Santa Anita: Closer Looks for March 15, 2014

Race 1

Sun Spots

Statebred tries open claimers after a weak first crack down this hillside course; maybe the hood helps and she is kin to a few turf winners including 237K earner Mega Heat, but she didn't show much first out on the main track, so maybe there's just not a lot of ability here.

Fardan

Boasts a sharp gate blowout for his debut where they'll offer him back for what they shelled out in training this time last year; sire is 2 for 30 with his newcomers and 1 for 11 with his initial turf starters; dam was winless from 4 starts (2 on turf) and dropped 2 multiple sprint winners who were a combined 0 for 2 on the green.

Surfer Moon

Hood goes on for his first start down the hill for an outfit that boasts recent luck with its second out runners; gelding has worked a handful of times for his return from the brief freshening and maybe the drop to this level helps; sire gets 9% first time surface winners from his runners and the dam dropped a 2 time turf winner.

J Kat

Wasn't beaten that much first time down the hill and now he'll drop in for a tag; he's kin to G3 SW turfer and 301K earner Strike the Bell so maybe he'll have a little more to offer second time over the footing and he's already run faster on the Beyer scale than any of today's foes; contender.

Distillery

Cuts back to a sprint trip after just failing to best the winner in his initial route spin; gelding should have some bottom from that game try and he does boast local course experience; expecting he'll find a spot closer to the top today and prove to be the one to hold off from there.

Cronut

Removes the shades for her return from the freshening off the fade on the stretchout; maybe the drop to claimers helps and he does have a race down the hill on his page; colt is kin to 6 turf winners including SWs Dyna's Destiny, a 124K earner, and Dynamist who banked 154K; worth a look.

Bertrane

Cal bred wasn't a threat against restricted runners first time out and now he's offered for sale on the cut back; he did return to work well in the interim and is kin to 3 time turf winner and 186K earner Big Bane Theory as well as 2 main track sprint winners so maybe with the experience behind him he improved enough to get involved in the outcome at a price today.

The Prime Mover

Sire is 2 for 16 with his first out runners and 0 for 4 with his initial turf starters; dam was a turf winner and she's dropped 3 winners, but her foals are a combined 0 for 6 on the green; works aren't much and the low profile barn hasn't done much with newcomers of late.

Como Mi Padre

Ran well for second money when beaten chalk on the drop and turn back and now he'll try the lawn; his sire is 5 for 66 with his first time turfers and the dam was off the board in all 3 of her surface tries prior to dropping foals who were a combined 0 for 4 over the footing. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Primal Lad

Tries blinkers for the first time after a series of defeats where he did not have a clean getaway; latest gate workout was fair and perhaps he can break in improved fashion here and earn a minor share at major odds.

Black Tie

After that fair showing in early October, he tailed off significantly; did upgrade in the latest drill from the gate and lands into a field that comes up light for the price tag involved; likes the previous entrant, he could certainly benefit by a straight break.

Bart the Barrister

New face hails from multiple G1 victor Southern Image who amassed 1.84 million and whose progeny have won 10 percent of their debuts; the dam went 2 for 8 while earning 44K; among the winning siblings is 10K earner Katelyn n' Jenna.

Bright Ocean

The workout on the morning of 2/24 is of interest; the gelding's sire won 2 of 15 and 163K (offspring of Ocean Sound are zero for 15 first time out); the dam went 2 for 26 while earning 78K: this is her only foal to start.

White Front Freddy

Finally moving off the fence can help this gelding who gets in light and has flashed some decent early speed, comparatively, in the past; most recent a.m. move from the gate was encouraging as well; not out of the question against this line-up.

Mr. Cactus

Unlucky colt lost all enthusiasm at the start of his last effort while going to post as the 3 to 2 choice; if he can recapture the performance levels of the previous run, he should be a late factor; bound to be overbet once again, however.

Heaveneleven

Raced evenly in his last venture and goes back to apprentice handling today; will have to improve substantially to run down W.Giles, one of the primary pacesetters here; can earn a slice if that key opponent gets challenged in the opening stages.

W. Giles

Will prove mighty tough if opening up a daylight advantage today; the gelding's sire won a G1 and 761K while the dam did not compete; this is her only foal to make it to the races; a true contender especially in light of the latest work.

Gates of Zion

Did not recover from a slow break in his maiden voyage; the sire was a G1 winner in Argentina who earned 36K; the dam was unraced and this is her sole foal to start; faces open company now and seems in deep. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Boller Bomb

Races 1st time in career today without blinkers; traveled on the lead in recent Mile starts but the last time she raced at 6.5F broke 9th; clearly not a good sign that her 1st start off the claim was her lowest Beyer speed figure since October; the show runner from last Beyered 79 in a next-out SA-32K-claiming win.

Dancingtothestars

Reunites with Talamo 1-for-3 piloting her including the 2012 DMR-synthetic-surface optional-claiming win; field-best Beyer last summer posted at 1 Mile on DMR turf; the last time cutting back to 6.5F on the SA green finished last in a stakes race.

Oscillator

Career-best Beyer was posted at 1 Mile 2-back when edged by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 88 in her next-out SA -allwance victory; her October race at today's distance on SA grass was a solid closing effort and hopes someone softens up Ciao Bella Luna on the lead to help her late punch; can she get up in time to win it all is the main concern.

Tribal Spy

23%-winning fresh trainer and the last 2 times she raced off 45 day-or longer layoffs she won; positive 7-pound weight swing from Ciao Bella Luna off the half-length loss in last; she can win from on the lead or off the pace and figures to stalk the speed for this; seems set to avenge latest loss.

Ciao Bella Luna

Projects as the one to catch but races with the 2nd-heaviest assignment of career; 7 weeks since a best-last-race Beyer speed figure performance 2nd time off the bench and from post 11; will she need a race off this layoff to see very-best form?; the 2-back winner made it 4 in a row next out in an SA-Grade 2 stakes with a 98 Beyer; reunites with the stakes-placed rider from her May-synthetic-surface loss.

Sudden Sunday

2-for-4 during career off 45 day-or longer layoffs while the 11%-winning fresh trainer worked her a bullet on a synthetic surface for this turf try; receives a positive 5-pound weight swing off the 2-length loss vs. Ciao Bella Luna; another who seems set to turn the tables.

Could Be Trouble

Reunites with the BHP-win rider after posting an even finish off the long layoff in a key race; the runner-up and 7th-place finishers from last Beyered 92-75 in next-out SA-optional-claiming and alw. wins; good sign that her 1st-SA grass start is the 2nd highest speed figure of career and is eligible to improve upon latest. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Wonderful Union

Draws the fence for another crack at the level after holding second money in his return from the short break; gelding has speed so the inside slot should help but there is some other lick in here so he's going to have to work hard from the bell while tackling an added half panel; one to catch.

Boss of Me

Steps up for his first start off the claim by an outfit that hasn't had a great local meeting; he wasn't able to go on while tracking the pacesetters in his return to the lawn last time, but that main track maiden score 2 back does look pretty good in this spot; given the speed drawn inside of him he'll likely have to track to be effective in here.

Sir Macho

Tries winners for the first time after being claimed out of the popular maiden score over the track last time; he's got tracking foot and there is speed drawn to his inside today so maybe that helps him work out a trip, but he'll need to take a step forward on the figure scale to threaten for the top spot.

Reps and Warrants

Beat cheap sophomore claimers when the hood was removed last time and now he'll try winners; maybe he's just a new runner without shades and he'll have another move forward in him here, but his lone 2 turn spin was weak and he'll need to improve several lengths to get involved in the outcome; siding against the repeat.

Caramuru

Made a nice run to the leaders before tiring late and finishing behind one of the guts he'll face again today; he's had some time to get over the try and certainly has a right to improve while making his second start back from 5 months on the shelf; there's speed signed on so a more patient ride could benefit him; contender.

Hello Frankie

Stretches out while moving to the main track after a couple of spins down the hill; gelding is a long way removed from that maiden score and his local dirt record leaves quite a bit to be desired; have to look elsewhere for the winner.

Tenkiller Kid

Ships back down here while dropping in company after getting on track too late at Golden Gate; his prior local effort was pretty solid and he's quick enough to secure a spot within tracking range of these early; interim drills suggest he may be ready to bounce back with a big one at a decent price.

Brave Act

Last out graduate starts from the outside draw while tackling winners for the initial time after removing the hood did the trick for him; gelding earned a nice number in defeat 2 back on the main track but his best game is speed and don't think that he's going to be able to make the top from here; he'll have to earn this one. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Sedona Gal

Ran to those 50-1 debut odds sprinting when outrun throughout; the worktab for this was steady while the added distance off latest can only help the cause; some runners improve dramatically 2nd-time out and she has plenty of room to move forward.

Hey Pretty Girl

Projects as the one to catch; the winner and 5th-place finishers from last Beyered 74-71 in next-out SA-MSW and allowance wins; the debut winner and show finisher Beyered 70-64 in next-out SA-optional-claiming and 30K-maiden-claiming wins.

Perfect Cursive

The debut runner-up Beyered 70 in a next-out SA-75K-maiden-claiming win; gets the weight break 2nd-time out and is another hoping to erase the memories of a so-so unveiling performance; she was troubled at the gate break now freshened up for a 21%-trainer with this angle since 2013.

Tizmiss

Projects to be a major pace presence with Hey Pretty Girl then hopes to find the missing stamina stretching out; the winner from last repeated in an SA-80K stakes with an 85 Beyer while the 5th-place finisher posted a 60 speed figure graduating in a 30K-maiden claimer next out.

Dynesque

Sire is 108-for-793 with 1st-turf starters; 88-for-876 with debut runners; is out of a Grade 3-stakes winning dam (3-for-20, 385K) who won 3-of-14 on turf (326K); her only other foal to race Iconic Spirit is 9-0-4-1 (55K) 2-0-0-0 on turf.

Disregarded

Looked like she might have a future from her debut loss when sneaking through the claim box 23 days ago; wish the worktab was more eye catching and the trainer wasn't 1-for the last-21 with maiden-2nd starters as she steps up in class off the loss.

Taylor Lane

Was outfinished in latest when the Beyer regressed 2nd-time out; usually a runner will improve off their debut; was edged by Bird in Love in a key race as the winner and 5th-place finisher Beyered 85-60 in next-out SA-80K-stakes and 30K-maiden-claiming wins.

Ann's Gold

The 7%-winning fresh trainer off the 8-week layoff is not very enticing but had to like the 2nd-time out 31-point improvement 1st time on SA grass at today's distance; have mixed reviews from the worktab for this while the rider is 1-for-19 at SA for the barn since 2013.

Star Act

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure at 1F longer than this; career-improved Beyers including the 2-back fresh Mile where the runner-up finisher Beyered 70 in her next-out graduation; working like she is ready to fire another biggie with 5 weeks idle for a 40%-winning SA jockey-trainer combo.

Courage and Intent

Sire is 15-for-134 with 1st-turf starters; 27-for-196 with debut runners; is out of a 3-0-0-0 dam who went 1-0-0-0 on grass; her only other foal to race Tres Osos is 1-for-3 (13K) but 2-0-0-0 competing on turf; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Bird In Love (GB)

Finished 2nd best to the winner from last who Beyered 85 capturing an SA-80K event where she beat the 5th-place finisher a next-out SA-30K-maiden-claiming graduate; keeps the sizzling Bejarano hoping to better the barn's so-so layoff and 2nd-time maiden win numbers.

Margot Machance (GB)

1st-time Import with 1st Lasix while catching a field lacking superstars; all 4 races in France have been solid efforts; the debut winner scored a BEL-Grade 3 stakes victory next out with an 88 Beyer; is working like we will see a good one right off the bench.

Kissin Lucky Lips

Middle moved in latest suggesting 1 Mile may not be her best distance; a good sign that it was a 30-point 2nd-time out Beyer improvement 1st off the claim; strong-grass barn keeps her on the weeds but steps up to her highest level ever MSW so must pass the class test.

Don't You Want Me

Outran her 35-1 debut odds when passing all but the top 3 rallying from last; big post change here after breaking from the 1 now goes widest sure to lose ground; would think if she could break a little better could improve placement. - Art Gropper

Race 7

Fiftyshadesofhay

Fresh and dangerous, she caught the off going last October and then was bothered early her last pair; far from disgraced the last time in a Grade 1 and the winner on 8/17 only won the Beldame next out with a 105 Beyer; should be right there with the A game.

Spellbound

Miss is maturing like fine wine; love the series of return drills and she is repeatedly proven fresh; she will need the right splits; there is not a ton of speed in here but several have similar styles of running close up; look for rider to settle, try to get her to relax, save ground, then kick into what connections are hoping for, an honest pace.

Macha

Turf to dirt worked nicely in last but it was a small field; she was losing a little ground late in her stakes third in the Grade 2 last June; both of the Hollendorfers seem to be comfortable tracking but would not be shocked if this gal is put into the race early; needs to improve to beat this group.

Miss Serendipity (ARG)

Tough cookie in Argentina and Hall of Fame trainer McAnally has had a knack with these types over the years; the trainer won this race 4 times with his stars Paseana and Bayakoya; no room to move in the stateside debut and maybe she was intimidated by the rail in last; can never dismiss this kind of speed but note the runner that beat her last May has run once since and was out of the money at 8-1; may need softer to shine.

Let Faith Arise

Only one poor race and that was on the wrong surface; she has been set down in her drills coming to this race and is due to snap the seconditis; that drill last Sunday was clever when you figure it was 2 ticks quicker than work put in by Teaks North, who has earned over $1.2 million in his career; should give a very good account of herself.

Stanwyck

Mare can be closer to the pace here if in the mood; fully extended in the stakes win last year and she was overlooked on the tote that day; some genuine superstars have won this race over the years including the great Zenyatta for Shirreffs; Stevens enticed; rates upset glance.

Iotapa

All she does is show up and run hard every time; she got the ideal prep to open the season and then was just keen to roll last time; off the fence here, she looks like the type that will rate kindly if that is the way the race rolls out; consistency has been her calling card; major threat.

Yahilwa

She closed a little ground in the stateside debut, was pushed along in last and had nothing left; she is looking at more speed here and it's hard to see her clearing; not sure she was beating anybody in that last victory; the place horse that day ran once since and was dead last at 20-1; would be careful here. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Outside Nashville

He's been sharp in back-to-back starts prior to this and he's meeting up with some familiar faces in here; like the idea of him being ready to produce another solid performance while making his second start back from a layoff, and Bejarano has won with 16 of 59 (27%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Di Giorgio (ARG)

He's run very well in his two starts since arriving in America and he beat today's rival Outside Nashville in his most recent start; going to look for him to be tough to deal with through the lane after sitting a favorable trip behind the early speed of Horizontalyspeakin.

Si Sage (FR)

He has to be considered a legitimate threat in this event after a couple of sharp performances against G2 competition over this turf course in his two most recent races, but after offering value plenty of value, bettors are likely going to warm up to him this time around.

Horizontalyspeakin

Have to respect his early speed and he has been known to forget to stop from time-to-time, but Di Giorgio figures to have him right in his sights through the opening stages, and perhaps today's 1 1/8m distance is a bit more than what this gelding is looking for.

Rookie Sensation

He has a strong pedigree for turf and all four of his turf starts have been sharp performances, including a G2 victory in his one start over this turf course; Stronach-homebred has the look of a top contender, and he might have a solid 4-year-old season in front of him.

Power Foot

He's looked good in five of his last six starts, but he's probably going to need to see a few of these show up with less than their best to have a chance at something more than a minor award; respect the fact that this barn has done little wrong at this meeting, but leaning toward others.

Procurement

He's going as well as ever at the moment and like to see him being reunited with Stevens for this as he's won with 9 of 21 (43%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting; winner form latest won next out here on 3/8 going 1m over turf in a G1 with a 105 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Natural Stride

Like fact he drilled this far and the last race came back live; the place horse took a MSW next out, the winner repeated in a $50K optional and three others ran 2nd; Grade 3 placed 6 for 25 dam earned nearly $300K; all 3 siblings won and earned 6 figures; top sib Fighting Hussar took 2 of 11, was stakes placed, banked nearly $240K; lean toward watching a return race.

Heat Flash

Considering the cut back, he could be left with a lot of work to do turning for home; backers can point to the fact several full siblings were successful runners and one banked over $250K; backers have to hope they go bonkers early and this guy finds a lane to rally into in time.

Whine for Wine

Soph has trained forwardly since educational debut; stakes winning 1 for 10 dam banked nearly $200K; this is her first to race; looms the one to beat after figuring out what the game is all about.

K Thirty Eight

Solid debut when maybe he was just dead short; dam was unraced; 4 of 5 siblings won; top kin Soldier s Kiss won 2 stakes, banked nearly $200K; might get brave if he can clear here.

Next Book

Nearly blew up the tote at 31-1 but this is a different caliber foe; 6 for 47 dam earned nearly $200K; 3 of 5 siblings won, one earned nearly $60K; must respect everything from the Jones barn the way live runners have been rolling.

Durango Flier

Good Journey 8 for 78 with debuters; sire didn't run at 2, was turf only, banked over $1.7 million; 2 for 6 dam banked $60K; lone full sister Kathleen Rose took 3 of 7, earned over $130K; blowout on Tuesday should have him on his toes.

Masochistic

Unraced Sought After 8 for 60 with debuters; dam was unraced; lone full bro to race Bellagio Road took 3 of 17, earned about a grand a start; fit enough, he drilled 7 furlongs, bullet in tow and stable rider up; look out.

Play Maker

Gelding was pretty much finished when off slowly; maybe the blinks will help in that department; dam was unraced; 4 of 6 siblings won, one earned nearly $55K; would be careful here.

El Canon

Bertrando about 12% with firsters in a 778-horse sample; sire took juvenile debut, won multiple Grade 1s, could carry his speed, was 9 for 24 overall, earned $3.1 million; dam was unraced; 4 of 5 siblings won; 2 banked 6 figures including full brother, 7-time winner and near $300K earner Leesider; snappy drill on the 8th screams off the canvas.

Neurosurgeon

This is a tough sell considering the layoff; the good ones don't always come back the way they went out; family on the weak side; try to get him a good look on the track before taking a shot with this runner. - Brian Mulligan