Santa Anita: Closer Looks for March 23, 2014

Race 1

Rprettyboyfloyd

Soph has fired every time despite either being wide or off poorly; stamina should be there as sire won over $1.7 million routing; dam won at this distance on grass; sibling Stick to Your Guns won several grass routes; should be right on the wire as valid contenders bookend the field.

Cognoscente

Took zero action to kick off career and beat one home; sire proved stamina taking Kentucky Derby; dam's lone win was a sprint; sibling Startjumpin Marnie won routing, banked over $200K; passing.

Arkenstone

Soph has chased some good ones; 12/13 winner took the Sham next out, was 2nd in California Chrome San Felipe and goes in the Sunland Derby today; winner of last broke through winning the Rebel with a 100 Beyer last weekend; kin Preservata won at this very distance; has some things to iron out.

Matt the Hammer

Got a feel of real estate last time and note show horse graduated next out in a maiden $30K claimer with a 66 Beyer; the double route winner in the family did so in the minor leagues; rider having nice meet, look for pilot to send hard.

Lord Lochinvar

Never kicked when cold on the board but the winner of the debut repeated in an N1X with a 90 Beyer; sire won BC Classic; dam's lone win was a route; she dropped successful routers including Grade 2 winner and $1.1 million earner Master Command; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Party Time

Tough beat in last in the blanket finish; the winner of the debut beat entry level allowance runners next out with a 90 Beyer; sire was a double Graded winner routing; dam won several routes and banked nearly $700K; kin Happy Hunting won nearly $200K racing long; Woolf Award winner takes reins. - Brian Mulligan

Race 2

Violate

At least she has the 2 races to draw from; must find a way to contend with the Lewis charge right back; another slice.

Lovely Instinct

She has been around the wire a few times and has the route experience to draw from now; 1/20 place horse cashed next out at this level with a 59 Beyer; look for pilot to send hard and hope for the best.

Wildcat Janine

Ran well in the debut despite the poor start and now has the experience on the dirt; sire was sprint only; dam won nearly $250K and carried speed long on grass; this is her first to race; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

L X Sunrise

Forced to steady in last but was still coming late; note show horse was over 5 clear; dam's lone win was a route; all 5 siblings won including proven router and over $300K earner Reveron; she has had three eventful trips; due for clear sailing.

Seadrifter

Drops a notch after a pair of non efforts; sire carried speed with ease; dam was 0 for 5; this is her first to race; backers have to hope the drop shakes her up.

Warrenspoweroflove

Miss is starting to figure it out; sire was a non winner; dam was unraced; no help from long sibling that lost 4 times; in light and looms one to deny.

Run Rosie Run

Snappy move on Tuesday could key her improvement; sire was a proven router; 3 of dam's 4 wins were routes; 4 of 5 siblings won including 4-time route winner and near $150K earner Senior; has some things to iron out.

Wintara

At least she flashed some semblance of speed; dam earned nearly $200K and won routing; the 2 siblings to win were just sprinters; could see her pushing the issue, not sure she'll be around late.

Honky Tonk Diva

In light now after a pair of dull ones; sire's lone win was a sprint; dam lost only start; 4 of 5 siblings won including double route winner Shadow Justice; would tread lightly here.

She's Flush

After 14 defeats, fans jump on 7-2 and she could not get a slice; at least there are a couple of route winners in the family; not my kind of play.

Euroclydon

Capable barn due to get rolling and this miss must be given long look on the drop alone; the lone sibling took one sprint; should be right there if she gets a chance to suit up.

Snort'n Matilda

Close up on the slow pace, still could not get it done; 2/23 winner repeated in a $40K starter with a 54 Beyer last Sunday at GG; may need Albany foes to shine.

Warrens Goldnugget

Wraps added last time to no avail; dam won once, a route; this is her first to race; Mojica got a chance to figure her out; look for her late if at all. - Brian Mulligan

Race 3

Halo Dolly

Although far more experienced on turf and synthetic, her dirt record is good with two wins and a third from four stats; ran reasonably well to be third in the Paseana Stakes, a race that seemed about on pare with this one; hasn't stared in over two months but has run well fresh for Hollendorfer; 17-time winner merits respect.

Warren's Rosebud

Connections are taking a shot in this short field off just a single allowance win; she's never run on dirt, and it took her 8 races to get that elusive Cal-bred N1X victory; pass.

Could Be Trouble

Shifts from turf to dirt and makes her third start off a layoff; did manage to win going a mile on turf, though on dirt to this point she has been a better sprinter; inconsistent on dirt but capable of a fast race when she puts it all together.

Curvy Cat

has rattled off two straight victories at GG, improving her record to 6 for 17 on synthetic; those recent wins were in open allowances, too - not against Cal-breds; has made limited dirt appearances but did run third the one time she raced on the main track here.

Unusual Way

Is a deserving favorite after a win in the Zia Park Oaks and a runner-up finish in the Houston Ladies Classic; the latter race was particularly good; Rose to Gold got through on the inside of her, and the form from the race was legitimized when Class Included came back to win a stakes race at Fair Grounds; 2-1-1-0 at SA: choice. - Byron King

Race 4

Sweet Spell

This isn't a soft spot for her to be meeting up with winners for the first time, but have to respect the performance she showed up with at first asking, and the runner up from that race returned to win next out here on 3/16 going 6 1/2f vs. MSW rivals with a 77 Beyer; Talamo has won with 5 of 6 (83%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Velvet Mesquite

She was well backed in her first two starts and didn't disappoint, and have to believe that she's going to appreciate turning back in distance and getting back over turf for this; with Espinoza riding at Sunland today, Nakatani takes over.

Baruta (BRZ)

She just missed in her first start in America after attracting a lot of wagering support, and the 83 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for that effort is the best last race figure in this field; she has a live look to her while getting a rider switch to Stevens for this.

Kyriaki

She's G3 stakes placed racing over turf and she ran well in her first start sprinting over turf in her latest outing when chasing one of today's key rivals in Baruta to the finish; she's eligible to be ready for a sharper try while making her second start back from a layoff.

Heat Du Jour

She usually shows up and runs her race, and she hasn't performed badly as a late running turf sprinter; going to lean toward others for the top spot, but still feel that she's a little bit interesting while making her first start after a claim for a new barn.

Burns Turn

Respect her consistent approach to the game, and she's making her first start after a claim for the O'Neill barn, but this looks like a tough step up in class for her; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 3/13 going 6 1/2f over turf vs. 32-28k claimers with a 74 Beyer.

Tizmetizyou

There is a long layoff in play, but this filly hasn't run a bad race to date, and like the idea of her dropping in class for her second attempt against winners; note that she left today's rival Burns Turn more than eight lengths behind in breaking her maiden two starts back.

Royal Empress (IRE)

She's G3 stakes placed racing overseas, and she ran well when chasing a couple of today's key rivals in just her second attempt sprinting over turf since arriving in America; if a fast and contested early pace develops, she might be moving in on them in deep stretch.

Deity (GB)

Her recent form hasn't been bad, and like to see that she has some early speed to throw at these, but she was beaten by a few of today's rivals in her most recent start; she will need to find her way back to one of her better performances in order to have a shot at the top spot. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Include the Cat

Was claimed off an August field-best Beyer speed figure on the BHP-synthetic surface but she's 0-for-3 since the buy but fits well here; latest was a near-miss finish when beating Legacy and she's only missed one in-the-money finish on SA dirt; 7-year-old reunites with rider Talamo who is 0-for-4 piloting this one during career with 2 exactas.

Proud Vixen

Include the Cat's had her number in the 2-SA 2014 races; good sign that a high-percentage jockey-trainer combo stays together for this; her lone win was when stalking the speed while in her recent starts over the track she broke next to last losing best hope; needs a quicker beginning; have her ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Smart N Dreamy

Obviously being her 1st race on dirt is a huge concern however the main-track workouts obviously were good enough to go here; the trainer's 38%-win rate 1st off the claim suggests we will see improvement off the placed-1st grass win; a major player here.

Melanistic

Projects to race on the lead and that is likely her best strategy; Onna Bugeisha is the one she will have to fend off early; stalking from 2nd did not work out well in last when passed in the stretch by several of these; she's won at longer during career and her career-best Beyer was at today's 1-Mile distance on SA dirt; try to catch me.

Onna Bugeisha

Great sign that her 1st race under the Gaines training represents a career-best Beyer; makes her 1st start vs. winners after racing on the lead to win; Melanistic seems the one to catch here which likely compromises the repeat hopes.

Clear Pearl

Projects to race midpack then make 1 run; she is another recent-turf runner who moves to dirt after some-sharp a.m. main-track drills; the high-percentage SA trainer is 1-for-13 since 2013 using the turf-to-dirt move; hopes for a pace meltdown to pick up some pieces.

Tap the Magic

Finished 9th and 10th in her only 2 races with blinkers on but the hood is placed back on for this; her last dirt start was a good effort but goes with the surface switch for a trainer 0-for-14 turf-to-dirt since 2013; posted Feb. SA dirt bullets previously but the main-track workout for this start was not very enticing.

Legacy

Include the Cat beat her in last but she hopes to turn the tables sitting just off Onna Bugeisha and Melanistic from the gate then getting 1st run on the closers; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-allowance with an 83 Beyer; posted back-to-back bullet workouts for this and likely only has to overcome the widest-ground losing post position to be a major factor here. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Fighting On

This gelding has a good deal of turf on the bottom of his pedigree and like what he's done in back-to-back starts since being given another chance to see what he can do racing over turf; he has to be respected as a top contender against these.

Remind Mee

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a multiple stakes winning dam who won 9 of 40 starts for 227k, and she didn't make a turf start; this barn is having a strong meeting and Perez has won with 7 of 20 (35%) mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

Hobbits Hero

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam was winless from seven starts, including four turf starts; this is only her second start for the Mullins barn and like the idea of getting her over turf and turning her back in distance for this.

Red N Black Attack

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from two starts for 15k, and she didn't make a turf start; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 2/28 going 1 1/16m vs. 16-14k claimers with a 66 Beyer.

Meringue Pie (GB)

He hasn't recorded a win since a victory in a turf dash racing overseas at second asking; respect the early speed that he brings with him, and his best race can get him into the mix against these, but a minor award might prove to be the ceiling.

Toomuchinformation

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his turf starters and dam was winless from three starts, and she didn't make a turf start; one of two signed on in here for the Mullins barn and this looks like a tough spot for his first start against winners and his first start over turf.

Gutsy Ruler

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from three turf starts, including one start over turf; his career debut was a sharp winning performance and he's by a fine turf sire.

Sheer Talent

He's stakes placed racing over turf and he's run pretty well in his last four starts when considering the long layoff he had to overcome; he loses the services of Bejarano, but Maldonado has won with 3 of 6 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Three Strike Rule

He's been a consistent performer, and he exits the same race as today's rival Red N Black Attack, and the third-place finisher from that race won next out here on 2/28 going 1 1/16m vs. 16-14k claimers with a 66 Beyer; this might prove to be a tough spot for his first start in a turf dash.

Exclude

This barn has had some success with recent claims but this gelding is going to need to take a noticeable step forward in order to threaten the top contenders in here, and not only is this his first start against winners, but he didn't run all that well in his first start over turf.

Dubai Ruler

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 3 of 29 starts for 125k, including 0-for-2 over turf; this colt is a full to stakes placed Meydan Magic (2-6, 84k over turf); he's on the improve but he must continue to show more and this is his first start against winners, his first start over turf, and his first start against older rivals.

Harness Mentality

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in, but he's shown a little something in his two turf starts, and he might not mind getting a chance to see what he can do in the turf dash.

Double Image

Sire wins with approximately 10% of his turf starters and dam was winless from four starts, including one turf start; he can prove to be an early pace player, but it's tough to envision him staying in the hunt through the final furlong. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Frannie'sspirittoo

Grinder is long overdue to get there; hustling bug has gotten into some good barns and would expect rider to be aggressive here and try to flee the rail; she sure doesn't hook any monsters.

Am Another Lover

She probably had to take 2013 off for a pretty serious reason; dam out of the money twice; several winners in the tree including near $200K earner Lovehi; at least she has the pair of races to build on; don't ignore.

Fast Moka Too

Ran well with the wraps off the extended vacation; Ellis has put her through the motions since the last race; the drop can't hurt, could be long gone if she can get a lonely lead.

Janes Ship

Off one of her better efforts, had Tradition to deal with among others; miss would benefit by a hot and heavy pace scenerio; must hustle.

Secret Sorority

Been given time since the fiasco in Pomona; best Beyer came without shades and they are off today; place horse in last won at this level next out and the winner repeated in a $12.5K N2L spot; dam was 0 for 8; 1 of 3 siblings won just once and earned less than $500 a start; hard to pull the trigger here.

Flying Bliss

Street Hero 5 for 41 with debuters; sire won at 2, took a Grade 1, earned over $400K; 5 for 36 dam earned $60K; both siblings won; they are a combined 2 for 62; like fact she drilled as far as this race is carded.

Hot Outta the Oven

Can never dismiss this kind of speed; dam was unraced; 3 of 4 siblings won including near $400K earner Master Chef; more experienced pilot this time as he will try to get her to slow down and live.

Rich in Tradition

Sure, the last race was solid, but he has not lost 24 times because he has a heart of gold; contender, but not my kind of play.

My Moment Too

Stopped on after finally running in the money; the drills are decent for this; look for her in the late stages if at all.

Dulcemia

Another with tons of chances, but she's a tough one to figure; she'll show speed one day, dawdle the next; she has been decent value a couple of times in the gimmicks; that is where her strength my lie again.

Georgia's Niece

Return was decent, then she regressed; clever spin at Los Al last Sunday; would tread lightly here.

Charger Girl

Still searching for that first experience of running in the money; a bit more keen to run early in last but she still applied the brakes quickly; hard to adore. - Brian Mulligan