Santa Anita: Closer Looks for May 3, 2014

Race 1

Here Comes Bobbie

Seven furlongs was beyond her scope last month so this cutback in distance can work in her favor; her sire won 4 of 18 races and 402K while the dam won 3 of 28 and 27K; this is her only foal to compete.

Indian Fields

Legitimate excuse in that first defeat; her sire won the G1 Santa Anita Derby and 616K overall; the dam won 1 of 4 attempts and 14K; among the winning siblings is 104K bankroller Candiejas.

Swan Street Lady

Beginner was sired by multiple G1 victor Street Boss who captured 831K and whose progeny have won 20 out of 107 debuts; the dam never raced; winning siblings include 159K earner Trac N Jam.

La Quillotana

New face was sired by G3 type Stormin Fever who netted 484K and whose descendants have won 31 out of 443 initial attempts; the dam was unraced; there are no winning siblings to highlight.

Broadway Bella

Improved a bit in the latest a.m. move; her sire is G1 turf star English Channel who notched 5.31 million (his offspring are 11 for 142 as far as winning their first venture); the dam was zero for 4; sib to 15K earner Southern English.

Jalapenobusiness

Moderate work tab for this beginner; her sire won the Breeders' Cup Mile and 1.42 million overall; progeny of Silic have won 6 out of 108 debuts; the mom won 2 of 18 and 67K; winning sibs include 17K earner Sonora Windy.

Warrensdollarsigns

Flashed improved speed in her first start in nearly 2 months (note strong workout prior to that attempt); exits the same affair as today's rail entrant and the pair may upgrade with this shorter assignment; a healthy price is assured once again.

Blind Dreams

Descendants of crack sprinter Kodak Kowboy, who won 11 of 23 and 1.66 million, have scored in 4 of 36 initial races; the dam never raced and there are no winning siblings to mention; she has been training at longer distances. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Charger Girl

Chronic maiden has yet to earn a money finish and cannot be endorsed; doubtful that the most recent workout can enable her to turn things around suddenly; pass until much more enthusiasm is shown.

Mayie

Decent effort first time out when making 2 moves behind Puttybadshark; her sire won 761K including G1 success; the dam went 1 for 6 earning 45K; among the winning siblings is 46K bankroller Daily Forecast.

Thames Valley

Back to blinkers (her sole attempt with them was in a key race where she did not factor); latest workout was a distinct improvement and perhaps that can enable her to show more early speed against this light contingent.

Secret Sorority

Even try in the last run which featured an alert break for a change; makes only her third start since last September and has faced repeat winners twice in her brief career; the betting value will certainly be there.

Theatrical Cast

Could not match strides with Richin Tradition a month ago but she did upgrade in her most recent a.m. drill; her sire won 9 of 25 and 527K while the dam won 1 of 4 and 31K: there are no winning siblings to mention.

Travel Free

All kinds of trouble in that maiden voyage last December; see the previous runner for same sire info; the dam involved went zero for 4; among the winning siblings is 20K earner Love Gone West; can rebound.

Sophie Lake

Nice gate workout recently is a definite plus; her sire won a G1 and 536K (descendants of Salt Lake have scored in 123 out of 793 initial tries); the dam went 1 for 15 earning 17K; this is her only foal to start.

No Ice Castles

Might have been compromised by the rail slot in her first go; her sire won at the G2 level en route to earning 733K; the dam won 5 of 56 and 268K; sib to 85K earner Pure Storm; faces softer company today and should fare better.

Gisele At Fonz's

Disappointed while favored here last month but did not break smoothly in that defeat; latest half-mile workout shows progression and perhaps she can atone therefore at better price today; worth serious follow-up.

Rich in Tradition

Makes her 27th go in these ranks and despite the personal best placing last month, remains difficult to recommend as the one to key on top; draws a wide slot for the first time in a while and that may restrict her chances of ending the drought.

Puttybadshark

Intriguing possibility since she was dead game in her comeback race (following a layoff of 53 weeks); should be far tighter for this assignment and seems capable of securing ideal stalking position; worthy of trifecta inclusion at the least.

Swiss Peak

Tailed off since that solid showing of 3 races back; caught wide when trounced by some of these same rivals in her last assignment, it seems unlikely she can turn the tables here considering the post involved; decent a.m. drill on 4/13 may prove insufficient.

Chautauqua Creek

Scheduled to shed the blinkers after showing good fighting speed in her local debut; she was bet down heavily in that assignment; her sire was a G1 turf runner who amassed 1.29 million; the dam won 3 of 10 and 75K; sib to 135K earner Hebert Hall.

Fair Praise

Moderate workouts for this daughter of Flatter who won 4 of 6 races and 148K (his progeny have scored in nearly 10 percent of their debuts); the dam won 6 of 20 and 43K; winning siblings include 119K earner My T Quick. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Jetbird

Forced to steady and awarded the diploma two back; don't be too harsh about last as it's never simple to beat winners right back and the hillside is tricky; she has the speed to flee the fence but there are others with designs on the lead; not sure the race sets up all that great for her.

My Monet

Got to lugging but got the money; nice; the way she was inching away late suggests she can get this trip; there are a couple of 6-figure earners in the tree; must be left in the mix.

Moscato Girl

Basically flattered the Spawr runner with the maiden breaker and she did show good speed last time; she's drilled a couple of times since last and showed some energy in the move last Monday; respect.

La Quillotana

Hustled along and she got brave in the process; there is speed inside and outside of her today and she could find these waters a bit steeper; fit enough to drill a couple of times since the last effort; probably needs to improve to repeat.

Fanny Brice

Trainer has spotted them super all year and he obviously has a good eye for a claim; show horse in last won next out against $32K claimers; best of 52 bullet in the holster; this gal looks live.

On Golden Pawn

Valid trouble in the local debut; she has been given time since being fried in a duel and love the spacing of the drills accentuated by the blowout last Sunday; proven off the pine; look out.

Grammy Times Six

She did something in the win you don't see everyday and that's come back on after losing the top; it's been downhill since; not thrilled with fact she has lost ground late in the last three; would be careful here.

More Stormyweather

Drawn right, Bejarano sticks and once she got away from Albany, things looked brighter; note runners in the company line were clear in the diploma run and trainer is great at spotting the stock; major player. - Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Schoolofhardrocks

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam was one-for-one for 30k, and it was a turf start; this colt is a 1/2 to Coffee Clique (4-9, 216k, including 2 of 6 turf starts for 95k); he's already shown a good deal of natural ability and he might be looking forward to a move to turf.

Noble Metal (GB)

Like the idea of getting him back over turf but he's going to need to show us his best race yet if he's to threaten the top contenders in here; winner from latest won next out at GG on 4/3 going 6f with a 74 Beyer.

Forever Juanito

The next time he runs a bad race will be the first time, but this is clearly his toughest test to date; regardless, he boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, and with only three races behind him, the possiblity of him having more to show us exists.

Raise the Hoof

Parading is off to a poor start as a turf sire and this gelding is going to need to take a noticeable step forward over what he showed us in his turf debut in his latest outing in order to have a say in the outcome against these.

Royal Banker (GB)

He's out of a dam who was a G1 winner racing overseas while winning both of her career starts, and this colt has shown us that he can compete against competition of this caliber over turf; a case can be made for his one start sprinting down the hill being his sharpest performance to date.

Home School (IRE)

He's G3 stakes placed racing in Ireland and like what he showed us in his first two starts in America; keep in mind that he didn't race with Lasix when last seen, and that alone is a reason to look for him to bounce back with a sharper start this time around; third-place finisher from latest won next out at Tam on 3/8 going 1m over turf vs. alw. rivals with an 86 Beyer.

Karma King

Stakes placed colt has run well in all of his starts with blinkers but he will need to step it up over what he showed in his turf debut in his latest outing when finishing behind today's rival Forever Juanito; not counting him out of it, but others entice more. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Closet E

Tenth time proved the charm for this gelding and now he'll move to the fence for his first crack with winners; number he earned in the maiden breaker fits with these and though he's got early foot, the presence of others who want the top as well could allow him to sit a nice ground saving spot from here; worth a look.

Zackos My Man

Cal bred tries open company after finding little late when moved back to the lawn for his first crack with winners; he handles dirt but his game is speed and the presence of other early lick certainly won't make things easy on him; prefer to side with others.

Tancred

Last out graduate returns just 3 weeks off the score in his return from a pretty long break and now he'll take on winners; 175K juvenile buy is back in a protected spot for the stretchout and his dam was a SP router; like the way he settled last time and if the try didn't take too much out of him he should appreciate the pace in front of him here.

Myfundsarelo

Late running sprinter will tackle 2 turns for the initial time in this spot for a barn that has done well of late with its stretchouts; gelding worked well for this last week and the unraced dam's other winner also did so sprinting so don't know that the added trip is going to help move him forward.

Exclude

Tries a better group on the surface switch after a solid placing against limited winners on the local lawn; gelding did break his maiden on dirt and the barn boasts some recent luck moving them back to this type of footing; maybe that last one was enough to get him going in the right direction and a move forward off it could help him have say in the outcome; prefer others on the win end, but maybe he gets in the mix for a minor award.

Storm Reveler

Makes his first start of the year for a new outfit with some solid Turf Paradise dirt drills on his tab; barn boasts a recent winner with this type and this guy did show some improvement in a 2 turn sprint stake at Fairplex late last summer so maybe he likes the configuration of this route; price should be right.

Brave Act

Four year old returns to the footing of his score 6 weeks back in which he saw his number taken down; gelding got caught in a wide spot on the green last time but maybe he's a little more receptive to rating with speed drawn down inside; contender.

Wonderful Union

Got his number put up after being impeded by the guy drawn to his inside in this heat; he wants the lead but he's going to need to be used early to get there and it's not as if he hasn't had his stamina issues thus far; nice to see this solid return outfit has worked him long to try and give him some wind but given his style the gelding is going to have to work hard from the bell.

Mavericks Gun

Needed the drop to maiden claimers to get the initial score under his belt while turning back to sprint on the surface switch; 5 year old did ok first time routing over the track last year and he did so again when moved to the lawn; maybe his last gave him the confidence to keep moving forward on the class rise and he did return to work well at Los Al. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

La Brisa

Sire is 1-for-24 with 1st-time starters; is out of an 0-for-1 dam who produced 4 winners from 4 other foals to race including stakes-winner Nechako (2-for-18, 62K) and top earner-SW Chela (8-for-17, 91K).

Say's Who

Races 1st time on dirt following a co-field-best Beyer speed figure on turf; also gets blinkers back for this not showing much in her debut with the hood on when defeated by the show finisher who Beyered 72 in a next-out DMR-MSW win.

Bert's Melody

Massive 2nd-time out improvement when chasing Swiss Prediction as she was set up nicely by a hot pace set by Runningwiththelute; the added half furlong is a plus but worried about a possible bounce back in 30 days for this after posting her improvement with 67 days between races.

Runningwiththelute

Posted a 21 and 3 opening quarter for the debut hoping to gain stamina for start 2; adding a half furlong does not help the confidence level but clearly the workouts for this suggest we may see a lot better runner for this; either way she is the one to catch.

Suances Retro

Moves to dirt after the grass debut was not very enticing; the debut rider lands on 1ster Mindfully for this; adds blinkers trying to shake up the form; wish the post-race workout stood out more; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Mindfully

Sire is 95-for-780 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 5-for-6 Grade 1-stakes winning dam (233K) who produced 5 winners from 6 other foals to race including 202K-earner Yankee Gentleman (4-for-10); 0-for-20 debut trainer since 2013 but the rider had other options and lands here.

Wired for Fun

Freshened up trying to remember her 3-back co-field-best Beyer posted at today's distance on SA dirt; the trainer is just 1-for-14 since 2013 with similar-layoff starters; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 63 in a next-out SA-MSW win.

Swiss Perfection

Plenty of upside off the debut-exacta finish; the main concern is the added distance after losing ground from stretch to finish for last; see the debut rider landing on 1ster Afleet Echo which does not help the confidence level; removes blinkers perhaps in a move to get her to relax more in the early stages.

Little But Lucky

Sire is 7-for-68 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 2-for-28 dam (136K) who's only other foal to race is full Funny Gal (2-fo-12, 60K); posted a steady workout for a 7%-winning 1ster trainer since 2013.

Afleet Echo

Sire is 79-for-612 with 1st-time starters; is out of a 3-for-18 dam (80K) who produced 3 winners from 4 other foals to race including 151K-earner Easten Atlantic (3-for-18); has bullet workouts and Bejarano riding at 1st asking all good signs for a big try.

Private Marina

Steps up in class off the maiden-claiming debut loss; the added furlong off her rallying unveiling helps the cause and a slight move forward from her debut Beyer makes her a good fit here; wish the workout for this sparkled more. - Art Gropper

Race 8

Memphis

Draws the fence for another crack at the level after failing to finish the course last time; gelding is going the wrong way formwise and a couple of these have finished in front of him in his 2 starts this year; just watching him today.

Crimson Giant

Gelding was in well over his head last time and now he'll return to a level at which he showed a nice late kick 2 back; he's got no speed which is a concern as he draws inside but there is some lick in here and maybe that helps set up his run; pricey exotics threat.

Bobo

Makes his first start for a new outfit after showing little late in his second back from the layoff; gelding's effort 2 back was solid and he's shown in the past that he doesn't need the top to be effective; a couple of these defeated him last time so the price should be right to give him a look.

Saticoy

Hood comes off for his first start in over 15 months but that well bet debut score was quite sensational for an early season sophomore; he's been working regularly for his first with winners for a barn that boasts some recent success with returning absentees and he lures Bejarano; he may face pace pressure and has a right to need one, but they'll probably have to run him down to win.

Night Badger

Makes his first start in 10 months for an outfit that boasts a recent return winner; gelding is working up a storm on the local dirt for this and he has shown solid early foot at the level, but he draws right outside a quick returnee so he'll need to hustle from the bell to have a legitimate shot today.

Luca

Beat starter allowance foes for his second straight score and has run just 3 times overall; he's been working regularly for the comebacker and the barn boasts a recent return winner, but this guy will be catching older foes for the first time in this spot and that won't make it easy for him.

Bob Consultation

Three time local winner stepped up to this level off a career best Beyer score and didn't look nearly as good at even money; he has had time off since and worked well for this last week; not the most consistent sort so wouldn't be surprised if he were to bounce back a bit, but also don't think he's close to as good as the recent score made him look.

Just Call Me Al

He's another who has been away for a while and he'll return in an allowance heat for the first time today; 4 year old kept pretty good company as a juvenile, but he has started just once in 21 months and though he's working well, the barn's been on a poor run with its recent comebackers.

Whine for Wine

Sophomore beat older to break his maiden 2 back before coming up empty between runners in a quick paced stakes try for which he was favored; move outside should help him sit a tracking trip and he did work well last week here for this; with just 3 races under her belt he certainly has a right to move forward and contend here.

Chicsdigtheshark

Wired open company claimers from the fence last time, earning a career best number in the process; gelding returns to statebred competition for this one and hasn't done much in either of his last 2 cracks at the level; maybe the shorter trip helps today and he did work ok in the interim for this.

Master Chef

Makes his first start off the claim by an outfit that excels with this type; wasn't good enough to go on after tracking a hot clip last time, but he did best one of these and he has shown in the past that he can bring it from tracking range; contender. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Hawkedon

Like to see that he earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his most recent race, and he's run well enough routing over turf in the past to suggest that he can handle the stretch out in distance; add in a rider switch to Bejarano, and there's plenty to be positive about in this direction.

Trelawny

Stakes placed veteran sports overall turf form that is strong enough to give him a competitive look against these and it's interesting to see him making his first start after a claim for a barn swinging at a 40% clip in that category; note that he's three-for-six over this turf course.

Deep Play

He looked like he was on his way up after that sharp winning performance three starts back, but he's headed in the wrong direction in his two starts since then; he'll need his sharpest performance over turf to date to beat these, and maybe there's a chance that he's just a better dirt horse.

Vibrato Jazz

Stakes placed veteran hasn't been on top of his game in recent starts and don't like to see that he has just a single win next to his name after 21 career starts; willing to include him underneath in the exotics, but prefer to look toward others for the top spot.

Avare

Stakes winner has run well in just about all of his starts against claiming competition, and like to see what he did in his first start after being claimed by these connections in his latest outing; as long as he can avoid an early pace confrontation, he figures to be involved in the running throughout.

Major Truth

His three starts over turf have been solid performances, but he's going to need to harness his early speed if he's to have a chance at keeping himself involved in the running late while stretching out in distance for this.

Hog's Hollow

He's G2 stakes placed racing over this turf course and he deserves a lot of credit for the way that he's performed in his two starts this year after being returned from a layoff of well over a year; that said, it might be worth noting the presence of Bejarano aboard another in here.

Prospector's Trick

This is a barn and rider that team up with success, but this gelding is going to need to produce his strongest performance to date to threaten the top contenders in here, and he was beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing.

Money Clip

Lightly raced 4-year-old is clearly one of the more interesting options to consider in here and he's a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner's Keertana (10-25, $1 million over turf) and Snow Top Mountain (6-21, 469k over turf) and stakes winner Diversy Harbor (2-3, 110k over turf); runner up from latest won next out here on 3/21 going 1 1/4m over turf vs. 40k OPC's with an 89 Beyer.

I'll Wrap It Up

His overall form has been solid, including a couple of turf starts, and he's out of a G3 winning dam who won 4 of 9 starts for 330k, including 1 of 4 turf starts for 46k; runner up from latest won next out at Kee on 4/12 going 1 1/8m in a G1 with a 97 Beyer, and third finisher won next out at SA on 3/22 going 1m over turf in an 80k stakes with an 89 Beyer. - Brian Pochman

Race 10

Secretsatmidnight

Been working like he's ready to produce another Beyer speed figure Top; massive class test making his stakes debut in a Grade 3; shocked the field in last at today's distance and gets a good target in Batti Man to stalk; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with a 102 Beyer; the December DQ'd winner scored next out in an SA-MSW event with an 87 speed figure.

Zeewat

Best Beyer was at 7F following a 54-day layoff; he is back in just 3 weeks for this while his last start racing at today's distance was an even finish facing G2 company; multiple-stakes winner has been best at shorter than today's event; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 101 in a next-out SA-G2 win.

American Blend

The latest-win rider lands on Secretsatmidnight for this; his last race traveling this far was a victory and late runner hopes Batti Man gets in a pace battle with several of these which would help his cause; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 103 in a next-out OP-G2 win.

Handsome Mike

The 1-for-8 dirt record is not very enticing noting his last main-track start was a far-back finish in a Grade 1 event; has good gate speed and figures to flash early zip stretching back out; latest-win picture occurred on a synthetic surface which produced a career-best Beyer.

Majestic City

High-percentage fresh trainer adds to the appeal; best success has been on synthetic surfaces; lone dirt win was at shorter on the lead reuniting with the win rider for this; with Batti Man racing here it suggests the pace will be hotly contested which doesn't help his upset chances.

Batti Man (ARG)

Speedster gets the rematch with Fury Kapcori after he could not handle that one earlier this year; faded vs. the show runner from last who Beyered 89 in a next-out win; reunites with latest-win rider; his game is to play catch me if you can.

Fury Kapcori

Exits a field-best Beyer when winning his 3rd in a row all with improving speed figures; he can win from on the lead or stalk the pace but expect him to work out an off-the-pace trip behind a field top heavy with other front runners; his only off-the-board dirt finish was in a G2 event and seems set to try graded company again for this; the pick. - Art Gropper

Race 11

Lamazone

Mirror races in last pair but she could show more speed on the stretch out; Grade 3 winning 7 for 29 dam banked nearly $400K, won 5 times on grass; all 3 siblings won; top kin Lama Chant took 4 of 21, earned about $80K, won 3 times on grass; expect better effort.

Sable in Silks

Off poorly but at least she got a feel of the course; dam lost twice; lone full sister lost twice; could see her being more involved early with the shades; needs very best.

Splendid Outcast

Redattore 11 for 85 with first-time turfers; sire didn't race at 2, took 2nd career start, went on to bank over $1.7 million, adored grass; 2 for 8 dam was 2nd in best result on turf; 3 of 4 siblings won; one won once on grass; could need softer to show top stuff.

Always an Angel

Corinthian 9 for 131 with first-time turfers; G1 winning 6 for 12 sire, won in second start at 2, banked $1.2 million, never turfed; one for 5 dam cashed on turf; lone half sis took one dirt sprint; if homebred can run at all, she should show it here.

Kissin Lucky Lips

Miss could be set now after getting the two under the girth now; Grade 1 winning 8 for 28 dam earned nearly $450K, was turf only; several multiple race winners in the family; several cashed on grass, one banked nearly $550K in Japan; she has found her friends.

Another Sky

Mare has trained steadily for this; mare has much more speed than she flashed last time; the spotty race record is a concern; try to get a good look at him on the track.

Scene Queen

Nearly 4 clear in a decent effort; the 2/20 winner repeated in an N1X, then was third in a Grade 3; there seems to be plenty of speed in here to help the cause; don't sell too short.

Soar Home

Fusaichi Pegasus about 7% with first-time turfers after 360 starters; sire ran 2nd in only start at 2, took Kentucky Derby on way to near $2 million bankroll, never turfed; dam was 0 for 9; both siblings won; the one that tried grass was 2nd in best turf out; she is coming to the race right.

Dow Diva

Homebred finally shows up for a tag; the 10/14 race came back live and 3rd and 6th finishers in last took MSW races next out; one sibling was out of the money twice on grass; overdue to show some talent.

Galway Bay

Miss could have been intimidated by the rail in the bow; dam was 0 for 3; the sibling that won once took a sprint on the synthetic; still in for twice her purchase price; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Susan B Good

Good Journey 10 for 55 with first-time turfers; sire didn't run at 2, was turf only, banked over $1.7 million; 1 for 2 dam cashed short on dirt; the sibling that won Oscillator took 3 of 15, won once on grass, banked over $140K; don't be shocked if rider sends hard.

Sixy Eddie

Figures to at least muddle the pace with her sub :22 speed; the sibling that tried grass was out of the money on turf; tough to pull the trigger that way she has been stopping.

Yur Teasing Me

Pleasant Tap about 5% with first-time turfers in a 411-runner sample; sire graduated in a 7-furlong stakes in third start, won multiple G1 races, was 9 for 32, earned over $2.7 million, was zero for 3 on grass, with a 2nd; 2 for 6 dam did win on grass; there is grass success in the minor leagues in the family; value should be there.

Birthday Surprise

Even on the drop, she didn t take any action inlast; 10th finisher in last took a maiden $30K TUP claimer and the winner repeated in an N1X; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; stablemate seems more potent. - Brian Mulligan