Santa Anita: Closer Looks for October 17, 2013

Race 3

Disko Dasko (FR)

Ample promise shown here in the spring when she came from Europe (off a win) and promptly won her U.S. debut on this hillside course; alas, things have gone south since; still, it's most encouraging a sharp guy like Cassidy tried her in 4 straight stakes including a G3 and G2; OK, so maybe that was too much too soon but now off a freshening she's down in class and maybe all that can get her back on track....maybe.

Life Is a Stone

No way to knock a gal who's been 1-2-3 in 9 straight including all 5 grass starts; speed to be in the thick of it and maybe dictating everything from the start; that beign said, it is her first start in over 2 months and she's had to ship for the privilege but hey, Jerry could have left her at GG but instead brought her south, and his main man and leading rider Bejarano takes the call; could prove elusive.

English Crossing

Daughter of grass champ English Channel continues her fine form (6 straight top-3 finishes); best of all, she's got enough tactical speed to keep 'Stone in her sights; chased Vionnet at DMR Aug. 30 and that gal came back to be a sharp 3rd in the G1 Rodeo Drive here a few weeks ago; should get a great trip stalking 'Stone and getting first run on the closers.

Perfecta

Thought after her smart Aug. 2012 outings (2 wins) at DMR she was destined for stakes ranks; alas, she then tried the G3 Autumn Miss here, didn't run badly (6th) but was gone over 9 months and came back with 2 not-so-hot outings at DMR this August; at least there's no panicky drop by a Hall of Fame trainer and she's worked steadily but you have to wonder if what sent her away for so long has taken a few lengths away from her.

Gulsary (IRE)

No threat when 4th in her U.S. debut at DMR Aug. 30 but she didn't run badly at all; remember, not only was it her first try in America, but it was her first action of any kind in 9 months and then she was off slowly and far back early; to her credit she kept to her task and ran on well for 4th, not that far behind today's likely fave English Crossing (1 1/4 lengths); can certainly improve off that outing though she can't be giving 'Channel and the others that big a headstart again.

Lady Asano

Sire Teuflesberg is1 for first 18 (over 5%) first time turf, 2 for first 33 (6%) overall turf, according to DRF sire stats; sire won 5 of 21 for $621K, was G2 SW, multiple G2 SW on dirt, ran 2nd in only turf try; dam won 6 of 17 for $176K, had 3 SWs, 3rd in only turf try; dam's 2 foals tor ace are T. V. Tommy (1 for 18, $59K, never ran on turf) and Recognize (1 for 10, $31K, off board only turf try); falshed talent with a big maiden win on a wet main track here Jan. 27 and big win over winners on DMR's synthetic track July 26, so that bodes well for handling turf; 2 recent BHP bullets say she's doing well, too.

Race 4

Italian Mirage

Unfortunately draws the rail again which will probably not help his slow-breaking tendencies; his sire won a G2 and 1.51 million; the dam scored in 5 of 12 starts earning 164K; among the winning siblings is 404K winner Kalookan Dancer; pass for now.

Cypriot

Pulled up in distress last month when trying 9 furlongs; turned in a fair rally 2 back and the return to this sprint setting should help his prospects; latest workout at five-eighths was only average, however.

Deception Free

A consistent check-earner for sure but he does not warrant yet another short price on the board; a.m. drills along the comeback trail are fair but not overpowering; did run well in his sole attempt at today's trip;

Wave Catching

Rested since a trouble-filled route attempt in late August; has shown only a modicum of late kick thus far and unless there is an unexpected red-hot pace, he will probably rally after the fact; did upgrade a bit in the workout on 10/1.

Sheriff Hutton

Exceptionally tough beat 3 weeks ago when losing a blanket finish while huge odds; there is not much known pace opposition in today's field and that will enhance his chances; worth some follow-up although the odds will be less appealing.

Running Water

Might have been last time if not for breaking slowest of all; his sire won a G1 and 727K while the dam won 1 of 5 and 9K; among the winning siblings is 111K earner She's a Mugg; obvious true contender.

Street Choir

Drops to a career low level today and should be able to stay within range because of the expected pace transition; should find himself much closer to the lead before the turn for home and warrants inclusion in exotic wagers.

Wildcat Candy

Twice beaten favorite is one of several members of this field that do not break alertly; made up good ground in his sole try at seven-eighths but was aided by excellent early fractions that day; conflicting signals.

Nicholas M

Continues the theme of this race: slow breakers; the gelding's sire won his only start and 27K while the dam won 1 of 9 and 26K: winning siblings include 55K earner Idea of March; recent gate workout may not be enough to turn things around.

Warren's Tyler S.

Makes his 14th attempts in these ranks and needs to get into gear sooner; may be able to land a share against this caliber as his latest drill at five-eighths was sharper than previous a.m. moves; solid comparative Beyer earned 2 starts back.

Fly High

Unlucky gelding may be able to obtain a cozy stalking or pace-prompting position today; set decent fractions in the route attempt 2 back and in his latest run, was compromised by the rail slot; looks like a good fit.

Race 5

Full Ransom

Full Mandate 5 for 138 with first-time turfers; SW sire earned almost $200K, was 2nd beaten over 2 lengths in best result after 2 grass attempts; dam's lone win came on turf as older horse; 1 of 3 siblings won but that guy won twice on grass as older horse; place horse in the debut graduated at this level next out with a 75 Beyer; cozy slot, respect.

Elite Eight

Malibu Moon about 10% with first-time grass runners in a 421-runner sample; sire graduated in second start at 2 at 5 furlongs on dirt for only win; dam won at 2, took a stakes, earned over $200K, was turf only; there is juvenile success in the tree and top kin Grandma's Rules won 6 times on grass, banked over $200K; respect cagey barn.

Loan Savant

Spring at Last 3 for 26 with first-time turfers; Grade 1 winning sire didn't race at 2, took his debut at 3, banked over $1.1 million, won once on grass; dam's lone win was a sprint on dirt as older horse; 2 of 3 siblings won; one took debut at 2, another won on grass once; must display more.

Lethal Story

Unusual Heat about 13% with first-time grass runners in a 352-horse study; sire won juvenile debut going short in Europe, earned over 140 grand, all on grass; she has a right to grow into her skin as full sis Lethal Heat took a Grade 2, won twice on grass, banked over $650K; another sibling won both starts at 2; going another way.

Elegant Trick

English Channel about 18% with first-time grass runners in a 113-horse study; sire took debut at 2, won multiple G1s, garnered over $5.3 million, on turf; dam 0 for 3; all 4 siblings won; 1 cashed at 2, 2 tried grass to no avail; back to the original pilot.

Kitten de Pere

Kitten's Joy about 17% with debuting juveniles in a 204-runner grid, about 16% with first-time grass runners in a 274-horse study; sire won twice at 2, won multiple G1s on grass, banked over $2 million; dam out of the money thrice; both full siblings won once when older, one cashed on grass; drills ideally spaced.

Cause Im a Bigshot

Giant's Causeway about 9% with first-time grass runners in a 531-horse study; sire won juvenile debut by 7, won over $2 million on grass; dam lost only start; this is her first to race; may the blinks will shake her up.

Stormin Norma

Was only brief factor on a slow pace up north; 1 for 17 dam did cash on grass; 2 of 4 sibs won, neither at 2, one cashed 3 times on grass; could need softer crew.

Skyblueandblack

Scat Daddy about 17% with debuting juveniles in a 103-runner grid, about 14% with first-time grass runners in a 111-horse study; sire won multiple Grade 1s, earned over $1.3 million, never turfed; dam's lone win came routing on dirt; this is her first to race; never easy to win long at first asking.

Afsana

Tiznow about 7% with debuting juveniles in a 304-runner grid, about 8% first-time grass runners in a 354-runner survey; sire did not race at 2, was a double BC Classic hero but never on grass; dam won twice on grass, earned nearly $125K; both siblings won once, one did it on grass at 2; she looks fit enough.

Loufoque

Clever debut since the hillside is a very tricky course; dam took one dirt route; one of 2 siblings won; that runner, Persistently, cashed at 2, lost only turf out, banked over $525K; figures to relish added distance; the one to beat.

Sierra Electrica

Hung wide in last and may have to deal with the Mandella again; sprint only dam won at 2, was third in best result on grass; all 4 siblings won; several tried at 2 to no avail; top kin El Martillo won twice on grass, banked nearly $300K; must display more.

Galehorn

Bonita Farm was named as owner last time; miss for a tag but then ran a super race at boxcars at this level; connections just missed putting one over; one for 13 dam did win on turf; 1 of 4 siblings won; that runner was 2nd in best juvenile out, won twice on grass; could need local experience.

Race 6

Sir Barclay

He's shown good speed but not much stamina in his first two starts at Del Mar; maybe the surface switch will help and he will be running without blinkers for the first time; third start and third different rider isn't encouraging but all three sibs are winners and he just might be a better horse on dirt; don't sell short.

Scamalot

Debuts for McCarthy who the past five years has an 8% strike rate with first-time starting juveniles; sire 6/31 with 2-year-old first-time starters; 5 of 7 sibs are winners; nice set of works and note the strong jockey-trainer stats showing; respect.

Showmeister

Tannersmyman is roughly 11 percent with first-time starting juveniles; $117K dam won at two; 5 sibs, one winner, and 2 of his 3 wins came going long; the past five years Miyadi has a 14% strike-rate with first time starting 2-year-olds and he's having a strong meet; works just average, though.

Compulsive

He had a couple of solid performances at Del Mar in his first two races but that wasn't much of an effort in his first start here Sept. 27; blinkers go on so maybe he'll show more early interest but it is hard to support him off his dull effort in his latest.

Exponentially

His first few races at Del Mar were solid and we're willing to toss his last start there because he jumped up to face much tougher company; he would look a lot better if he would have hung around a bit longer iin his first start here but he could be the one they have to catch if he breaks alertly; consider for the exotics.

Tom the Judge

Works are pretty slow and since 2009 the barn hasn't had a debut winner; sire, who is just getting started, won his first two starts at two including the Grade 3 Hollywood Juvenile; dam didn't win in 3 starts but 3 of her 4 foals to race are winners including 2-year-old debut winner Glad's a Smilin; prefer others.

Western Showdown

He was sent off as the even-money favoreit in his debut and he ran a big race to finish second; he's regressed since then but he was coming off a two-month layoff when he tired in a two-turn sprint at BSR and he could improve in his second start back; bottom half of the exotis?

Hallett Boy

He got off to a poor start in his debut but finished okay; it looks better on paper than it really was because half the field blew the turn; 7 of his 8 sibs to race are winners the best being Alpine Sport who won 16 sprints and earned $232K; second start improvment likely and he might be able to work his way into the exotics.

Johns Journey

He stands out from a Beyer Speed Figure prospective and he ran a big race to finish second when he added blinkers and dropped into a maiden claimer for the first time in his first start here; the horse that won his race two back at Del Mar won the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity in his next start; jockey-trainer combo has put up solid numbers together; the pick.

Race 7

Creditcardroulette

Barn changes things up with this one; she makes a notable class move, returns to turf, and cuts back in distance; she's also something of a fresh horse as this will be her first start since August; shows some forward works for the task and seems like one who can at least share.

Possible (GB)

She's returning to the turf and suspect the surface switch will suit runner who to date has done her best work on the green; she also did not get the break from her rail post last out in a large field; adding to her cause is the move to the straight claiming ranks.

Brilliant Melody

She has more natural speed than a number of these, and it might serve her well to be up in the race in this large field; she also has class appeal as one who faced steeper in her most recent start; adding to her cause is the fact that she's a three-time winner, giving her an experience edge on most of these; leading contender.

Fantastic Mizz

She's making key class and distance moves for what will be her first start since August; has run some of her best races at this trip, and note the sharp works she shows in preparation for the turn back in distance; might get a nice stalking trip behind Noise of the Crowd, Golden Production and Brilliant Melody.

Tebowing

She's turning back in distance like a handful of these, and as such looking for her to be making her case in the later stages; her last start seems like a toss out; it was her first on dirt and she now returns to the grass, a surface over which she is a winner.

Plaza de Indias (CHI)

She is yet another cutting back in distance and her move is perhaps the most notable as she last raced over a mile and three-eighths; shows some sharp works in preparation for the shorter distance and note for this trip barn will add blinkers; has class appeal as one who has been facing steeper...she even exits a stakes; leading contender.

There Is No Limit

She's an eight-time winner facing some less experienced rivals and that makes her appealing; she's also moving back to the turf for the first time in a while and note she is a multiple winner on the green, with one of those wins coming over this course; has been facing steeper of late, and appears to be a win candidate.

Golden Production

She's moving from five furlongs to six and a half panels and looking for her to be prominent in a field of runners who are mostly turning back in distance; perhaps she'll show the way or track Noise of the Crowd; consistent sort gets a rematch here with Brilliant Melody; one of several who can share.

Noise of the Crowd

She's an eight-time winner, giving her an experience edge on most of these; she also has more speed than most of these, and looks like a candidate to take the initiative from the bell, or track a few of these; was a clear winner over this course last out and put up her best career Beyer Figure; win candidate.

Distant Image

She gets the chance to get back on the grass and the surface switch figures to suit runner who has registered four of her five wins on the grass; cut back in distance last time and might be sharper here in her second straight sprint start; has been a consistent sort and would be no real surprise.

Race 8

Tiz Futurity

Soph hooked daylighter two back but ran well in last despite going wide; needs help up front and not sure there is enough speed in here to help promote the kick; contender, far from a cinch.

Mr. Satisfaction

There are just too many defeats to take this runner overly serious; no speed, no asset and he has been beaten numerous times vs. softer; looking at a huge number right back.

Si the Ocean

Gelding stretch out with the blinks last time but he took the overland route and never really threatened; 6th finisher in last took a maiden $25K seller, next out, 10th finisher won at this very level next out and the winner repeated in a $25K claimer by a nose; dam won 8 times, banked over $160K; lone half sis to race Sicy took 10 sprints, lost only route try; has the Sadler charge to deal with again among others.

Midnight Casanova

Youngster shows in the career cheap spot today; like the spacing of the return drills and the 6/29 place horse graduated next out in a MSW at GG with a 77 Beyer, then was 3rd beaten nearly 4 in a $40K starter; stakes placed dam banked over $100K, won routing once; lone half sis to race Tap a Keg took 3 of 14, won routing once; don t dismiss.

Major Affair

In for half his purchase price this time; beaten over 17 in the miler in the second start of the year but the place horse 5/11 graduated next out at this level at DMR with a 75 Beyer; backers can point to the fact there are multiple route winners in the family; needs to hurry.

Chocolatier

Off slow, then bumped but last two efforts were decent; note this $190K purchase was in for $18K in only the third start; that seems like a quick give up; still, slight improvement and he should be right on the line.

Perfect Jersey

Runner has more speed than he just showed; connections would love to see him start acting like top kin, Grade 2 winner, triple route winner and over $800K earner Jersey Town; he seems to be figuring it out.

Annunaki

He has just not been keen to run so far; sire proved stamina taking BC Classic; dam s lone win was a route; lone half bro to race Rifle took 3 routes, banked about $45K in the minor leagues; he's been a bad actor at the gate so far, a clean start and it could be a whole new ballgame.

Gallant Charm

Gelding has never been close on this circuit; place horse 6/15 graduated next out in this league with a 72 Beyer, then ran out of the money; fit enough to drill a couple of times since the last race and the move on the 9th was solid; interesting.

Bud Matic

Blinks re-added to no avail in last; runner just has no speed and he doesn t pass horses either; can't endorse off the recent form.

Headlights On

Hard to adore this guy after dismal route debut; even after the decent third in the second start, fans didn t exactly go to the well at 11-1 and they were right on the money; soph could be compromised by the slot today too.