Santa Anita: Closer Looks for March 27, 2014

Race 1

Perfect Tango

Drops back in with maidens after showing speed against limited winners on the local lawn a few weeks back; filly draws inside for the move to dirt and though she hasn't run so well over this footing the barn does hit at a nice recent clip with the move; maybe she's able to work out a ground saving trip from here, but she's got some improving to do in order to factor.

Belonging

Takes what's termed the biggest drop in the game while also trying this type of surface for the initial time; 5 year old was again given some time after returning from 11 months on the shelf with a poor effort on the local lawn but she's been working quite well over the local dirt in the interim for this; she did show some ability on the green last winter and ran into a handful of next out winners in her tries on other footing; fact they are willing to lose her may be a concern, but this does appear to be now or never time.

Ilovefools

She's done little in her 5 race career and now she'll stretch back out off a couple of poor local sprint tries at the level; filly doesn't look to catch a very tough bunch, but the barn doesn't do so well with its stretchouts and there's not a lot to suggest she'll take a good step forward in here.

Gin Jan Lizzie

Fresh filly was runner up in each of her last 2 going long on synthetic footing and now she'll move back to dirt in her return; she's been working regularly of late over this footing for the comebacker but hasn't shown much early interest at all and could find herself with a lot to do in the lane.

Sheza Eyeopener

Most experienced filly in here was no match for the money finishers when stretched out at the level earlier in the month; she did return to work a solid half mile over the track last week and maybe that means she's set to move forward some here, but a minor award looks to be her ceiling.

Silk in Silver

Speedy filly stretches out to try 2 turns for the first time while getting a huge rider switch in her first off the barn's claim; maybe the removal of the hood allows her to relax a bit and she shouldn't have any trouble making the top against this bunch; her dam won a handful of times going 2 turns on the lawn so maybe she's able to handle the route for a barn that stretches them out well; one to run down. - Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Not a Love Song

Has not raced past 6.5F; multiple-Grade 1-stakes-winning sire went 1-for-6 in routes (271K); dam went 2-0-0-0 in routes producing 11-for-32 router Skyrider (115K); offered brief speed in last and will likely battle Comealongwithme for the lead then hopes to find the missing stamina.

Queen Mad

Has not raced past 6.5F; G2-sire went 3-for-9 in routes (701K); 1st foal from the dam who went 1-0-0-0 in routes; steps up in class off losses which is not a good-win angle; in latest her 1st-ever exacta finish was seemingly screaming out for more distance and gets it here.

Soar Home

Has not raced past 6.5F; Kentucky-Derby winning sire took 5-of-7 routes (1.9M); dam is 6-0-0-0 in routes producing 2-for-15 router Yes He's Trouble (28K); blinkers on is a 1-for-16 move from the trainer since 2013; view as a pace presence for part chasing Comealongwithme.

Perfect Cursive

Lots of upside as most runners move forward 2nd-time out; here off the 68-day absence for a 29%-winning fresh trainer since 2013; exits a strong race; the runner-up finisher Beyered 73-70 in 2 next-out SA wins defeating 75K-maiden claimers and alw. rivals; should be rallying best late; the pick.

Consecrate

Finally gets back on dirt the surface of his field-best Beyer at today's distance; exits his 2nd lowest number ever when shipped out of town; Baffert's showing just 12% winners since 2013 with MSW-to-maiden claiming droppers; 1st-time Garcia who won the Sunland Derby for the barn Sunday helps the cause; contender.

Comealongwithme

The one to catch and beat exiting a best-last-Beyer; she has not raced past 6.5F yet; multiple-G1 sire went 3-of-10 in routes (709K); dam is 7-0-5-0 in North American routes (33K); the runner-up, 4th and 12th-place finishers from last Beyered 74-74-48 in next-out SA-MSW and 30K-maiden-claiming wins. - Art Gropper

Race 3

Do Some Magic

He's out of a dam who won two of five turf starts for 77k and have to respect the improvement he's displayed in his two route attempts over turf; he boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, and he projects to sit a favorable ground saving trip after breaking from the rail post.

Heat Flash

He's the most experience runner in this race and he has been improved in his first two starts as a 4-year-old; perhaps it's best to limit him to a spot underneath in the exotics, but still feel that he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Unusually Green

Half-brother to multiple stakes winner Lady Railrider (9-35, 603k, including 1 of 7 turf starts for 73k) benefited from a favorable early pace scenario in his turf debut in his latest outing, but that was still a fine run, and that race has proven to be productive; winner won next out at GG on 2/23 going 1m vs. 50k OPC's with an 84 Beyer, and third finisher won next out here on 2/27 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 67 Beyer.

Noba Rock

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 13% of his turf starters, and dam was winless from three starts, including one turf start; over the past five years, this barn is 2-for-58 (3%) with firsters.

Chaco

Sire is 0-for-25 with his first-time starters and he's 0-for-7 with his turf starters, and dam was winless from 11 starts, and she didn't make a turf start; his recent workouts look okay, but still prefer to give him a race as he makes his belated career debut.

Sun Spots

He has a good deal of turf in his pedigree and he flashed a high degree of early speed in his first start wearing blinkers in his latest outing; with only three starts behind him, he's still eligible to have more to show us.

Duke of Cornwall

Sire has won with 1 of 19 (5%) of his first-time starters and he's 0-for-15 with his turf starters, and dam was winless from four starts, including three turf starts; this is a barn that can be live with a first-time starter and his workouts look solid.

Tricky Journey

Have to respect the impact his early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up, but based on what he's shown in his first seven starts it's difficult to envision him being able to hold off the top contenders through the stretch; winner from latest won next out here on 3/21 going 6 1/2f over turf vs. N1X alw. rivals with an 85 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Dark Timbers

Best-last-race Beyer speed figure perfomer cuts back in yardage (3-0-0-0 previously at 5.5F); began 2014 losing decisively at this distance vs. Tasha's Courage; the 2-back winner repeated in a 25K claimer with a 68 speed figure; his co-career-best Beyer was on SA dirt at 6F in this same 20K-maiden claiming spot.

El Vaguro

Sire is 50-for-555 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-9 stakes-winning dam (210K) who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including SW-Ride the Bull (7-for-23, 47K); clearly has worked well enough to consider strongly up top at 1st asking.

Tribal Note

The March 15 improved workout we assume was with blinkers off seeking improvement here without the hood; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 69 in a next-out SA-20K-maiden-claiming win; the 2-back runner-up graduated next out in a BHP-50K-maiden claimer with a 59 speed figure.

Tasha's Courage

Dangerous at the distance cutting back to 5.5F where he posted exacta finishes over the track; 2-back finished 2nd best to the winner who repeated in an SA-starter alw. with a 77 Beyer; latest workout was outstanding; 6%-winning fresh trainer yields 27% maiden-claiming winners since 2013; the pick.

Dehere Is Gone

Best Beyer at longer when hanging on better; faded vs the runner-up who graduated next out with a 69 Beyer; working well for this and his barn yields 33%-maiden-claiming winners since 2013; view as a pace presence for part.

Mahogany Run

Primed for this on grass; he cuts back to his shortest-distance test ever after showing zero gate speed in 1st pair; the trainer's 0-for-19 blinkers-on record since 2013 does not help the confidence level after being eased 1st off the claim.

No Ez Money

Upside for the 2nd start middle moving in the debut with 40 days away for a 20%-winning fresh trainer since 2013; steady worktab and gets a rider change with obviously a well-timed ride needed to score; figures to sit midpack then make one run.

Mr. Cappuccino

Since that October 11 SA loss at 5.5F he's shown nothing; breaks widest like 3 back so sure to lose ground; hasn't been shorter than 37-1 odds since September; in last delivered another SA off-the-board finish and his only exacta finish was at 4F; did not see any of the tactical speed displayed last summer; outsider. - Art Gropper

Race 6

Valdirone

Starts from the fence while making his first start back from better than 13 months on the shelf; 5 year old showed good speed over this footing the last time he was on the track and he's been working up a storm at Los Al for his first with winners while racing out of conditions; there's other speed in here and it wouldn't be much of a shock if he just needed the heat, but his fresh lick may have to be caught.

Shining Son

Fresh colt makes his first start for a new barn and boasts a sizzling local blowout for the comebacker; 4 year old wasn't very fast prior to the time off and don't know that he's going to be set to take the step forward he'll need to contend in his return to the scene of his maiden score.

Bobo

Ran big to hold second money after being pushed through quick splits when the hood wen back on for his first start since the summer; gelding has a right to be better with the try behind him and he'll switch to a top journeyman pilot, but there is other speed in here and that could pose him some trouble.

Jaylo Marino

It's been nearly 2 years since this 7 year old has competed; 10 time winner has been working quite well here for his new outfit and he did look pretty good taking his lone start on this dirt 2 1/2 years back; still, it's tough to imagine he doesn't need at least one before we see his best.

Judge Carr

Beat cheaper quite convincingly off the barn's claim and now they'll put him in a protected spot for the cut back; he's had almost 4 weeks to get over the try so maybe he's able to ru back to a number that puts him right in the thick of this; consider.

Master Chef

Seven year old got up for second money in a protected spot and now he's in for the optional tag in his return to statebred company; he'll get a new pilot for this one but has been on the track a few times since his last and the sharp barn does well off this short break; local lover looks like the one to beat.

Awesome Indy

Improving gelding takes on a much tougher set while shedding weight with the switch to a bug pilot who hasn't had a lot of luck at the stand; he hasn't been the runner he was prior to the 2 year layoff and maybe now that he found a winning level his recent figures are the best we are going to see from him; siding against the repeat.

Parliamentarian

Five year old has only run twice and he did take a good step forward to score in his return from the year layoff; gelding has had time to get ready for his first with winners and he's working like another big try is on tap; weight break with the switch to a capable bug can't hurt.

Memphis

Earned a number that's better than anything else he's run 2 starts back but his subsequent return from the freshening wasn't very good; maybe he bounces back but he looks to catch a decent bunch at this level and it's been a long time since he's seen the winner's circle; maybe for a minor share.

Crimson Giant

He's another whose maiden score came a long time ago and he has lost 48 times; gelding doesn't have any lick so he could find himself well out of this early with plenty of runners to pass; hard to make a case for him winning this one. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Christopher Street

Of the horses in the main body of this race, he shares the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here with three others, and the runner up from his latest race returned to win next out here on 2/28 going 1 1/8m vs. 20k OPC's with a 91 Beyer; he has a live look to him in this spot with Smith at the controls.

Awesome Prospect

Not only does it look like the addition of blinkers has helped him improve his game, but he ran well in his turf debut just two starts ago; runner up from latest won next out here on 3/15 going 1 1/16m vs. starter alw. rivals with a 76 Beyer.

Harness Mentality

His two starts over turf have been a couple of his better performances but he is going to need to be ready to take his game to another level if he's to see his number posted on top after this one is run; leaning toward others.

Zackos My Man

He's shown improvement through his first four starts and he had every right to tire late in his turf debut after a layoff two back in a race that saw him set a fast early pace; he has to step up his game in his first attempt against winners to get the better of this group, but it looks like there's a chance that he still has more to show us.

Lucky Views

He's stakes placed racing over turf and his two turf starts have been much sharper than what he's shown racing over dirt and synthetic; his recent workouts look lively and going to look for him to be involved in the running every step of the way.

Deraptor

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who was winless from three starts, including one turf start; his recent workouts suggest that he's ready for his return to action and it's interesting to see his new connections go right to turf with him.

Awesome Return

Both of his turf starts can be viewed in a positive light and he didn't finish all that far behind one of today's key rivals in Lucky Views in his latest outing; he still has potential for better behind him at this stage of his career, and if a fast and contested early pace develops, he'll be happy to sit out the early running and make one late move.

Sizzlin' Joe

Stakes placed veteran has shown the ability to dial up a performance that is strong enough to make him a player in this spot and his most recent race was one of the sharper starts of his career; runner up from latest won next out here on 2/8 going 6 1/2f over turf vs. starter alw. rivals with an 81 Beyer.

Husband's Folly

He needs to see a scratch from the main body of this race in order to draw in, but he sports some of the stronger recent form in here, and he'll boast the best last race Beyer Speed Figure if he gets to go in this spot; note that he's looking to make his first start after a claim for a barn that shows hitting at a 38% clip in that category.

Bench Light

His overall form has been strong enough to give him a competitive look against these and he's another in here looking to make his first start after a claim for a barn that can move one forward; runner up from latest won next out here on 2/28 going 1 1/8m vs. 20k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Kingpin Ryno

Multiple stakes placed veteran hasn't been at his best in recent starts but his form has been strong enough to suggest that he can get himself into the mix at this level of competition; looking toward others for the top spot, but a minor award is within his reach.

Prime Issue

He can add some fuel to the early pace fire if he draws in, but his better races have been run over dirt and synthetic surfaces, and his best effort over turf doesn't measure up to the top contenders in here; Perez has won with 7 of 20 (35%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Pocket Prince

Maybe there was a time when he was capable of being competitive against competition of this caliber, but his recent form hasn't been his best, and his lack of early speed makes him a candidate to be outrun throughout. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

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; this is her first to race; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Tiz But a Dream

Must find a way to turn the tables on the Avila runner among others; dam out of the money 3 times; 3 of 5 siblings won; top kin I've Got the Fever took 6 of 30, banked nearly $140K; hard working trainer spots his stock solidly.

Moscato Girl

Runner has always shown a degree of talent and comes off the career Beyer; tons best of the rest in last and show horse was over 3 clear too; 2/2 winner repeated in a $20K claimer with a 56 Beyer; should be right there.

Que Sorpresa

Lost all chance when she hopped in the air; 1 for 12 dam did win at 2; this is her first to race; at least she has a race under the belt; no reason why she will not move forward.

Mon Petite

A bit more keen to run early, but reality set in quickly; she was forced to steady; 2 for 31 dam earned nearly $90K; both full siblings won including over $80K earner Le Heat; could see her again pushing the issue, not sure she'll be around late.

Wild Optimism

In for $15K less than purchase price and she has trained solidly at San Luis Rey, a place where Miller is very much used to; dam was 0 for 5; all 3 siblings won, one banked over $80K; surprise package.

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; several solid drills since the last effort; should be right there with anything close to a clean trip.

Papa's Dancing

The drop is logical after several poor effort; dam just one for 28; all 3 siblings won, one banked over $80K; lone half sis to race Dancing Lute took 2 of 6, banked nearly $21K; rider has had good success for Koriner.

New Nature

The Sadler runner has had her number a couple times; blood is not all bad as lone half bro to race D Fighter took 3 of 38, banked just under a grand a start; like the draw for a cagey barn that is long overdue to get rolling. - Brian Pochman