Santa Anita: Closer Looks for March 8, 2014

Race 1

Faith Hope Love

Showed much more gate speed in the latest attempt and the return to this distance should help her chances immensely; unless the first-timers in this field are above average in quality, this filly seems more than capable of stealing the show.

Dancinginthestreet

Returns to the main oval where she earned her best Beyer; compromised by a wide post and trip in her last assignment on the turf, she did not fire her best shot; draws comfortably now and can be a late presence if there is the right set-up.

Beverly the Boss

Exits the same race as the previous entrant but she was caught up in a testing pace battle in that one and faded; may apply enough pressure to Faith Hope Love to affect the outcome and should be a square price as well.

Daylight's Coming

After flashing decent early speed in her debut, she did not threaten in a minor stakes thereafter last summer; her sire won 6 of 15 and 148K while the dam won 1 of 7 and 47K; this is her sole foal to compete; some upbeat works in February to note.

Beauty's Self

Beginner was sired by multiple G1 type Rock Hard Ten who captured 1.87 million and whose progeny have won 33 out of 260 debuts; the dam was without a victory in 5 attempts; sib to 52K earner Wellington Beauty.

Satirical

Offspring of Distorted Humor, a multiple G2 winner who netted 769K, have scored in 124 out of 750 initial starts; the dam was zero for 16 lifetime; sib to G2 victor Rule who amassed 1.16 million in earnings.

Shared Image

Found the climb from claimers to special weights a difficult one a month ago; her sire won 5 of 24 and 236K while the dam won 2 of 9 attempts and 57; among the winning sibs is 57K earner Truckin; encouraged by the latest blowout. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Snuggley Bear

His two most recent races over the main track here have been plenty strong enough to stamp him as a top contender in this spot, but this is only his second turf start, and maybe he's starting to look like the type that might hang around the maiden ranks for a while.

Pantera Rojo

Both of his starts over turf have been fine performances and is colt is eligible to be ready for better while making his second start as a 3-year-old after being given some time off; he commands his share of respect against these.

Van Fraassen

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and dam won once from seven starts, for 44k, including one of six turf starts for 41k; he showed up with a much improved performance at second asking and he might be looking forward to getting a chance to see what he can do over turf.

Maxx the Kid

He's by a solid turf sire and he's out of a stakes winning dam who won 3 of 10 turf starts for 141k; however, he has had a few chances to show us what he can do racing over turf, and he will need to step up his game to get the better of this bunch.

Excessive Kid

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a multiple stakes winning dam who won 3 of 5 starts for 173k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 76k; his career debut was an encouraging performance and that race was originally scheduled for turf.

Argentine

Maybe this colt deserves another chance to see what he can do over turf, especially routing, but he's going to need to produce a much improved performance in order to have a say in the outcome against these.

Cowtownmary

It looks like Bejarano might have opted to pilot another in here, but like what this gelding has shown us in his first two starts, and Maldonado was aboard for a solid performance in his career debut; feel that this one deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Bury Pacer (IRE)

He's one of two interesting options to consider in here for the O'Neill barn and they see fit to call upon Rosario for this; he's another lightly raced runner who has shown a good deal of ability that is eligible to still have more to show us. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Cotton Valley

Sire gets 11% first out winners and the dam was a 3 time winner and 192K earner who dropped 2 foals including 6 time winner (4 sprints) and 158K earner Harmonious Union; worktab for his unveiling is steady and the barn is profitable with its newcomers.

Rough Passage

Earned a big number when runner up at a slightly longer trip last time; he's hit the board in each of his 4 local starts and he's certainly quick enough to secure a tracking spot from the bell in this one; sharp drills suggest he's set for another big effort; one to beat.

Talent Show

Sire gets 7% winners from his newcomers and this guy's multiple SP dam was a 7 time winner and 184K earner; lone sib was a limited route winner; he boasts some quick drills for a barn that knows how to get them ready, but he didn't go for all that much at auction; outfit's top pilot is named.

J Serino

Sire gets about 14% winners from his debut runners and the dam was a limited turf winner whose lone foal to race won twice on the green; barn's been on a poor run both with newcomers and at the stand; they paid a good amount for him in training last fall and though he boasts some sharp recent morning moves it has taken them a while to get him to the races.

Ferocious

Just missed when unveiled here in January and now he'll get an added panel to run at; colt went for 300K in training last year and he's been working regularly since the debut run for a barn that does well with its second out runners; a move forward with the initial experience behind him makes him a big threat.

Reno Rebel

He's run twice and was defeated by one of these guy's in each of those starts; he did work well at Los Al the other day for this and maybe he's got another move forward in him; both sibs are multiple winners and the barn is having a nice stand, but a minor award may prove to be his ceiling in this spot.

Cognoscente

Sire gets 10% winners from his debut runners and the limited sprint winning dam dropped multiple sprint winners from each of her 4 foals to race including G2 SP, SW and 125K earner Uptowncharlybrown and SW Startjumpin Marnie, a 218K earner; low percentage barn hasn't had any recent luck right out of the box and the drills don't offer many clues.

Sing With Bling

Sire hits with 14% of his firsters and the limited winning dam's lone foal to race was winless from 1 start; barn boasts some recent luck with newcomers and the recent drills are ok, but this guy went for less than half his sire's stud fee at auction.

Act

Showed good speed first time out but had little left to offer in the drive; expect he'll be tighter with that one behind him and his pilot sticks as he tackles an added half panel today; he has a right to improve, but the guy drawn to his immediate outside also figures to bring it early so he's gonna have to work for this.

Gameboy Luke

Showed sharp early foot before fading in each of his starts and now he'll return from the break from this outside slot; his drill earlier in the week suggests his lick remains intact so expect to again see him winging it early while getting another new rider; lone sib was a 6 time winner (5 sprints); expect to see him rolling from the bell. - Steve Grabowski

Race 5

Home Run Kitten

Youngster draws cozy slot after dull try in his Graded debut; he did start from the inside in the lone win and it is not easy to win from the rail on the hillside turf course; sire never won on dirt but was 2nd beaten a head at Belmont on dirt and did win up to a mile and a half on grass; dam was 0 for 4, lone full sister Let the Kitten Run took 2 of 17, earned about $70,000, was grass only; he has drilled steadily for this but must find a way to turn the tables on the Hawk.

Unstoppable Colby

Was a bad actor at the gate early in his career but connections gave him a chance in the Smarty Jones when he was out in post 9 and never kicked; sire was a proven router, his dam was unraced and her foal Earthwork graduated at 8 and a half furlongs in Japan; the horse that beat this runner in November last time took a $50,000 optional next out, was third in the Lecomte and out of the money in the Risen Star; trained by Lukas, and we learned during last year s Triple Crown Trail one can never under estimate a runner from this barn.

Rprettyboyfloyd

Connections have options as they entered here Friday in a MSW at a mile; he's been a bad actor at the gate but this $16K purchase did not lose the faith of his connections as he was entered in a Grade 3 in his third start despite still being a maiden when finishing third of 6; he ran his final quarter in :12.63; sire won Graded routes, was second in the Kentucky Derby and his dam also won routing. The lone sibling to race, Stick to Your Guns, was turf only but did win at 9 furlongs; tough to adore.

California Chrome

Runner is sharp as a tack; three stakes wins in his career at distances from 5 and a half to this very distance of 8 and a half furlongs and he was flattered when the horse he just beat by over 5 and a half lengths, Tamarando, returned to loop the El Camino Derby field winning by a half-length with a 91 Beyer; Cal-bred has worked fast of late including a best of the morning 1:11 4/5 workout last month; he has to prove he can ramble with open company and this caliber foe; Sherman is 15 for 74 or 20% the last 5 years with horse that won their last start and 15 others ran in the money.

Sawyer's Hill

Mirror mirror races and neither was pretty; 2nd and 8th finishers in his Del Mar debut graduated next out; colt lost a little ground last time in his dirt debut when out finished by Rprettyboyfloyd; must prove he can go this far but his sire won a Grade 1 going 9 furlongs; dam won at a mile once and this is her first to race; like the foundation drills that Mulhall has put into this runner but it s never simple beating winners as a maiden especially in a Graded stakes.

Bayern

A pro in his 7-furlong debut and that race came back live as 2 exited the race to win next out and 3 others ran 2nd; visually impressive stretching out to a mile he took the track from the sound of the bell; sire won the Grade 1 Suburban at the Kentucky Derby distance; dam was unraced and both of his siblings won routing; rider had this to say in the Stevens: "In his last start, I was just test driving him in the backstretch and since that race he s shown me more in his last 2 works than he did in the race. He has a great mind and I m expecting a big performance."

Kristo

Consistent and after graduating routing he was sent along in the Sham, after being a bit nervous in the paddock, but could not hold off the Baffert charge; sire is known as a sprinter but did win routing; stakes winning dam was sprint only but was Grade 3 placed a mile; there is other speed in here and this colt may have a harder time rolling along on the lead; still rates a long look for all the marbles.

Schoolofhardrocks

He brings an ideally-structured work pattern to this race and the 2/26 drill of 1:11 2/5 jumps off the page; son of Rock Hard Ten has every right to thrive with distance as his sire won the Santa Anita Derby; dam only race once but she made the most of it coming from dead last; all three siblings won, two banked 6 figures including Coffee Clique, who won a Grade 3 at this distance and earned over $190K; Hofmans is 5 for 29 or 17% the last 5 years with synthetic to dirt runners with a median price of 6-1; interesting.

Midnight Hawk

No disgraced getting beat by impressive Candy Boy; he was a bit rank but reportedly has been much better in this training for this race; sire won over $2.6 million, colt s dam was Grade 1 placed and graduated in a stakes; once again they will need the running shoes to beat this runner; his trainer had this to say in the Bloodhorse, Bob Baffert: 'He's coming into the race really well. He backed off a step off his win in the Sham, but he s still a pretty good horse. We ve been working with him to get him to be more manageable. When he learns to settle, he will be more effective."

Recanted

Second start stateside here; after graduating at first asking sprinting on grass, he has only been in the money once since and is coming off a trouble fifth on the hill; there is plenty of stamina on the top of this pedigree as this colt's sire won the Belmont Stakes; dam was unraced though and her lone other foal won just three sprints and was out of the money in both route attempts; horse that beat this runner in his July finale made it three in a row next out taking a $265,9K stakes at the Curragh with a 121 Racing Post Rating; at least value should be there. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Anniversary Kitty

Full sister to stakes placed Indian Ashton (7-31, 285k, including 4 of 16 turf starts for 200k) ran very well in earning a stakes placing in her first route attempt at second asking, and the third-place finisher from that race returned to win next out here on 2/17 going 6 1/2f vs. 50k OPC's with an 85 Beyer.

Loan Savant

Late running filly sports improved recent form but she has been beaten by a few of today's rivals in her two most recent races and she will need to dial up the sharpest performance of her career to get the better of this field.

Sushi Empire

She was a sharp winner while earning a stakes victory in her most recent turf attempt two races ago, and it's easy enough to forgive the sub par performance in her latest outing when facing G1 competition in her dirt debut; leaning toward others for the top spot, but not willing to count her out of the mix.

Soresca (IRE)

It might be worth noting the presence of Nakatani elsewhere in here, but this filly had every right to need her latest race while making her first start back form a layoff, and she might appreciate stretching back out in distance for this.

Screen Goddess

Half-sister to G1 winner Star Billing (3-10, 355k over turf) was much improved with a move to turf at second asking, but she is one of three in here for the Proctor barn, and have to respect the presence of Stevens aboard Diversy Harbor, even if she is getting the services of Rosario for this.

Tiz Kissable

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and minor stakes winning dam won 4 of 21 starts for 115k, including 0-for-2 over turf; she's shown a good deal of ability in her first two starts, but this is obviously a tough test for her first turf attempt.

Nashoba's Gold

Half-sister to G1 winner Nashoba's Key (8-10, $1.2 million, including 4 of 6 turf starts for 600k) ran to her pedigree in her career debut, and not only was she visually impressive in that race, but that was an extremely nice run for a first-time starter going 1 1/8m; she appears to have a ton of potential behind her at the moment.

Diversy Harbor

She's another who was a very impressive winner in her career debut, and even though she earned that win sprinting, her pedigree suggests distance and she's a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Keertana (10-25, $1 million over turf) and multiple graded stakes winner Snow Top Mountain (6-21, 469k over turf); Stevens has won with 7 of 18 (39%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Uzziel

Sire wins with approximately 6% of his turf starters and dam was winless form one start, and it wasn't a turf start; can't ignore her early speed, but this is a tough spot for her to stretch out in distance and get over turf for the first time.

Sheza Smoke Show

Her form has steadily improved from day one and like to see what she did when getting the better of today's rival Loan Savant in her first route attempt in her latest outing; however, she does lose the services of Talamo to Nashoba's Gold.

On the Backstreets

She enters this race fresh off of a stakes victory, and even though she finds herself facing a talented field in her first route attempt, her turf form has been strong and she has a pedigree that suggests distance won't bother her; she has to be respected with Bejarano at the controls.

Savings Account

She closed out her 2-year-old season with a couple of sharp performances, including a near-miss in a G3 in her latest outing, and although Diversy Harbor might be the most appealing of the three Proctor-trained fillies in here, it wouldn't be any surprise to see this miss show up with a sharp try in her first start as a 3-year-old.

Full Ransom

All three of her starts over turf as a 2-year-old were fine performances and she earned a G3 victory when beating a couple of today's rivals two starts back; don't like the extreme outside post at this trip, but she's proven that she has a good deal of ability to work with. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Sahara Sky

Didn't have enough to offer late at a shorter trip when looking to defend his title in the G2 Palos Verdes off 8 months on the shelf; last year's G1 Met Mile winner in New York has also run big at 7 panels and did in fact take this heat's renewal last year as well; inside draw isn't ideal in a big field but he does figure to get some pace in front of him while reuniting with the pilot aboard for his G1 win last spring; one to hold off.

Clubhouse Ride

Moves back to the main track after getting on track too late in the hillside stakes try; 6 year old does not have a lot of sprint experience and his last win did come while tackling 2 turns at Hollywood; though he should get pace up top, thinking he'll again be left with too much to do in the lane against these.

Zeewat

Looked to regain some confidence while getting up to beat weaker at a shorter trip upstate last time; G1 SP at the trip, the guy who beat him in the Malibu earlier in the meeting returns in this spot as well and he can't seem to get to that foe; sharp interim drill says he's on his toes, but even of things break his way, don't know that he's good enough to factor for the top spot.

Big Macher

Statebred has really been on the improve of late and it's tough to fault the recent stakes score against fellow restricted runners; gelding has a solid tracking gear and maybe he's able to employ it to get first run in here, but he'll really get the acid test in this spot and it looks as if it will be a pretty tough one to pass.

Cyclometer

Cal bred tackles graded stakes foes after taking a step back and finishing behind one of these in a restricted heat last time out; his effort 2 back over the track was sharp and he has been working quite well of late for his return but don't know that he's good enough to go with these at a trip that appears to be longer than his best; passing on him today.

Wild Dude

He's responded to the challenge in each of his last 3 heats and now he'll try a 7 panel trip for the first time since Breeders Cup weekend in the fall; he's got the positional foot to secure a spot within striking range of the front runners early and though he hasn't run well at the trip, in his current form it certainly appears as if he'll handle it; picks up some weight but looms a big threat again today.

Ready for More

Moves from the hill to the main while taking on a much tougher bunch than he's used to in this spot; gelding can provide some pace here and he has been working well since his first start under this barn's care, but the class jump will likely prove his undoing; have to look elsewhere.

Let's Get Crackin

Gelding was SP over the local main track as a sophomore but hasn't faced such tough fields in a long time; he was runner up in his last 3 starts here and maybe he's being through to the wolves at the right time as he wasn't beaten much by today's contender Wild Dude 2 back after defeating that guy in the fall; on the turn back, he may be worth a look.

Midnight Transfer

Turns back to sprint after getting a hot clip in front of him and rallying to grab the place last month; expect he'll be tighter third off the break and he's certainly capable of firing in a one turn heat; wasn't much of a threat in this heat last year, but he's one to keep and eye on in the lane at a likely improved price today.

Shakin It Up

G1 Malibu winner at this trip was given a little time off following the solid G2 Strub score second time back from the break; we know he's capable of firing off drills and this outfit excels with runners cutting back in distance; with pace signed on and an impeccable local slate on his resume, he looks to be the main danger. - Steve Grabowski

Race 8

Lochte

He surprised a field when getting the job done in his first G1 opportunity over the Gulfstream Park turf course in his latest outing, and have to respect how easy he made it look against those seven rivals; perhaps this is going to prove to be a tough spot for him to ship across country, but his sharp recent form can't be denied.

Regally Ready

Grade 1 winner is one of two millionaires lined up in this race and have to respect the sharp back-to-back performances he's recorded over this turf course and at today's distance since being returned from a layoff; it's tough to give him the nod over Winning Prize, but there's certainly plenty to be positive about in this direction.

Optimizer

Don't like to see the way that his 2013 season came to a screeching halt, but this 5-year-old is a talented turfer, and at this time last year he had just recorded back-to-back graded stakes wins over turf at Fair Grounds; feel that he can prove to be a player against these on his best day, but this is a tough spot for his first start since August.

Suggestive Boy (ARG)

He got the job done in this event in 2013 and his latest effort after a long layoff can serve as a useful conditioner for this; it would have been nice to have seen him show a little bit more last time, but still going to look for him to be ready for a sharp performance this time around.

Za Approval

Live Oak-homebred seems to be getting better with age and he was last seen finishing within a length of Wise Dan in the BC Mile over this turf course; multiple graded stakes winner is seeking his first G1 win and he's proven himself to be capable of running a good one after taking time off.

Winning Prize (ARG)

Don't want to ignore the presence of Bejarano aboard another in here as he's been aboard this 5-year-old for two very sharp winning performances, but have a lot of respect for what this colt has shown in his three starts over turf since arriving in America, and Nakatani was up for a fine effort two starts back.

Horizontalyspeakin

Have to acknowledge the impact that his early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up, but he isn't likely going to see an easy early lead in this race, and he will have to produce a performance that is much stronger than anything he's done to this point in time in order to contend.

Tom's Tribute

Stakes winning 4-year-old hasn't run a bad race though his first eight starts, and he appears to be going better than even after splitting a couple of today's rivals in a G2 event in his latest outing; he owns the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario and he benefits from the services of Stevens once again.

Silentio

Have to view the presence of Bejarano aboard this multiple graded stakes winner as a sign that his connections feel that he's ready to return to action running, and he's more than capable of proving to be tough to deal with on his best day; runner up from latest won next out at GP on 1/11 going 1 1/16m over turf in a G2 with a 100 Beyer.

Lakerville

Connections deserve a lot of credit for the work they've done with this 6-year-old, especially with regard to the way that he's performed in back-to-back starts since being returned from a very long layoff, but this is an extremely tough spot for him to be making his first start beyond 6 1/2f, and the outside post doesn't help. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Will Take Charge

Did everything right but win his 4-year-old debut in the Grade 1 Donn; proved in the Breeders' Cup Classic that 10F is well within his scope just missing to Mucho Macho Man but gets a negative 2-pound weight swing off that nose decision; working forwardly for the return to 10F at SA where he posted his career-best Beyer speed figure; the one to beat.

Mucho Macho Man

Dominated the Sunshine Millions off his perfect-trip in the 'Classic and gets a positive 2-pound weight switch for the Will Take Charge rematch; powerful last 3 wins make him tough again; the only loss over the track was an exacta in the 2012 'Classic; figures to sit just off Game On Dude then get 1st run on the closers; the pick.

Blingo

Came out of nowhere with his upset in last after previously going 2-0-0-0 on SA dirt; can he fire back to his best against tougher?; today marks the longest-distance test of career with negative 3-pound weight swings off the recent decision defeating Imperative and American Blend; beat the 3-back show finisher a next-out 102 Beyer AQU-optional claiming winner.

Imperative

1st-blinkered start was a huge effort and new Beyer Top when edged by Blingo; gets a 3-pound positive weight-swing for this; expecting him to race closer to the front than he has in recent losses; still being winless on the main track is a big knock against in this type of event.

Rousing Sermon

Beat Blingo in last which makes that race look better with 8 weeks away for a high-percentage fresh trainer; won fresh here in October but his career-best Beyer was at 1 Mile while today marks his longest-distance test since finishing 8th in the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

American Blend

Late runner has never raced 10F but style suggests it is well within his scope; no match for similar in last getting a positive 3-pound weight swing from Blingo; all 3 wins on SA dirt but wish we saw a lot better form in some of his 9F losses to give hope at 10F; others appeal more.

Game On Dude

Seems the one to catch; exits his lowest Beyer since January, 2011, is 6-for-9 when racing 1st the 1st call during career but in recent races when he hasn't made the front he's been far off his best game; field-best speed figure was posted in the 2013 Big Cap; gets the rematch from latest with Blingo and the '13 B.C. Classic where a badly-beaten favorite; trying to remember his best and any runner being loose on an easy lead is always a plus; contender.

Hear the Ghost

The 1st-blinkered start where fading at shorter did not give a lot of confidence for today's longest-distance test of career outing; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-G2 with a 94 Beyer; working like he is ready to fire another careerbest speed figure which would be needed to make an impact here. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Boompa

Moves to the fence for another crack at the level after running out of ground last time; gelding doesn't have much speed so the inside draw won't help him, but he does figure to appreciate the added half panel of this heat; others have run faster, but maybe he's able to get in the mix for a minor share at a price.

Chief Lion

Got off to a poor start in his return from the freshening but showed another dimension in rallying from out of it to get beaten just a length for all the money in his first with winners; gray was pretty sharp on the front end over other footing at Hollywood prior to that and a good start should give Rosario the option to send or try to sit behind them down inside; consider.

Oliver's Tale

Lightly raced 5 year old was beaten chalk in each of his last 2 starts at the level; he returned from 7 months on the shelf with a big effort, but was given another 4 months off following the try; that local triple digit Beyer off the bench jumps off the pace and he is certainly a quick one when right; he'll have some added ground to deal with here, but thinking his fresh speed will have to be run down.

Got Even

Brings some fresh speed to the table while taking another shot at this level; 5 year old lures Bejarano, but he's also settled for plenty of minor awards; maybe the sight cut back helps and he does like the local main track, but his use is probably best limited to underneath in exotics.

Collation

Makes his first start with older while returning from more than 10 months on the sidelines; he did break his maiden at the local trip last winter and he has a right to return faster, but he'll need to improve quite a bit to step with some of these; just watching the comebacker.

Protocol

He's only run a handful of times so he's got a right to improve and he did run into a couple of next out winners last time, but one of the other guys who finished ahead of him in that heat returns here as well; maiden win back East was solid and it did come fresh; recent drills suggest a move forward may be on tap.

Raised a Secret

Cal bred didn't have much to offer down the hill and he wasn't a threat in either of his sprint tries over this track back in the fall; he is working up a storm of late for his return to the races but don't know that he's going to be set to take the step forward he'll need to get in the mix with these.

Airfoil

Took him 11 cracks to get the maiden score and now he'll try winners; it was nice to see him overcome the inside draw to win and he did return to work well for the slight turn back; he'll need some pace help in front of him again but that's far from out of the question.

Storm Fighter

Makes his first start since getting crushed in the G1 Santa Anita Derby 11 months back; Cal bred did impress breaking his maiden on the initial stretchout try and he does fit better with this bunch; his second out sprint effort was solid and he's certainly working like he wants to get back to the races.

Secretsatmidnight

Draws outside for the turn back to sprint after getting used in pace going long in his return from the freshening last month; gray proved in that one that he can handle the dirt and though he's yet to finish on top on the track he did run big sprinting 2 back; with the barn's main man getting back aboard and a sharp recent drill in tow he can't be overlooked. - Steve Grabowski

Race 11

Jonny's Choice

Lone win following the more than 1-year layoff was sprinting although he graduated at longer than 1 Mile and continues to run long; receives a positive 4-pound weight swing off the 3-length loss vs. Jules Journey when fading; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 97 Beyer speed figure.

Cervaro

Win rider takes Abbey Vale off the 36-day layoff for a 15%-fresh trainer; lone win was at today's Mile distance then rallied belatedly at longer with winners; needs a well-timed closing ride to score and hopes Hawk's Eyes goes after This One's for Mel from the gate to help his late kick in a race lacking defined pace.

This One's for Mel

Projected as the one to catch but sees the near-miss rider from last siding with Magic Channel who defeated him in a win photo in last; both of his victories were accomplished at 1 Mile on grass and catches a field lacking any other gate speed other than Hawk's Eyes which could leave him loose on an easy cushion.

Kochees

Off the bench with a new rider after screaming out for more distance in last and gets it here; the winner from last repeated in an SA-100K stakes with a 96 Beyer; main knock is both route races in career were off-the-board finishes and the trainer yields just 7% sprint-to-route winners since 2013.

Jules Journey

Graduated at 1M on the SA green and owns his Beyer-career best speed figure at this trip; winless since 2012 is the main issue while 6 weeks away for a 6%-winning fresh trainer is not easy to take; best races are when stalking the speed but have not seen his-good tactical speed off latest layoff.

African Oil (FR)

3-1-1-1 record in Mile-turf races during career shedding 12 pounds to race with his lowest-weight assignment ever while 1st Lasix for a 4-for-11 trainer with 1st-time Imports since 2013; working on SA dirt like he is ready to rumble; the pick.

Magic Channel

3-for-4 in the USA including a Mile victory; the win rider from last takes Abbey Vale while new rider Nakatani seemingly had other options also but lands here; main knock is the jockey-trainer combo's 8%-win rate at SA since 2013; off recent hot paper seems the one to beat.

Hawk's Eyes (BRZ)

Raced on the lead fresh 1st time in the USA; he went right to the front in last; have to go back to September, 2012, to see his last win in Brazil; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 88 in a next-out 50K-claiming win; know him early but unsure about late.

Prospector's Trick

Seeks the repeat off the 41-day layoff for a high-percentage fresh trainer; shocked the field in latest eclipsing his prior Beyer best by 15 points 1st time T Baze and off the 8-week layoff produced the new Top defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 91 in a next-out SA-OPC win.

Footbridge

Has plenty to prove on grass off his 2-back green debut when rallying mildly; his field-best Beyer speed figure was from a stalking trip on dirt at today's Mile distance; did not show any of the same main-track spark in last which was displayed one year ago locally.

Abbey Vale (IRE)

Just 1 win and that was on a synthetic surface in 2012; way off best form in the pre-rest loss but gets 1st Lasix and in with his lightest assignment since July; trainer does well with new acquisitions while the key is rider Bejarano had many other options but lands here; contender.

Presenceofagenius

Will have to overcome the ground-losing draw while gets his 4th different rider in as many races which is not a good-win angle; has not done much wrong in 3 starts including the 2-back victory; the only time racing 1 Mile was a victory.

Hittheroadrunning

Much better placement as his 1st-SA turf start was a stakes loss when defeated by Jules Journey who follows him here; another wide draw to overcome today; he broke slowly from the 12 in last; the 2-back runner-up finisher posted a 91 Beyer in a next-out win. - Art Gropper