Santa Anita: Closer Looks for May 17, 2014

Race 3

Death Star

The winner and show finisher from last posted 90-86 Beyer speed figures in next-out TUP-35K stakes and SA-optional-claiming victories; co-field-best Beyer was produced on a synthetic surface while enters this 2-0-0-0 on dirt; off the 57-day layoff will be taking a wait and see approach.

Midnite View

Nearly shocked the world 1st blinkers beating Honduran and showing he can perform nearly as well on dirt as synthetic surfaces which he seems best on; has a big one-run style and hopes someone goes after Seeking the West early to help his late punch.

Honduran

Mixed reviews with blinkers on but it produced a new career-best Beyer speed figure; the hood is being removed for this trying to turn the tables on 2 runners that just beat him; good sign that a 24%-winning SA jockey-trainer combo stays intact for this.

Seeking the West

Projects as the lone speed here; exits a co-field-best Beyer speed figure racing 2.5F longer than today's event; speed was not holding at today's distance this meet; in 8 SA races at 1M and 16th on dirt through April 25-May 11 just one winner went gate-to-wire and three quarters of the winners raced 3rd or farther back at the 1st call.

Kochees

His last dirt start was in the Grade 2 San Felipe more than 1 year ago but has been working strongly on SA dirt for this; debut win on grass and hard not to conclude he is better on the lawn; the trainer brings 12% win numbers turf-to-dirt since 2013; big-closing kick fits the profie of winners at today's distance at SA.

Race 4

Winning Prize (ARG)

Repeatedly proven fresh, he has valid speed but doesn't need the lead to succeed and he's unbeaten on this course; that's a nice start; 7th finisher in last took a $79K stakes next out and the 8th finisher beat $100K optional foes next out; the one to beat.

Obviously (IRE)

The class is there and so is the speed; he just went too fast early in the last 2 races; show horse in last took the Grade 2 Citation next out and monster Wise Dan has won two Grade 1s since; bullets in holster and he figures to be flying on the front end as usua; respect.

Pure Tactics

This race comes up pretty dicey; it's a far cry from beating runners in a $50K stakes; in the exacta in 4 of 5 at this distance but he basically got good for about a month last year; needs very best.

Silentio

Hung wide from post 8 in last; 11/29 place horse cashed next out in a Grade 2, was 2nd beaten a length in a G3 at Belmont on May 3; note he was well clear against Wise Dan last November and if you figure he just needed the last, you can build a case for a move forward; pace should also be hot enough to help him.

Chips All In

Half of the 4 turf wins came at 8 furlongs; proven fresh and he has the sub :45 speed to draw from; drills are ideally spaced and like the more energy he flashed in the drill a week ago; don't sell too short.

Smart Ellis

Toss last; not a lot of horses can go that far; he has trained forwardly for this is repeatedly proven off the layoff and would not be shocked if he is keen to run early since he is fresh; Garcia fits him; don't ignore.

Tigah (GB)

Proven on the course vs. softer; the post won't hurt since he has limited speed anyway; note Smith was up for the local victory; look for pilot to try to get him to settle, attempt to save ground, and then try to find a seam to rally into in time.

Race 5

Gal Has to Like It

Draws inside for the slight class rise after running a big second behind a subsequent repeater in his first off the barn's claim; gelding has early foot and it figures to be on display from this inside draw; barn hasn't had any recent luck with its runners off this type of freshening but this guy has been working ok and should try to take them as far as he can go.

Too Fast to Pass

Drops in company after a decent try here a few weeks back; he hasn't run as well since stepping in with older rivals but his effort 3 back over the track was very good; if he gets back to it he could have a big impact at a nice price and he is working pretty well of late.

Explain

Gelding is offered for a cheap tag in just his second start after this outfit paid more than 3 times today's price tag to grab him; his local numbers earlier in the year were pretty big and they'd make him tough to down if repeated here, but the fact they are willing to lose a bundle on him today is a cause for concern.

Shame On Alex

Five year old showed little when dropped back in for a tag in his local return and now they'll move him in to face an easier bunch; he hasn't shown much of the speed that helped him succeed earlier in his career and until he does it's tough to make much of a case for him; just watching today.

Close to the Edge

He was right there in midstretch last time and should be tighter with his return from the break behind him; gelding doesn't win very often anymore and that's a concern but maybe things will be more to his liking early in this one; 3 time winner is one to consider.

Courtside

Gray has been in pretty good form this year and now he'll try better after a hot clip up top set up that last score; he's handy enough to sit close to the pacesetters and his work 5 days ago mirrored the move he made just 5 days prior to that last win.

Jovita's Tuffy

Popular claim of late earned a big number in beating conditioned claimers in impressive fashion 3 weeks back; late runner doesn't have any early foot but the pace in front of him should be rapid; concern is that he doesn't put big ones back to back, but the barn boasts solid numbers with its newly claimed runners.

Hamiltonian

Ships in to make his local debut off a beaten chalk return from the freshening at Turf Paradise; barn does well with newly acquired runners but this one does his better running on the front end and it's going to be tough for him to be prominent early from out here.

Money Cannon

Adds shades while turning back to sprint on the surface switch; he finished behind one of these 2 back and he's certainly working like he won't be outquicked early at this trip; worth a look for a barn that's had a nice beginning here.

Carlot Cowboy

Outside drawn shipper is offered for less than this outfit paid for him 2 starts back in Arkansas; gelding owns just one recent number that would put him in the mix here and though his last wasn't bad, he'll need to move forward off it quite a bit to threaten these.

Race 6

Boompa

Since a promising career debut, his form really hasn't improved all that much, and even though his form hasn't been bad by any means, he hasn't finished better than fourth in his last nine starts; third-place finisher from latest won next out at SA on 5/4 going 7f vs. 40k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Raise the Hoof

His form has headed in the right direction since being placed over turf two starts ago, but this looks like it's a tough field of 40k OPC's for him to be meeting up with, especially when considering that there's early speed in here to match his.

I Earned It Baby

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and multiple graded stakes placed dam won once from six starts for 72k, and she didn't make a turf start; turf is a question, but this 200k purchase is two-for-two in the quality start department to begin his career, and he's eligible to be ready for better in his first start as a 3-year-old.

Back to Bako

Half-brother to multiple graded stakes winner Unzip Me (12-20, 879k over turf) took a big step forward in his second start back from a long layoff in his latest outing, and if he can come right back with that same level of performance, he'll be in with a solid chance to make it back-to-bako wins

Indexical

His one start over turf was in a tough spot and he's a 1/2 to Master Achievement (5-21, 143k over turf); like the idea of him getting a chance to see what he can do sprinting over turf but he might have a tough time avoiding an early pace dispute.

Remind Mee

His recent form has been sharp, including a start sprinting down the hill two back, and it's been tough to ignore anything coming out of this barn lately; Perez has won with 14 of 42 (33%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Crimson Giant

His complete lack of early speed is always a concern and he was beaten by today's rival Incline Village the last time he was seen racing over turf; note that he has just a single win next ot his name after 52 career starts.

Number Five

Lightly raced 3-year-old displayed solid form when last seen and he's a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes placed Trend (3-24, 256k over turf); runner up from latest won next out here on 5/3 going 6 1/2f over turf in a 78k stakes with an 84 Beyer; Stevens has won with 5 of 13 (38%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Incline Village

This gelding has a little bit of turf in his pedigree and his only poor start from five turf attempts was routing; he sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here and he earned that figure sprinting down the hill; this barn is perfectly capable of having one ready to fire when fresh.

Race 7

Shop Forever

Marino Marini about 15% with debuters in a 185-runner sample; sire won first 2 starts at 2 including a stakes, banked nearly $300K, all on grass; 3 for 15 dam was route only; 2 of 7 siblings won; top kin banked about 35 grand; note gap in published drills till 4/27.

Real Deal Appeal

Was stopped on after the career effort; note show horse in last graduated next out in a maiden $25K seller, then lost 7 in a row without running out of the money; at least there are a couple of winners in the tree; respect.

Compulsive

Freshened as he showed in the career cheap spot; last race came back live; place horse took a MSW next out, show horse took a maiden $50K claimer, 9th finisher was 2nd a head in a maiden $30K seller and the trailer won a maiden $5K event; needs very best.

D'italia

No luck in the Pomona races; 6th finisher in last took a maiden $6500 seller in New Mexico, place horse was 2nd a nose in a maiden $25K Fresno fray and the winner repeated in a $40K starter; dam lost only start; this is her first to race; passing.

Vite Tribal Reign

Tribal Rule about 14% with debuters in a 380-runner sample; sire graduated as older horse, took 2 of 4, banked nearly $80K; dam was 0 for 3; 4 of 5 siblings won; 3 banked 6 figures; drills are well spaced.

Slewissurfing

Can never dismiss sub :22 speed; 4 for 15 dam banked over $130K; 2 of 3 siblings won, one banked nearly $45K; homebred is in good hands and looks live.

Newport Red

Still in for 13 grand more than purchase price; 2 for 15 dam earned over $40K; 3 of 6 siblings won; one banked nearly $50K; would tread lightly here.

Victory Parade

Was cold on the tote and never kicked; dam was unraced; lone half bro Genius Level took 6 of 25, earned over $60K; not sold on chances.

Destino

After 33 starts, it's just hard to find the upside;5th finisher in last took a maiden $20K claimer, 6th finisher took a maiden $8K GG fray, 7th finisher took a maiden $50K in Phoenix and the trailer beat maiden $3500 Los Al players; passing.

Rare Punch

Only beat a pair after walking out of the gate; dam just one for 19; several winners in the family, none were much stock; trainer has spotted them well with limited starters this year.

Oscars On Fire

Note he had wraps for the debut; 6 for 18 dam earned over $180K; one of 3 siblings won and that racer was just one for 6; needs a reversal of fortune.

Triunfo

The Orange County drills are well spaced; dam 0 for 10; this is her first to race; backers have to hope the drop shakes him up.

Fifteen Black

Gelding has found his proper level; connections would love to see him start acting like top kin Chairman Now, who earned over $260K; will be right there if scratches are kind.

Grey Is Best

Off an improved effort and he could be more relaxed with the blinks off; 4 for 30 dam earned nearly $70K; this is her first to race; he seems to be coming around.

Race 8

Indian Gods

It's difficult to ignore the long layoff, but this 5-year-old showed ability in his first five starts, and it does look like they tried to tighten the screws a little bit in his latest workout; prefer to keep looking around in here but wouldn't be shocked if he gave a good account of himself against these.

Stauffenberg

From 11 starts, he hasn't even recorded a runner-up finish, and his lack of early speed is likely going to leave him with a lot of ground to cover when he hits the top of the stretch; note that he's been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his recent starts.

Midnight Mayhem

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his turf starters and minor stakes placed dam won 11 of 29 starts for 193k, including 5 of 14 turf starts for 111k; runner up from latest won next out at SA on 5/11 going 1m vs. 20k MCL's with a 70 Beyer.

Stolen Property

Cowboy Cal is off to a good start as a turf sire and this gelding is a 1/2 to Notexactlyagiven (3-9, 24k over turf); he's eligible to be ready for better at second asking and it's interesting to see Garcia get the call for this.

Grachus the Hunter

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this gelding is a 1/2 to stakes winner E B Ryder (4-11, 167k over turf); perhaps the move to turf can prove to be a key for this runner.

Rob's Pal

This is a barn and rider that team up with success, and this gelding shares the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here with Misdeed, but it's just tough to place confidence in him for the top spot when seeing that he's seeking his first career win in start number 15.

Public Interest

He's been his own worst enemy but he clearly has some talent and his connections might be pulling out all the stops by placing him in with 50-40k MCL's; winner from latest won next out at SA on 2/15 going 1m vs. starter alw. rivals with an 81 Beyer.

Billy Mac

It would have been nice to have seen him show more in his career debut and it's probably worth noting the presence of Talamo aboard another in here; runner up from debut won next out here on 4/26 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with an 88 Beyer.

Misdeed

He has a strong turf pedigree and he has to be considered one of the stronger options to consider in here as he gets ready to make just his second start against maiden claiming competition; note that he was nosed out by today's rival Rob's Pal in his latest start.

Race 9

D'ya Knowwhatimean

Field's highest last out Beyer earner enters this stakes heat off a sharp placing against older foes a couple of weeks back; she's SP over the track and has never been out of the exacta in 4 local spins; like the improved early foot she showed last time which could help her sit a good spot in a field that doesn't contain a lot of early lick; one to beat.

Midnight Dream

Tries 7 panels for the first time after again finishing behind one of today's foes in her stakes debut; she's got some early foot and maybe the added trip enables her to make the lead from this inside draw; don't know that she really wants to go this far but her recent drills suggest she's on her toes and may have to be run down.

Larocco

Adds shades for another crack at some of the gals who crushed her on the surface switch last time; hard to argue with the way she's been working and maybe she gets back on track with the new equipment, but she's got a lot of improving to do in order to get in the mix for a share.

Satirical

She got a hot clip in front of her in the first out maiden breaker but still made a nice run to score from off the pace; she didn't have enough behind some of these in the stake last time but still wasn't beaten much and the pricey yearling buy may appreciate the added half panel; consider.

Empress of Midway

Turns back fresh after running pretty well in an ambitious spot at Sunland last out; filly beat just a few foes to the wire in the maiden breaker over a wet local main track this winter and maybe the return to one turn racing helps move her up some; big threat from close range.

La Casadora

Didn't have a lot to offer going down the hill last month and now she'll get back to the main track over which she broke her maiden; maybe she likes the added trip, but she's yet to run fast enough to have a legitimate say with these; have to side with others.

Delta Flower

Arkansas shipper ran pretty well in beating restricted runners at odds on before moving out here by this new outfit; love the way she's been working over the local main track and she's kicked off pace pressure in that past so maybe she's content with tracking from this outside draw.

Time and Tides

No Cal shipper tries dirt for the first time after beating older gals on Tapeta footing off half a year on the shelf; she's obviously got some ability and it looks as if sprinting is what she wants to do, but she won't have it easy employing her preferred tactics while having never even drilled over the surface she'll tackle today.

Race 10

Warren's Jen Fizz

Exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when just missing; 1st-time Talamo riding who is 1-for-21 at SA for this trainer since 2013; figures to save all the ground after stalking the speed; in the last 10 SA 6.5F turf races through May 11 not one winner scored on the lead and the majority of winners were stalking or breaking midpack which is his style.

Backseat Blonde

Sire is 28-for-173 with 1st-turf starters; 1-for-7 dam (19K)did not race on grass; she produced 2 winners from 5 foals to race on turf including 60K-turfer full Tribalicious (1-for-11 grass); removes blinkers hoping to carry her speed longer; view as a pace presence for part.

Tangelo

Sire is 0-for-8 with 1st-turf starters; 2-for-20 with debut runners; is out of a 3-for-11 Grade 1-placed dam (302K) who won 2-of-8 on turf (263K); she produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race but they are combined 4-0-0-0 on turf.

Jean Edward

Sire is 15-for-227 with 1st-turf starters; 32-for-450 with debut runners; is out of a 4-for-23 dam (175K) who went 4-0-2-0 on turf (20K); she produced 5 winners from 8 other foals to race; 4 foals to race on turf are 0-for-8 combined.

Exclusive Girl

Exits back-to-back Beyers Tops at today's distance on SA grass; late-running style fits the profile of winners but has to get by Warren's Jen Fizz to win; 36 days away for a trainer for 1-for the last-32 with similar layoff runners and 0-for-21 this year

Bea's Bench

Sire is 15-for-230 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal to race from the dam who finished 3rd in her only grass start; troubled-educational unveiling now leaps up in class for the surface switch; overall have mixed feelings.

Natalie Paige

Sire is 61-for-340 with 1st-turf starters; 119-for-729 with debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race is 0-for-1 Bea's Bench who did not race on grass; 0-for-7 trainer with debut runners since 2013 does not add to the appeal.

Sixy Eddie

Projects as a pace presence for part noting that in the last 10 SA 6.5F races though May 11 not one winner scored gate-to-wire; latest dirt workout seems right on the money; seeing 5 off-the-board finishes he has a lot to prove on any surface.

Silbound

Sire is 4-for-79 with 1st-turf starters; 6-for-110 with debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race is 4-0-0-0 Bounce by Memories who did not race on grass; the trainer is not known to win with 1sters (0-for-7 since 2013).

Q' Viva

The runner-up finisher from last Beyered 69 in a next-out SA-MSW win; was primed well in that effort posting a career-best speed figure in his 1st turf start showing improved form since the January claim; woud be more concerned about the layoff if the barn had not won twice fresh already this SA meet with layoff runners; the pick.

Asparagus

Sire is 49-for-312 with 1st-turf starters; 58-for-358 with debut runners; is out of a 1-for-11 dam (51K) who won 1-of-8 on turf (46K); she produced 1 winner from 2 other foals to race who combined for an 0-for-3 turf record.

Inherit the Throne

Racing off the 7-week layoff have a lot of concerns as she's never fired well fresh previously; lone-exacta finish was at shorter on a synthetic surface; shortest-distance test ever at SA where she produced a career-best Beyer at 1 Mile.

Sofis Furia

Sire is 15-for-227 with 1st-turf starters; 7-0-0-2 dam (6K) did not race on grass; her 1 foal to race on grass is 2-0-0-0; has a lot of room to improve off the fading-debut loss where she ran to those long 33-1 odds; is an outsider in this event.

Stracciatella

The blinkers-on experiment only lasted one race; sire is 0-for-7 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who's only other foal to race did not start on grass; the 3-back winner repeated in a FL allowance with a 79 Beyer.

Race 11

Fight the Power

Autrey thought enough of this runner to take him back for same clients; the winner of last repeated in a $30K starter at CD with an 87 Beyer; the blood is there for this racer to have a nice career as he is kin to James Wilfred, who banked over $300K; he ran well from the Oaklawn rail in debut; respect.

Rocked Twice

Far from disgraced in the first try vs. winners; love the spacing of the return drills and slightly shorter trip could work to his favor; valid threat here.

Glitter of Silver

Dropped and got the money and note show hrose was nearly 4 clear; trainer has always had a good eye for a runner and he spots them solidly every year; contention goes deep.

Bosque Angel

More experienced pilot this time; hung wide in last, he was inching toward the winner and he can give you a sub :22 quarter if in the mood; another threat if a good betting race.

Take a Risk

Like the way he powered away and the place horse was clear; backers can hang their hat on fact kin Somethings Unusual earned over $100K; blowout on Wednesday should have him on his toes.

Golden Dynamo

Not sure this is his best distance; he got away with an easy lead in the win and could be left with a ton of work to do late here; would tread lightly.

Presiding Justice

Gelding made the huge move to get within 3 of the lead and then just kept going; note place horse was nearly 3 clear in last; looms an astute claim.

No Ez Money

Been given time since clever maiden breaker; 5th finisher in last took a maiden $20K claimer and 8th finisher took a maiden $8K fray at GG; he was coming away from them a bit late; another that must be left in the hopper.

Fly Boy Roy

Don't be too harsh about last as the hillside can be tricky; he has some work to do to match top kin Beijoca, who was Grade 3 placed, earned over $150K; there seems to be plenty of speed in here to help promote the kick.

Storm Comin Thru

He graduated at Pomona but at least it was off the layoff; must find a way to turn the tables on the Sadler runner among others.

Red N Black Attack

Pressed and faded in last and a mile is probably just pushing the envelope; several solid drills since the turf finale; colt seems to have some try in him; must be left in the exotic conversation at least.

Romar Success

Nice bit of training to have him run so well off the extended layoff; considering the extended layoff, the bounce factor has to be addressed; slight improvement and he'll be around the wire.

Tancred

Try to get a good look at him after the eased line; guess the May 12 spin convinced the stewards; needs a rebound run.