, this might prove to be a tough test for him.

Oak Kye Why

Need-the-lead type figures to face heavy early pace pressure from Dysprosium and Proud Boss, and it's tough to envision him battling it out with those rivals early on and keeping something in reserve for the run through the lane.

Accelerant

He finished behind today's rival Usbek Thunder in his latest start, but he was only nosed out by that foe, and this race figures to shape up much more in his favor; feel that he has a live look to him in this event.

Usbek Thunder (BRZ)

Not wild about the extreme outside post for him at this trip, and even though he beat a couple of these in his latest start, he benefited from a favorable early pace scenario that day; Pereira has won with 4 of 18 (27%) mounts for this barn in 2014. - Brian Pochman