Santa Anita: Closer Looks for May 31

Race 2

Solid Wager

Draws the fence for the move back to statebreds after getting into some trouble first time going down the hill in his season's debut; gelding has worked well in the interim for his first start on dirt but he doesn't have much early foot and there isn't a lot of that commodity in here which could hurt him from this draw; maybe for a share.

Night Badger

Gelding makes his second start of the year after folding badly late in his local return; he's got plenty of early lick and worked in the interim as if it remains intact so expect to see him rolling from the bell in this spot; looks like they'll have to come and get him to win.

Bob Consultation

Just missed holding on in his return from the freshening at the level last time; gelding looks to be handy enough to sit a tracking spot off the pacesetters and should have every shot to redeem himself from there; with a solid interim move in tow he's a contender.

Whine for Wine

Lightly raced sophomore ran out of ground at the level last time but looked pretty good with that late kick; he returned to work well over the track and maybe that means he'll be more involved from the bell today; with the switch to a solid journeyman pilot we'll give him the nod to break through and beat them home today.

Crimson Giant

Didn't do much down the hill or at this trip and level 2 starts back; 52 time loser did break his maiden over the track ages ago, but he's settled for a lot of minor awards and his late kick is probably best used underneath in exotics in this one.

Master Chef

First crack off the barn's claim at the level wasn't much and some of these defeated him in that one; 7 year old does own back numbers that fit so maybe with the regression behind him he'll be set to take a step forward; has to be considered.

Bobo

Caught a wet track in his first start of the year and rode it to a career best Beyer placing but his 2 subsequent tries over dry strips earned him little; he has returned to work well since his last so maybe he moves forward, but it's tough to get excited about his chances off what he's done of late.

Luca

Backed up quickly after sitting a tracking spot in his first start at the level; colt should be tighter with his return from 7 months behind him and he did break his maiden here in the fall; numbers are light, but that winning number did come as a juvenile and he's certainly matured a lot since then.

Public Policy

Hit the shelf after chasing a pretty good one in the Cal Cup here 4 months ago; colt ran well on the front end in his maiden breaker 2 back and he did work sharply earlier in the week for his comebacker; outside draw should help him sit a tracking trip from this draw but he'll have to prove he's good enough. - Steve Grabowski

Race 3

Hollywood Producer

Commendable maiden voyage when breaking from this tricky post and setting a decent pace before fading; her sire won multiple G2 stakes and 1.03 million; the dam won 4 of 22 and 50K; among the winning siblings is 5K earner Balladero.

Hanna No Sir

Two sharp efforts thus far while favored and she drops an important notch today; her sire is G1 sprinter Pomeroy who banked 845K while the dam involved was unraced; winning siblings include 169K earner Rate of Exchange.

Mayie

Bold finish earlier this month to capture the place; her sire won a G1 and 761K while the dam won 1 of 6 attempts and 45K; sib to 46K earner Daily Forecast; the more heated the early pace today, the better for this lass.

Doheny

She has done little running thus far but both efforts involved difficult journeys; her sire won multiple G2s and 1.04 million while the dam did not compete; among the winning siblings is 72K bankroller Sir Stephen.

Artie's Fantasy

Flashed improved early zip in her local debut before tiring; she unfortunately draws into a race with plenty of inside speed which will restrict her chances of a reversal today; needs some key late scratches in order to have a say.

Cheeseonaroll

Broke alertly but did not fire thereafter in her belated maiden voyage; her sire won 3 of 11 and 135K; the dam was unraced; among the winning sibs is 56K earner Warm N Toasty; cannot endorse at this time.

Secret Sorority

Never in the money up to now and although she has suffered through some bumpy trips, a sudden upgrade just does not seem in the wings this afternoon; the latest workout was only fair; pass until further notice.

Run Rosie Run

Off the board yet again in her comeback race yet she showed atypical fighting speed in that try with the blinker addition; may appreciate the return to the sprint setting and a change in riding tactics may result in an improved finish.

Roman Wild

Makes her first start for the new connections after failing thus far to achieve a clean getaway; her sire won a G1 and 1.22 million while the dam won 1 of 14 and 53K; there are no winning siblings to mention; switches to Desormeaux who has done well for these connections.

Here Comes Bobbie

Blinker addition earlier this month did not work at all so they are scheduled to be removed today; did flash decent early foot in the previous sprint affairs and perhaps she can work out a favorable stalking position now and earn a share.

Think Again

Newcomer has shown some spark in the a.m.; her sire won 5 of 11 attempts and 219K; progeny of Indian Country, however, are zero for 26 in debuts; the dam was without victory in 2 tries; there are no winning siblings to highlight.

Screamin Earlienne

Used up in a bitter pace battle back in March and was given a rest; her sire won multiple G1s and 669K while the dam was without a tally in 8 tries; this is her only foal to compete; worth some follow-up in this reduced classification.

Oinkus

Offspring of Storm Wolf, who won a G2 and 147K, are zero for 10 in the first time victorious department; the dam won 1 of 2 and 13K; there are no winning siblings to mention; best workout was back on 4/25.

She'smorethanalady

Definite improvement to the latest half-mile work from the gate; her sire won a G1 and 607K (descendants of Political Force have won 9 of 92 initial starts); the dam won 3 of 29 and 88K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Heat Flash

If you're looking for the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, he has it, and this gelding has been very sharp lately while recording back-to-back victories; Blanc seems to get along with him very well and feel that three straight wins is within reach.

Schoolofhardrocks

He's clearly one of the more interesting options to consider in here, and this half-brother to multiple graded stakes winner Coffee Clique (5-10, 417k, including 3 of 7 turf starts for 295k) might be looking forward to his first start routing over turf; the addition of blinkers and sharp looking recent workouts help add further appeal.

Sizzlin' Joe

Stakes placed performer appears to be moving in the right direction as he gets ready to make his third start back from a layoff and he's gotten the job done in two of his last three starts, and both of those wins were with Talamo aboard; a repeat of his latest effort makes him a legitimate threat.

Apostle Paul

He commands some respect for his consistent approach to the game, but this is his first start against winners, and it's tough to give him the nod for the top spot against these; runner up from latest won next out here on 4/19 going 1m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer.

Dreamy Kid

Nicely bred 6-year-old hasn't finished better than third from seven turf starts, but he's faced some tough competition along the way, and perhaps the drop in class for this is just what he's looking for; obviously it's a concern that he hasn't posted a win since July 2011, but still feel that he has at least mild appeal.

Money Clip

He has a lot of turf on the bottom of his pedigree, and not only is he a 1/2 to his stablemate in this race, Monastic, but he's a 1/2 to Diversy Harbor who is signed on in a G1 on this card in race eight; stone-cold closer is eligible to be moving in on them in deep stretch.

Van Fraassen

His two best Beyer Speed Figures have been earned racing over dirt and he's really going to need to step it up over what he's shown in his two turf starts if he's to contend; runner up from latest won next out at SA on 5/11 going 1m vs. 20k MCL's with a 71 Beyer.

Deep Play

Have plenty of respect for Suances as a turf sire and it was nice to see this gelding bounce back with a sharper start in his latest outing; however, this is a tough spot for him to land in and it might be worth noting the presence of Gryder aboard another in here.

Monastic

Don't like to see that he enters this race on a long losing skid, but he's fast enough to run with these on his best day, and perhaps the drop in class can prove to be a key for this runner; he's one of two signed on in here for Proctor, and Van Dyke gets his share of live calls from this barn. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Verdula

Love the spacing of the return drills; show horse in last won at this level next out and the winner repeated in an N1X spot; dam was 0 for 6; lone half bro to race Cool Samurai took 1 of 3, earned over $50K; we have not seen the best from this homebred.

Best Efforts

Candy Ride about 13% with debuters in a 413-runner sample; sire didn't race at 2, was unbeaten in 6 outs, took G1 Pacific Classic; stakes winning 4 for 16 dam took debut at 2, banked nearly $145K; both siblings won; top kin Dauphin took 2 of 16, banked over $40K; respect.

Margie's Minute

Hard Spun about 11% with debuters in a 187-runner sample; sire unbeaten in 3 juvenile outs, took G1 King s Bishop, banked over $2.6 million; dam just one for 7, the juvenile debut; several multiple race winners in the family; top kin Hoist took a stakes, earned over $200K; she has drilled fast for this.

Sunset Strip

Fried in a duel to kick it off but she has drilled solidly for this; show horse in last was 2nd a neck, place horse won for this price and the winner repeated in a $50K Pomona stakes; dam was unraced; lone half bro to race Manando was G3 placed, banked over $120K; fresh and dangerous.

Acategoryfivestorm

Songandaprayer has hit with about 10% of his firsters in a 613-runner study; sire was unbeaten in 2 starts at 2, earned almost $400K; dam was unraced; lone half sis was out of the money in only start; like the spacing of the drills.

Alexis Tangier

Hung wide in an educational debut; Grade 3 winning 9 for 18 dam earned over $500K; all 3 siblings won; all banked 6 figures including G2 winner and near $300K earner Schiaparelli; like fact she trained farther than this race is carded.

Point Endurance

Homebred must pick it up; dam won several stakes, cashed 21 times, earned nearly $250K; all 3 siblings won including full bro Point Encounter, who took debut at 2 here in this league with a 94 Beyer; SW top earner Private World earned nearly $170K; must pick it up.

Fashioned Lady

Old Fashioned 6 for 42 with debuters; sire took debut and took a Grade 2 at 2, banked nearly $600K; dam was unraced; both sibs won including SW and over $100K player Borealis Way; soph looks fit enough.

Little Miss S

See Best Efforts for sire stats; dam was unraced; the sibling that won Crisp took a G1, banked nearly $300K taking 3 of 10; the blood is there, working soldily, legit player in an absolute scramble.

Redheaded Muse

Only beat one to the wire; SW 8 for 17 dam earned over $350K; this is her first to race; not sold on chances.

Brilliant Audrey

Tale of the Cat about 17% of his debuters in a 950-horse study; sire didn't race at 2, took debut at 3 in a shore route by over 11 with a 95 Beyer, banked over $350K; dam took 2 routes in her career; this is her first to race; nothing wrong with Los Al drills.

Everlovin Woman

Stevie Wonderboy 8 for 84 with debuters; sire won thrice at 2 including BC Juvenile, banked over a million; dam's lone win was a dirt sprint; lone half sis lost 8 times; lean toward watching one.

Dancinginthestreet

Nearly 5 clear in last and the show horse was also by herself; connections would love to see her act like top kin and near $350K earner Free Brave; could be looking at another slice.

Denotation

She could have just been dead short; dam 2nd in only start; this is her first to race; could muddle pace if she gets a chance to suit up. - Brian Mulligan

Race 6

Ann's Gold

A case can be made for her two best efforts being her two starts routing over turf, so the stretch back out in distance might be a welcome sight for her; wouldn't be shocked to see her forwardly placed early on after breaking from the rail.

Theatrical Cast

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and dam won once from four starts for 31k, and all of her starts were over turf; she took a step in the right direction at second asking and her connections will hope for further improvement with a move to turf.

Inherit the Throne

The drop in class isn't a bad idea, but this miss will still need to be ready to step up her game to see her number posted on top after this one is run; note that she hasn't finished better than fourth from five turf starts prior to this.

Exclusive Girl

She sports the three best last race Beyer Speed Figure's in here and like to see what she did the first time she raced over turf at today's distance; she hasn't been in a maiden claimer since her career debut and going to look for her to be tough to deny.

Scene Queen

She has to avoid falling too far out of it through the opening stages, but her turf form has been strong enough to give her a competitive look in this spot, and she beat today's rival Lamazone in her latest outing; not going to argue with anyone for looking favorably in this direction.

Woodys Wharf

This filly has a fine pedigree for turf and she's clearly capable of dialing up a performance that is strong enough to make her a serious player in a spot like this; runner up from latest won next out at BHP on 12/5 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 79 Beyer.

Lindy Hoppin

Sire wins with approximately 8% of his turf starters and minor stakes winning dam won 3 of 19 starts for 75k, including 0-for-4 over turf; she was sent to post at 60-1 for her career debut and she obviously needs a much improved performance in her turf debut to threaten the top contenders in here.

Lethal Story

Full sister to multiple graded stakes winner Lethal Heat (6-17, 655k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 211k) has yet to finish better than third from 10 starts, and half of her starts have been over turf; maybe a minor award isn't out of the question, but looking in another direction for the top spot.

Broadway Bella

She brings some early speed with her, and she improved along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in her turf debut at second asking, but she needs a much improved overall performance in order to have a say in the outcome.

Birthday Surprise

Lightly raced filly has a turf leaning pedigree and she's eligible to still have more to show us at this stage of her career; winner from latest won next out here on 3/13 going 1 1/8m over turf vs. N1X alw. rivals with a 73 Beyer.

Lamazone

Daughter of strong turf sire Lemon Drop Kid is out of a G3 winning dam who won 7 of 29 starts for 388k, including 5 of 11 turf starts for 238k, and she looks like a solid fit at this 50-40k maiden claiming level; note that she's finished close behind today's rival Scene Queen in a couple of her starts.

Itsherprerogative

Not wild about post 12 at this trip, but this filly clearly deserves another chance to show us what she can do, and she's out of a dam who won 4 of 15 starts for 117k, including 2 of 7 turf starts for 78k; she adds blinkers for a barn that is having a solid 2014. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Clubhouse Ride

Millionaire has had a solid career but check out the 18 slices; he is out to defend his title in this race but was coming off a better effort last year in the same prep he used last month; he's trained well locally but has not won here; 3/8 place horse cashed next out in a Grade 2 with a 101 Beyer; must find a way to turn the tables on arch rival next out among others.

Fury Kapcori

Arcadia specialist is rolling; he has much more speed than he just flashed, was dueled into submission in the other try at this distance; once he got back on dirt this year, he's turned into a monster; the way he extended in last suggests he can get the trip; can't fault those that stay or jump on this bandwagon.

Sky Kingdom

Can't fault those that are a bit gun shy after 3 chalk flops in last 4; proven fresh, the distance is of no concern and there seems to be enough speed in here to set up his late punch; this rider has been aloft for all 4 wins; look for racer late if at all.

Majestic City

Note grinder did improve, though beaten, in the last 2nd off the layoff run; respect his consistency, but this race is a far cry from beating 4 foes in a $77K stakes; note runner was getting to the winner late the last time Smith was aboard; another slice?

Handsome Mike

Can't be thrilled with the local slate; pro does have the 2 races to draw from now and he's drilled sharply for this; in the win at this distance, runner took the 2012 Pa Derby virtually wire-to-wire with a 93 Beyer; don't sell too short.

Storm Fighter

Once sent long, the light went on; connections thought enough of him to try the SA Derby; given the prep to kick off the year, he was game in the April win and was inching away last time; all 3 wins have been against Cal-breds; best of 20 bullet in the holster; runner has solid speed but he can track too; look out.

Majestic Harbor

Nice bit of training to have him set off the layoff in last; show horse in last beat optional foes next out and then was 2nd a neck in the G2 Whittingham last Saturday; May's works are solid; surprise package.

Fly Lexis Fly

He did fire fresh in Peru; still seeking a stateside win, the grass effort in last was solid and it came back live as the place horse took the Grade 2 DMR 'Cap next out and 4th finisher took the G2 O'Brien; needs very best to cash today. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Loan Savant

This has to be considered an extremely tough spot for her to make her graded stakes debut, and she wasn't a match for today's rivals Nashoba's Gold and Diversy Harbor when she met them in the China Doll three starts back; she has the look of an outsider.

Nashoba's Gold

Half-sister to multiple G1 winner Nashoba's Key (8-10, $1.2 million, including 4 of 6 turf starts for 600k) has to be considered a top contender in her first attempt in a G1 after recording a couple of graded stakes wins vs. a couple of today's rivals in recent starts over this turf course; she hasn't run a bad race to date and her best races are eligible to be in front of her.

Little Journey (FR)

Multiple stakes placed miss shows up for a top turf barn and she ran well enough in her first start in America to merit some consideration in this spot, she might have been a little too fresh off of a layoff last time and the runner up from that race returned to win next out at AP on 5/24 going 1 1/16m in a G3 with an 81 Beyer.

Sweet Bliss

Have to give her credit for the way that she was able to outrun her odds while earning a graded stakes placing in her most recent outing in her first start back from a layoff, and that race can serve as a useful conditioner for this; Wygod-homebred deserves to be listed among the contenders while being reunited with Nakatani.

Kissin Lucky Lips

She's out of a G1 winning dam who won 8 of 28 turf starts for 435k, and respect the way that this filly has steadily improved her game from day one, but she's facing a field that is far more talented than anything she's seen to this point in her career; looking toward others.

Tiz the Key

Her best Beyer Speed Figure was earned racing over dirt and she's going to need to take a noticeable step forward over what she's shown us in her two turf starts in order to threaten the top contenders in this one; she looks like more of an outsider.

Diversy Harbor

Stakes winning miss gets a lot of turf from the bottom of her pedigree and she's done little wrong through her first four starts; her latest effort wasn't her sharpest performance to date, and maybe she just didn't care for racing with the early pace; like the idea of Smith taking her back early on and making one late move.

Room Service

She doesn't have a bad start on her card, including five turf starts, and note how far back it was to the third-place finisher in the G1 Ashland in her latest outing against 12 rivals over the synthetic surface at Keeneland; she has every bit the look of a top contender while shipping west and getting back over turf for this. - Brian Pochman