Santa Anita: Closer Looks for October 14, 2013

Race 2

Reva

Drops in for a tag while drawing the fence for the stretchout in her first local spin; filly didn't have much to offer first out at Fairplex, but she's the first foal to race out of a dam who won 3 times going long and her sire was a Kentucky Derby winner so the added trip should help move her up; barn's winless on the year but this gal may be worth an exotics look in this weak gathering.

Pining Play

Didn't have much to offer in any of her 4 starts and now she'll try the route; filly has worked long of late for a barn that boasts some recent luck on the stretchout but her lone sib was a limited sprint winner and don't think she'll improve much at this trip; have to pass on this longshot.

Miss Fast Eddie

Beaten last out chalk stretches out off that troubled run while moving back in with open company foes; filly is by a G1 SW router, but her lone sib was a limited sprint winner; like the fact that she was able to pass runners late while trying a 2 turn sprint in her Fairplex debut and maybe she's set to move forward with a clean run; contender.

Debt Free Abby

Was close at any point of her return from the freshening after encountering trouble at the break in that Fairplex heat; filly returned to work well following that one at her Hollywood base but don't think she's going to take the needed step forward to get in the mix at this trip; passing on her.

Back to Life

They stepped her back up to the MSW level for her turf debut and she again had trouble at the start; filly has yet to show much of anything, but she is kin to a route winner and maybe the big rider switch helps; could be worth considering.

Beth's My Babe

Her first start on dirt wasn't very good and now she'll drop back in for a tag in her local debut run; Utah bred is kin to a sprint winner, but her sire was a G1 SW router and her dam's daddy is a legend out here so maybe the added trip helps get her going some at a price.

Raja's Rose

Last out runnner up didn't run particularly fast but she did respond to the stretchout and ran on well from a wide spot to get second money in that Fairplex route try; there's not much pace in this heat so that may compromise her local debut run a bit, but she doesn't catch a very tough bunch and should be doing her better running in the lane.

Appearance

Outside draw filly is in for a tag for the initial time after faltering late in the Fairplex stake last month; she's worked well here in the interim and though she's had her stamina issues, showed that she is capable of making the lead going long and that should only help in a field with very little early foot signed on; with Bejarano taking the call it looks as if they'll have her to catch and beat.

Race 3

Hadfunlastnight

The best news with this runner is that his last 5 wins were all from slightly off the pace so should work out an ideal trip saving ground behind speedsters Longview Drive, Frumious and So Brilliant; last dirt start was April, 2012, finishing 2nd best to the winner who Beyered 85 then 73 in next-out BHP-10K and $12,500-claiming wins.

Longview Drive

Exits a career-low Beyer when making his 1st start in over 1 year; first 2 win pictures were right on the lead but in his October, 2011, win rated nicely from off the pace at much longer than this; that good-gate speed has been missing from recent starts; the winner from last repeated in a BEL-Grade 1 with a 108 Beyer speed figure; last start on dirt was June, 2012, a tough-beat neck loss as the odds-on choice; the 3-back show runner Beyered 93 in his next-out DMR-G2 stakes win.

Frumious

Going on 2 years absent eyeing up his 4th win in a row; speedster exits a field-best Beyer on a wet-main track; the 2-back victory was validated by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 101 in his next-out SA-optional-claiming win; must break on top then be ready for very best to keep the win streak going.

So Brilliant

The winner from last repeated in a BEL-Grade 1 with a 108 Beyer speed figure; career debut in 2011 on SA dirt at today's distance beating the show runner a next-out 72 Beyer 20K-maiden claiming winner; has gate speed but breaks outside of Longview Drive and Frumious both expect to fly out of the gate for this; win rider takes Secret Circle.

Let's Get Crackin

Figures to break last in the field sit far back early then make 1 run; $89.40 shocker in last a new Beyer Top exploding from off the pace at longer; 10 minor awards posted during career he is a runner who often races well in defeat; needs the speed to totally collapse in deep stretch.

Secret Circle

Curous Garcia who has only ridden So Briiliant takes this one and Bejarano who's only ridden this guy takes So Brilliant; long absence with a super-SA worktab off the bench; last time racing this short of a distance was his 2011 Breeders' Cup win; projects for a perfect stalking trip of the inside speed; very scary win prospect if ready for best.

Race 4

Hi Fashioned

Like the way he's progressing; it also encourages that he looked beat at BSR in midstretch, only to rerally to get the win; it also shows he handles dirt, which is nice; worked well since and his speed should have him in a good spot from the start - though he's facing a couple guys who are GSP so the water is much deeper.

Brother Soldier

Debut was most encouraging; it's not just that he won, but HOW he won; after all, not only was it just his debut but it came at BSR, which can be tricky for a horse, and then he blew the start to boot; however, he had the tactical speed to get position and finished it up nicely; in other words, there's talent here; that being said, it's not only first time vs. winners but that includes a couple guys who are GSP.

Jedi Mind Trick

No way to knock a horse who's won 3 of 4; last 2 came at DMR, yes, but note a 7 1/4-length romp on dirt at SAC July 19, which bodes well for handling this place; shown versatility, too - yes, he has speed but those 2 DMR wins show he's by no means a need-the-lead type.

Alpine Luck

had things going along well this spring/early summer with a couple wins at BHP including a SW; however, things didn't go so well at DMR; did show speed both times but he weakened in each; in his defense, both came going longer than this, and maybe that's not what he wants right now, and those were also a G1 and G2 so the water may have been too deep as well; this spot isn't nearly as tough, though the guy to his right did finish 3rd far in front of him in that G1 DMR Futurity; then again, what if this guy is simply going the wrong way, hmmmm?

Can the Man

Good 3rd in the G1 DMR Futurity and then pressed the issue before fading to 4th in the G1 FrontRunner here; that shows class and quality, but that fade job in the FrontRunner may also show, according to Baffert, that this guy is better sprinting; well, he's back to a sprint today and the blinks come off as they attempt to get him to settle better early on; looks awfully tough, so long as those 2 G1 efforts didn't take some of the starch out of him.

Race 5

Crystalline Indy

Broke 9th from the gate in both defeats but displayed a normal 2nd-time out Beyer speed figure improvement with 40 days to regroup for the return to grass and 1st time racing beyond 6.5F; rider from first pair stays here but is just 1-for the last-15 for the trainer.

Sidepocket Run

Mild-late rallies the last few times at 1 Mile on grass; her best Beyer was at longer than this and earned the dirt-exacta finish in last at also longer than 1M; the 3-back winner repeated in a DMR-optional claimer with a 79 Beyer; she beat the show runner a next-out 69 speed figure DMR-MSW graduate.

Tickle Again

Positive trainer change leaving a 3%-win barn; exits her best finish ever when rallying strongly at today's distance but earned her best Beyer at longer than this; improving worktab for the 1st start in 45 days; can she get up in time to win it all is the primary concern.

Lady Ta Ta

Blinkers and Lasix added for career start 2 all improvement angles; has plenty of room to move forward off the trailed-throughout career debut landing behind several of these; improved worktab for this but must show a lot more run to post the major upset.

Peggy Sue's Loose

Improving-career Beyer pattern while just missing in last start off the 9-week absence; main concern is her being outfinished and a well-timed ride is needed to see very-best form; has been working nicely off the 45-day absence so expecting another big effort.

Hot and Pleasing

Exits her best-career workout on dirt; 40-day absence is the issue for a 5%-winning fresh trainer since 2012; exits her worst-finish ever when racing wide at today's distance; new rider is her 5th different jockey in as many races which is not a good win angle.

St. Malo's Gate

Bet hard in all 3 defeats; blinkers back on after posting a career-low speed figure showing her best Beyers with the hood on; the worktab for this is not very enticing; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 75 in her next-out SA-MSW win on her way to 3 in a row the other 2 wins with 87 Beyers.

Dow Diva

In her last start on turf she defeated 1 runner home; her best Beyer was at longer but in recent starts has been a speedball who fades; one of her exacta finishes was at today's distance on SA grass; off recent form view as a pace presence for part.

Keldy

51-day layoff after middle moving on synthetic; owns her career-best Beyer in the 2-back turf loss where outfinished; the 3-back winner and runner-up finishers Beyered 76-74 in next-out DMR-MSW and optional-claiming wins; the 4-back winner repeated in a BHP-optional claimer with an 86 speed figure.

Red Red Door

Sire is 15-for-220 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 5-0-0-1 grass dam (6K) who's only other foal to race is 1-for-7 turfer Stone Hot (36K); most runners improve their Beyer speed figure 2nd-time out but she regressed; 0-for-25 synthetic-to-turf trainer since 2012 leads me to back others.

Kathleen Rose

Sire is 9-for-43 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of an 0-for-1 grass dam (1K); needed last start off more than a 1-year layoff; improved sharply 2nd-time out but dueled for the front so the added 1.5F for this is a concern; figures to take these a long way up top then hopes to hang on late for a share.

Tribal Valentine

Expected more run from the 6-1 debut loss where outrun throughout; the workouts for this are not eye-catching off the 45-day absence for a trainer scoring nicely at 21% fresh winners since 2012; drawn outside here so sure to lose ground; would be a shocker.

Coconut Cream Pie

Blinkers off after the 1st-hood start produced a career-low Beyer; the workouts for this are not very enticing however the 39%-winning synthetic-to-turf trainer is noted and she is clearly best in green routes; seeks set for a strong bounce-back effort now in with her lightest-weight assignment ever.

Bridle Plan

Has never been this far with a career-low Beyer pattern; faded in latest with 1st blinkers; finally back on grass where her debut Beyer is her best speed figure; 11%-winning fresh trainer since 2012 off the 40-day asbence suggests we take a wait and see approach.

Race 6

Top Fortitude

Definite upgrade to the latest work from the gate; his sire won a G3 and 445K (offspring of Top Hit have won 17 out of 51 debuts); the dam went zero for 2 lifetime; winning siblings include G2 victor Oh Oh Bango who notched 691K.

Arkenstone

Steady intervals to the training pattern; his sire won a G1 and 480K; progeny of Arch have won just over 10 percent of their initial starts; the dam won 4 of 31 and 170K; sib to 136K bankroller Perservata.

Big Medicine Man

Gained a good education in that first run when jammed up; his sire won a G1 and 616K; the dam won 1 of 12 and 70K; among the winning siblings is 795K earner Red Lead; can improve suddenly at a square price.

Final Step

Adds blinkers after very commendable maiden voyage from the outermost post; his sire was a G1 type who earned a total of 1.22 million; the dam was zero for 6; among the winning siblings is 65K earner Impass; playable.

Bodrum

Newcomer has been working at longer distances than most of his rivals; the sire is Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus who notched 1.99 million (his progeny have won 11 percent of their debuts); the dam won 1 of 3 and 12K; sib to 78K earner Wind of Bosphorus.

Lassie's Reward

Descendants of Good Reward, a G1 winner who earned 1.08 million, have scored in 13 out of 96 initial starts; the dam won 11 of 50 and 189K; sib to 242K earner Brass Bay; should be inviting odds.

Eddie's First

A fair set of drills at five-eighths to consider; his sire won a G1 and 837K in total; progeny of Square Eddie are 1 for 8 as far as winning their first test; the dam won 1 of 15 and 61K; sib to 325K earner Waveline.

Fuzzy Logic

Caught wide in his first outing when attending the pace; his sire scored at the G1 level earning 597K; the dam was unraced; winning siblings include 99K earner Hand I Was Dealt; encouraged by the drill on the morning of 10/4.

Maximinus

Got away with soft fractions while even money last money but could only manage the place; his sire won a G1 and 1.22 million; the dam was without a tally in 3 attempts; sib to 108K earner Serendipper Moon whose 3 victories were in dirt sprints.

Enterprising

Sired by Elusive Quality who earned 413K including G2 success; his offspring have done well first out, winning 93 of 602 attempts; the dam was zero for 3; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Anxious Times

The sire involved twice won the Breeders' Cup Classic; descendants of Tiznow have scored in 44 out of 583 debuts; the dam won 3 of 8 and 95K; winning siblings include 81K earner Dream Man.

Ke in Motion

Working exclusively at the five-eighths distance during the last few months; his sire is Derby winner Big Brown who amassed 3.61 million and whose progeny have scored in 12 out of 64 initial races; the mom won 5 of 18 and 224K; sib to 95K earner Commandante.

Kaepernick

See the previous runner for information about the same sire; the dam won 2 of 8 attempts and 104K; among the winning siblings is 445K earner Starship Truffles; recent workout activity is on the modest side.

Race 8

Valid But True

1 of 6 runners signed on for this who's lone win was right on the lead; lone victory was on a synthetic surface as she has never raced this far on dirt yet; reunites with the upset-DMR win rider while exits a career-best Beyer speed figure on dirt; know him early then hopes to hang on late.

He's a Sure Call

With so much gate speed signed on here a runner who can sit just off the pace like him is the more-than-likely winner; April absentee was no match for the show runner from last who Beyered 71 in his next-out GG-$12,500 claiming win; last dirt start was a dull effort nearly 1 year ago in an SA-maiden claimer.

Backstreet Boss

Exits a career-low Beyer when unable to make the lead then floundered thereafter; is one of 6 runners entered who's lone win was on the lead so a hot pace up front could contain this one in the potential-speed duel; would be a shocker off latest loss.

Cunning Ride

Exits a career-low Beyer; a good sign that his lone victory was sitting just off the pace in a race loaded with other frontrunners; the show finisher from last Beyered 62 in his next-out BSR-$12,500 claiming victory; the 3-back winner repeated with an 85 in a DMR-10K claimer; debut win was accomplished over the SA track and worked a bullet over this surface for this.

Bob Consultation

40-day absence off the career-low Beyer and last place finish; last dirt was a dull effort facing much faster on the SA main track; lone win was at SA at longer outdueling the field however has a logjam of other speedsters to battle with today; view as a pace presence for part.

Fighting On

85-day layoff off the late-running show finish rallying well despite missing the break noting his lone win was right on the lead at today's distance; wish the worktab for this stood out more but he simply hasn't run a bad race since March; beat the 2-back show runner a next-out 71 Beyer SR-25K-maiden claiming winner then repeated with an 81 taking a starter alw. event.

The Gatekeeper

One of the few runners entered here who rallied from off the pace to win; adds 2F onto the dirt-debut win while making his 1st SA attempt for this; worked well prior to latst win; has to pass the class test facing winners for the 1st time.

Hodge

Needed last start off the more than 4-month layoff; have to go back to 2011 to see his very-best form graduating on SA dirt; has not run a bad race in 2013 and was expected to explode fresh as the 1-2 betting choice but finished evenly.

Kettle Man

Been best at shorter than today's 5.5F distance; is 1 of 6 entered to have won right on the lead and just may own the best gate speed in this event; wish we saw more in 2 SA dirt losses both coming back both as last-place finishes.

Master Rudy

Last dirt start was a rock-solid effort but has not raced this short of a distance since February, 2012; beat the 3-back show runner who graduated next out in a BHP-20K-maiden claimer with a 59 Beyer; needed last start and should be set for a top effort today.

Mauzzie

Won a key race defeating the runner-up and show finishers from last who Beyered 50-44 in next-out BSR-25K-20K-maiden-claiming wins; loved that he won the race from just off the pace and that could be a major factor in a race which is packed with gate speed.

Race 9

Big Bane Theory

He's capable of showing up with a performance that is strong enough to make him a legitimate threat to walk away with the top prize, and he projects to sit a favorable ground saving trip after breaking from the rail post; must consider.

Mr T Bird

His first two starts for this barn were very nice performances and he might not have cared for playing the role of pacesetter in a tough spot in his latest outing; however, there might be something to be said for both Leparoux and Bejarano riding elsewhere in here.

Te Rapa

Have to respect his sharp recent form and Stra just seems to get along with this gelding very well; he's shown the ability to adapt to any early pace scenario, and at the very least, he merits consideration underneath in the exotics.

Hawk's Eyes (BRZ)

His most recent race can be viewed as being his sharpest performance since arriving in America, but that was over the synthetic surface at Del Mar, and he's really going to need to step it up over what he's shown in his two turf attempts in order to contend.

Mambo Man

It looks like the time he took off in June and July helped him along and he was a sharp winner in his latest outing while making his first start without blinkers; he's an interesting option to consider and Talamo has won with 10 of 45 (22%) mounts for this barn in 2013.

Lucky Primo

Multiple stakes winner can prove to be the dominant early speed in here and like the idea of him getting back over turf after a dirt and synthetic surface start; he's run well over this turf course in the past and today's 1 1/8m distance isn't a problem for him.

Tiz a Minister

He's a Grade 3 winner over the synthetic surface at BHP, but his two turf starts haven't been anywhere near his best, and this late running type figures to have a tough time trying to reel these in through the lane.

Huntsville

Grade 2 stakes palced performer has run some of his better races over this turf course, and his best effort can get him into the mix against these; however, you have to go back 15 starts to find his latest victory; looking in another direction for the top spot.

Examen

Respect the fact that he hails from a sharp turf barn, but if he's to get the better of the top contenders in this spot, he's going to need to step up with a performance that is much stronger than anything he's done to this point in time.

Dreamcatcher

He's been a little disappointing in his two most recent races while being beaten by a couple of today's rivals and it might be worth noting the presence of Leparoux aboard Big Bane Theory; wouldn't consider him a shocker, but prefer to look toward others.

Extensive

He hasn't run poorly since being returned from a very long absence back in May, and like to see that he's versatile enough to adapt to any early pace scenario; Garcia has been aboard for a few of his better performances and this is a barn that does some of their better work with turf starters.

Race 10

Janes Ship

She has missed at some softer venues; show horse two back returned to beat rival on the direct outside; not sure she was beaten by anybody in that June race; the winner that day is 0 for 2 since.

Warren's My Queen

After 31 beats, the upside is just impossible to locate; hustling bug back again, but runner has not been close at this demanding distance and she was losing ground late in her best try at 7 furlongs; not my kind of play.

Roust 'Em Bertie

A couple of things to like here; she has never been in his cheap and her top career Beyer came in the return effort to close out 2012; connections would love to see her start acting like top kin Rousing Sermon, an over $600K earner; if she has any talent, she figures to show it here.

Love Love Me Do

One and done in MSW land but she seems realistically placed here; dam 0 for 6; one of 2 siblings won; that runner, Grandfield Belle, took 3 of 9, earned almost $50K; trainer is 3 for 8 with this MSW to maiden claiming move in the last year or so.

Consent

She could have showed up at Pomona but connections have opted for this meet; backers can say both siblings won and one cashed 9 times; hard to adore today.

Winninginfashion

Boxcars in every race this year, is looking at the same fate; finally off the rail, she has been handled by a couple of today's foes but last race came back okay; place horse won at this very level and the winner repeated in a $40K starter at Fairplex with a 73 Beyer; dam out of the money thrice; lone half sis won once, earned 2 grand a start after 9 outs; she did have an eventful debut; respect.

Meet Me for a Kiss

Bothered at the beach when she passed tired horses; 3 for 12 dam earned over $50K; 4 of 6 siblings won; none were much stock; extra distance could be right up her alley.

Teasing Moment

At least she has the two races under the girth; note she was floated wide in her local race in the debut; look for pilot to send hard and try to steal it.

Frannie'sspirittoo

Can't fault those that are a bit gun shy after the 3 chalk flops; she was clear for fun in last and the show horse was 7 clear; like the draw, only beaten a head the last time for this pilot; due.

U R My Candy Girl

Shades new and so is the more experienced rider; has a shot to show more speed with the blinks but hard to see that as the cure all; a slice may be the ceiling.

Gin Jan Lizzie

Soph took the overland route to kick it off; dam out of the money 8 times; this is her first to race; must find a way to turn the tables on the rival on the direct outside among others.

Glad's Gals

Like the spacing of the comeback drills; she showed grit two back when trying despite the poor start; can't fault those that give her another shot at glory.

Rich in Tradition

She has had her chances but arguably her best race was here when beaten three quarters; backers can hang hat on fact there is a $100K earner in the tree; she was losing ground late in last and now has to go the extra furlong.

Speedy Vixen

Protected in the two races at Pomona, but she has failed several times at this level; there is a full sister that won 10 times in the minor leagues; would think long and hard before taking too short a number.