Santa Anita: Closer Looks for March 30, 2014

Race 1

Limited Response

Seems the runner most likely to benefit from rallying into a speed duel involving the outside runners; both wins at longer so can he get up in time to win it all?; Kafister, Strtech and No Contingency project to battle for the front while he will be able to save all the ground then make one run.

My Best Bet

Has a good-late kick and hopes for a pace meltdown; was claimed for his 1st dirt start since October, 2012; was purchased from a high-win pecentage GG trainer into a barn scoring 12% winners 1st-off-the-claim since 2013; new rider at SA is just 1-for-21 for this during the past 16 months.

No Contingency

Gets Limited Response again hoping the weight off and new rider will help turn the tables; toss latest losing all chance with a slow-gate break; best game is to break fast; went gate-to-wire February, 2013, in a 75K-maiden-claiming dirt graduation in his career debut at today's distance on SA dirt with a career-best Beyer; know him early but unsure about late.

Stretch

Speedster will likely have to fend off No Contingency and Kafister from the gate then show much-better stamina in deep stretch to land a major share; is eligible to improve considerably making just his 2nd start in more than 1 year and a half; bounce chance here posting his best Beyer off a long layoff; view as a pace presence for part.

Kafister

Would be an ideal trip if he sits right behind No Contingency and Stretch from the gate; was claimed off a tough-beat nose loss in a key race with a field-best Beyer speed figure attached; cuts back to the win distance for a 38% trainer 1st-off-the-purchase since 2013; latest looks better since the winner repeated with an 84 Beyer taking a 25K claimer; he beat the show runner from last who posted a 95 Beyer next out defeating $12,500 claimers. - Art Gropper

Race 2

Swissarella

Exits a co-best-last-race Beyer speed figure; for the 1st time in career she made the lead in last; while it produced only a distant-show finish it yielded a career-best number; South Sound was quicker than her from the gate on January 23 and she has to get by that one here to post an upset; her lone win was at shorter than 6F and on a synthetic surface; is seeking her 1st-dirt exacta today.

Pay the Debt

Class is the concern; she nearly doubles the claiming price off the near-miss finish; is 0-for-4 during career in straight claiming races all for lower-price tags; good-exacta finish the last time racing 6F three back defeated by the winner who repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 77 Beyer; figures to sit just off South Sound then hopes to wear that one down in deep stretch.

Senza Fina

Today is the shortest-distance test of career; this race comes through the speedy South Sound as she gets rhe rematch from 4 weeks ago where she was not as sharp from the gate; the ratng tactics that day did not work out well; receives a positive 2-pound weight swing off latest loss trying to turn the tables.

South Sound

Exits a co-best-last-race Beyer; returns to the distance of her 2-back field-best speed figure; she wants the lead and figures to get it here playing catch me if you can; gets a negative 2-pound weight swing off latest decision over Senza Fina; has worked well for this and is the.one to catch and beat.

Exotic Behavior

Hard to make a case off her last-place finish facing this same group; obviously not a good sign that she posted a career-low Beyer when making just her 2nd start for the newest barn; was claimed off a high-percentage trainer which is not a good-win angle and has a lot to prove off most-recent dull effort.

La Casadora

She is the one winner for the trainer at the current-SA meeting but has been away 52 days since graduating from just off the pace at longer; would think she would remain going long but sprints again; has been working well for this; she must pass the major-class test facing winners for the 1st time; wish we saw more run when freshened up for 6F at SA two races ago when defeated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 49 in a next-out 40K-maiden-claiming win. - Art Gropper

Race 4

Argentine

He hasn't finished better than sixth or within six lengths of the winner in his first four starts and he's going to need to find a way to take his game to another level if he's planning on getting the better of this bunch of maidens; note that he was beaten by today's rival Pantera Rojo in his latest start.

Sudden Rumor

Not thrilled with what he did in his first turf start, but that was in his first start back from a layoff sprinting, and he didn't run poorly in his first route attempt in his latest outing; feel that he's eligible to still have a little more to show us.

Life's Journey

The 75 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest performance is the best last race figure in this field, and that level of performance has pretty much been the norm for him; he has been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in recent starts, but he commands some respect in this spot.

Tommy's Stylin

Thewayyouare is off to a poor start as a turf sire, but this colt enters this race off an encouraging career debut, and it's interesting to see that Smith saw fit to take the call that day and that he's aboard again for this; must consider.

Oso Smart

He has a little bit of turf in his pedigree, but he's also had his chances to show us what he can do over turf, and he will need to step up his game to win this; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 3/9 going 1m vs. 30k MCL's with a 66 Beyer.

Pantera Rojo

His three starts over turf have been solid performances and he has to be considered a solid fit with this group of maiden special weight rivals; feel that he's elgible to be ready to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff.

Kozani

Like what he's shown us in his first three starts and he appears to be well meant while going sprint-to-route for his second start back from a layoff; he's out of stakes winning dam who won 3 of 13 turf starts for 227k, and Talamo has won with 3 of 9 mounts for this barn at the current stand. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Fourth Generation

In a race where it looks like the winner will earn a Beyer Speed Figure in the mid-upper 60's, or possibly into the 70's, this colt sports a top figure of 52 after four starts; Van Dyke has won with 3 of 9 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Big Medicine Man

Like the idea of him dropping in with maiden claimers for the first time, and if he runs the way he did two and three back over turf, he's going to be difficult to deny; runner up from latest won next out here on 3/7 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with an 87 Beyer.

Secret Wishes

He has some early speed, so going to look for him to be involved in the running through the opening stages, but it's tough to envision him keeping up with the top contenders through the lane.

Rob's Pal

This looks like a good spot to get him back over turf, and not only has his recent form over dirt been improved, but this will be his first turf start against maiden claiming competition; he's a player in this spot while going out for a barn and rider that team up with success.

Street Maven

His first two career starts over turf weren't bad performances and it's interesting to see O'Neill go back to turf with him right after a claim, especially with Bejarano getting the assignment; can't ignore.

Stauffenberg

He did well when outrunning his odds two starts ago, but outside of that perfomance his form hasn't been very encouraging; third-place finisher from latest won next out here on 3/22 going 1 1/16m vs. 20k MCL's with a 66 Beyer.

Village Kitten

It would have been nice to have seen him show a little bit more in his career debut but he's by a strong turf sire and it wouldn't be a shocker if he was able to produce an improved performance now that he has some racing experience to draw from.

Bertrane

He has some turf in his pedigree and he took a step in the right direction at second asking; this is a very capable turf barn and find it interesting that they see fit to call upon a veteran rider like Gryder for this.

Silectico

Silic has been a poor influence as a turf sire and this gelding hasn't finished better than fourth or closer than 11 lengths to the winner in his first six starts; he has the look of an outsider. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Spud Spivens

Returns from a brief freshening after showing little in 2 starts since coming back from a year and a half on the shelf; 6 year old was ok earlier in his career, but each of his 4 wins came over synthetic footing and off what he's shown of late he's clearly not what he once was; just watching him here.

Appealing Tale

Tough to argue with the front running efforts of either of his last 2 triple digit Beyer scores which made it clear he loves the local footing; 4 year old will tackle his best bunch yet in this spot but he has had some time to get over this big efforts and he draws inside his main pace foes; he's going to have to run every step, but looks to be the one they'll have to run down to win.

For Cash

Shipper makes his first local start off the freshening for an outfit that does quite well off this type of break; gelding has yet to run a number that would even put him in the picture with some of these yet he's the co-highweight of the bunch; tough to much of a case for him winning this one.

Cat Burglar

Four year old has only run a handful of times and enters this off a bit of a freshening with a sharp drill from last week in tow; he has shown significant ability thus far but now he'll tackle stakes runners for the initial time; guy who wired him 2 starts back shows up in this spot as well, but maybe he's a little more engage on the front end this time; contender.

Fury Kapcori

Steps back up to the stakes ranks seeking his third straight score following a couple of winning triple digit Beyer efforts; 4 year old has run big off a freshening in the past and he does retain the top local pilot's services, but he's done his better running on the front end and he'll draw outside another rival who boasts the same style; picks up weight and will likely be in a fight from the bell.

Get Happy Mister

Makes his first start in over 10 months while going for a new outfit in his local debut; gelding has speed and he was a sophomore SW at this trip around this time last year; expect his speed will be on display and he does get a solid pilot for this, but have to think he ends up needing one before we see his best; keeps things going along up top.

Clubhouse Ride

Outran his price when switched back to the main track in the G2 San Carlos earlier in the month and nearly pulled of the upset; 6 year old was much better going long last year and the barn does excellent work with its runners stretching out; with all the pace signed on here it looks as if they'll have him to hold off. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Monastic

Speedy gelding adds the hood after getting beaten as the chalk in his return from the short break; inside draw should give him an easier path to the top though he is cutting back and will face some stretchout sprint lick; he has given it up late willingly and a couple of these finished ahead of him last time, but he'll probably again have to be run down.

Irish Surf

Makes his first start back from the break after competing in some classy events in the fall; gelding should feel the class relief in this spot and he is working rather well of late for his first start of the year, but he hasn't done much over the local sod and he may just be better at longer trips than he'll tackle here.

A Toast to You

Stretches out for his return to this outfit's care after getting beaten as the chalk going down the hill a couple of weeks back; he owns sprint numbers that play out very well in this spot and he is a route winner; gelding figures to be more involved from the bell and can't be overlooked.

Ready for More

He was in way over his head on the main track last time and now he'll get back to footing that has been pretty kind to him; expect he'll prove to be the quickest of this bunch early and he did almost take a cheaper bunch all the way on the front end when last trying this trip in the fall; expect they'll have to come and get him to win.

Spring Up

Ran well for third money in his return from the freshening at the level earlier in the month but the runner up from that heat returns in this spot as well; maybe he moves forward second time back from the break and he did go on a nice little run on this circuit in the fall; one to consider.

Power Ped

He's the field's highest last out Beyer earner on the green and he enters this off a couple of sharp efforts; turned the tables on one of these last time and he should again get some pace in front of him while cutting back to the trip of his local maiden score; one to fear in the lane.

Hear the Ghost

Faced some of the better older runners in training in the Big 'Cap here a few weeks back and didn't have much of an impact; gelding returned to work ok for his turf debut and his sire gets 10% winners from his initial surface starters; dam's lone foal to try the green was 0 for 4 over the footing and this outfit doesn't do nearly as well on this footing as they do on the main track.

Empty Headed

Hasn't been a threat to the winner in any of his starts since stepping up to this level; gelding did look to sharpen his early interest down the hill last time and he has won twice going long over this course, but can't get too excited about his chances of getting in the mix here.

Razorbill

He's another who tried the hill last time and he was again given some time off the effort; 5 year old ran well at the trip and level at Saratoga last summer and he has been working regularly for the comebacker, but don't know that he'll be up to offering his best first time back; just watching.

Coastal Breeze

Tackles older runners in his first start back from half a year on the shelf; he's SP from just 2 cracks on the green and he's working well for his return to the races in his first start for this barn; he'll need to improve from a numbers standpoint and he hasn't run so well off works in the past, though.

Little Jerry

Speedy gelding starts from the outside slot while moving to the lawn in his local return; he boasts a sharp drill for this so expect his lick will again be on display but note that he has yet to win from 7 starts on the green and he has certainly had his stamina issues. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Notbyemyrules

The speed is there, the stamina is not; dam took debut at 2, lost only other start; lone half sis to race lost 3 times; shorter trip should work to her advantage.

Sweet Heat

Mulhall 7 for 36 or 19% the last 5 years with debuting maiden claimers with a median payoff of 4-1; Heatseeker 3 for 55 with debuters; sire took juvenile debuting sprinting on grass in Ireland, took the Big Cap, earned over $1.1 million; stakes winning 6 for 29 dam earned nearly $90K; this is her first to race; she has drilled steadily and fast.

Puttybadshark

Koriner 4 for 20 the last 5 years with maiden claimers coming off a long layoff like this one; off poorly in both starts last year but she has trained forwardly for this; dam lost 8 times; 4 of 6 siblings won; the best was Exactly, who took 3 of 17, earned about $45K; like fact she trained farther than this race is carded.

Mayie

Jones 2 for 32 the last 5 years with debuting maiden claimers; Swiss Yodeler about 11% with debuters in a 537-horse sample; sire took debut at 2, won first 5 starts, including a Grade 2 and Grade 3; 1 for 6 dam earned $45K, won on grass; 5 of 6 siblings won; top earner Daily Forecast was one for 13, earned nearly $50K; homebred looks fit enough.

Rockin Cowgirl

Not disgraced vs. winners in Phoenix, and you can never dismiss sub :22 speed; place horse in last cashed next out in a $13.4K N2L allowance, than ran out of the money in an N3L spot; trainer has spotted runners this meet exceptionally.

Coyote Kate

Machowsky 2 for 27 the last 5 years with debuting maiden claimers with a median payoff; Holy Mountain 6 for 76 with debuters; sire was 3rd in best result at 2, took multiple Grade 3s, banked nearly $300K; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; homebred has drilled solidly and is in good hands.

Cleverly Beverly

Miss has shown the ability to pass horses but she also has had her chances; backers can point to the fact a full sibling won twice, earned over $70K; long overdue.

Awesome Request

Awesome Jet 0 for 9 with debuters; sire did not run at 2, took one of 13, banked about $55K; dam 0 for 5; this is her first to race; note no published moves in February.

Swiss Peak

She may have just bounced in last after solid return to kick off the year; SW 6 for 28 dam earned over $300K; lone half sis Alpine Empire took debut at 2 in only start in a MSW in Inglewood with a 56 Beyer; must find a way to turn the tables on rival on the direct outside among others.

Nueva Fortuna

Spawr 3 for 17 the last 5 years with second shooting maiden claimers and 2 ran second; tons best of the rest but she did get to lugging; drawn right and barn is patient, so fact she ran so well in the debut is encouraging; 1 for 12 dam earned about $30K; this is her first to race; should be right there.

Rose Butch

Limited data on Butch; sire took one of 4, banked nearly $50K; dam lost only start; this is her first to race; lean toward watching one. - Brian Mulligan