Santa Anita: Closer Looks for October 19, 2013

Race 1

Red Barris

Sire The Green Monkey is 1 for first 14 (7%) with 2yo firsters, according to DRF sire stats; sire had 1 3rd in 3 starts for $10K, also famous for being being sold for $16 million at auction in 2006, a world record price; dam's 3 foals are winners including full-sis Kinz Funky Monkey (2 for 6, $119K, SW, SP); dam was off the board in only start for $1K; plenty of works for Miller who can fire first out (22%); gives Miller 2 good looks at this as he also sends out firster Sergeant O'Rourke.

Quick Approval

Debut was most encouraging; pressed the pace at BSR Sept. 20, though she faltered in the lane to be a well-beaten 4th; still, that wasn't a bad first run, she showed speed and it came vs. tougher so with that under her belt comes a class drop today; that being said, she worked pretty darn slow here Oct. 12 (5fs in 1:04, 48th fastest of 50 that day); 1 of 2 sibs is winner Omamaomamama (5 wins, $73K).

Sergeant O'Rourke

Sire Forestry gets over 13% 2yo debut winners; sire won 7 of 11 for $591K, won G1 King's Bishop, G2 Dwyer, also 3rd in G1 Haskell; dam has 1 winner from 2 foals to race, Navigate the Stars (1 for 4, $9K); dam was off board in only 2 starts for over $2K; gives Miller 2 good looks at this (also saddles the rail filly) and he's a sharp 22% first out and the works are most encouraging.

Grammy Times Six

Sire Montbrooke gets about 11% 2yo debut winners; sire won 5 of 8 for $373K, won G1 De Francis, also a G3 SW; dam's 8 foals are winenrs including Speak Logistics (2 wins, $392K, SW, G2/G3 SP) and Megalith (8 wins, $253K, SW, SP); dam won 1 of 5 for $34K; been working along in steady fashion for Truman who is quietly having a big meet (3 for first 6, 50%).

Impeccably

Sire Brother Derek is 5 for first 33 (15%) with 2yo firsters; sire won 6 of 17 for $1.6 million, won G1 Hollywood Futurity, G1 SA Derby, also a mutliple G2 SW and G2 SP; unraced dam's 3 foals are winners including full-bro Brother Greg (2 wins, $10K), Carol's Friend (2 wins, $47K) and B G Top Yankee (3 wins, $32K); plenty of works for a trainer who fires first out (15%) though there isn't a lot of evidence of speed in those drills.

Race 2

Brave Act

He has experience on the hill under this pilot and that can only help; never been a big fan of the rail unless a runner has speed on this course but this guy can give you a :21 and change quarter if in the mood; due.

Intoclassymischief

Into Mischief 1 for 16 with first-time turfers; sire took debut at 2, won a Grade 1 at 2, never turfed; dam earned over $500K and won on grass once; lone half sis took one dirt sprint; back to the original pilot; look for Mario to send and try to steal it.

Prospector's Trick

Fresh, dangerous and like the local debut; dam third in only out; lone full sister lost 5 times; backers have to hope a duel develops and this guy can save some semblance of ground; if that happens, look out.

Storm Caution

Under Caution 0 for 3 with first-time turfers; sire was dirt route only, lost twice on grass; dam out of the money in only start; both siblings won; the one that tried grass was third in best turf result; passing.

Warren's Casper

Affirmative 1 for 41 with firsters, 3 for 24 with first-time turfers; sire lost all 4 starts; dam won twice, was dirt sprint only; a full bro lost 11 times; a half bro won 4 times but never on grass; love fact he drilled farther than this race is carded; still may need one.

Angel Charge

He's never sprinted and even with the blinks, can't see him clearing here; connections would love to see him start acting like top kin Heavenly Landing, who won 4 times on grass, banked over $300K; could need softer crew.

The Cleaners

Took pretty good action in the debut but was hung wide from the marooned slot; 5th finisher in the debut won in this league next out and the 12th finisher took a maiden $20K at GG next; dam won twice, once on grass; this is her first to race; got a feeling we have not seen the best of this one.

Corinthian's Song

Both Garcias have a similar style so don't see an angle there; last race came back ultra live; the 2nd, 6th and 8th finishers cashed at this level next out and the winner repeated in a $40K optional; another slice?

Race 4

Tamarack Smarty

Needs some help up front and he didn't get it in his latest when they walked during the first part of the race; there should be an honest-enough pace here and three of his four wins have come on turf so he won't mind the surface switch; note the strong recent dirt to turf stats showing for Mitchell and the positive ROI when Gryder rides for the barn; not out of the question.

Free From My Ex

He'll need to improve quite a bit in his first try on the lawn to contend here; he set slow fractions before fading in the same race Tamarack Smarty exits and he's going to have to work harder here; Grade 1 winner Candy Ride won on turf and is 10% with first-time turfers; dam went unplaced in only start and this is her first foal; passing

Lord Vronsky

He is a pretty sharp horse right now and he looked good winning going around three turns in a $40K optional race for Cal-breds at BSR in his latest; there is other speed here but he's versatile and can stalk; no wins on the lawn but he's come close enough and has only been out of the tri once in 5 starts on grass; with 10 wins he certainly knows how to win races; contender.

Olympic Blue

Looks like the one to beat off his win at this level two back and he was in the race at the top of the stretch in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby before giving way late; this is obviously a much -easier spot and he has a good record going a mile so he won't mind the cutback in disance; his good tactical speed adds to his appeal; the pick.

Very Unusual

He's been right there in his last two in $40K starter races restricted to nonwinners of two and he is facing multiple winners here; he could be the one they have to catch and he held on pretty well after setting quick fractions in his latest; horse that won his previous race finished fourth in a $25K optional race for Cal-breds with a 71 Beyer in his next start here; can see him sticking around long enough to pick up a sllce but that's about it.

Centenario de Oro

Lone try on the lawn came was also his only try at a middle distance and he came up empty after forcing a moderate pace; he just didn't run a jump in his latest sprint in a $10K claimer and it is hard to imagine him turning things around enough to challenge in this spot; passing.

Tricky Shane

3-year-old equaled his career-best Beyer Speed Figure in his latest and he'll need to improve on the figure to contend for the top spot here; he has a good record at the distance, though, and the shape of the race should work in is favor; horse that won his race 7/21 won a $50K claimer for 3yo's in his next start; consider for the exotics.

Bipartisan

He had excuses in his two previous races on the lawn and he didn't get beat by that much in one of them by Olympic Blue at Del Mar; he should be full of confidence following his blowout win in a much easier spot on the main track and Gutierrez abandons Tricky Shane to land here; can see him getting a nice trip from a stalking position and possibly making some noise at what should be a nice price; don't sell short.

Usbek Thunder (BRZ)

He did his best work on turf in Brazil so he should appreciate the surface switch; he was facing pretty weak company in his home country, though, and he didn't run a jump in his first start here; he is certainly eligible to improve with a race behind him but do you see him improving enough to make an impact here? not likely.

Race 6

Field Report

Try to catch me stretching out to his longest-distance test since January; last time racing on the lead was his SA-dirt maiden victory which is the field's best Beyer speed figure; exits his best Beyer since that huge effort Septemer, 2012; today is 1st-SA downhill turf; super-fresh trainer off the 51-day absence adds to the appeal; the one to catch and beat

Crimson Giant

Has not raced this far of a distance since April; winless in 28 straight races since November, 2011, when rallying from 6th to graduate in an SA-muddy main-track 40K-maiden claimer; exits his best Beyer since August when back on the SA green with an unimpressive 9-0-0-0 career line over the downhill course.

Cinco de Mario

Late runner cuts back to his shortest-distance test since July, 2012; a beaten-betting choice when stretched out to 9F noting 2-back which represents a career-best Beyer on DMR green then burned betting money on the SA lawn; can he get up in time to win it all is the major issue.

Hello Frankie

The July, 2012, synthetic win was from just off the pace while his lone turf start saw him press the pace at longer before fading; has been very best on synthetic surfaces; exits his lowest Beyer since April, 2012, when racing on SA dirt; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 81 in his next-out PM-16K win.

Red Man Run

Exits his lowest Beyer since December, 2011, which was the career debut on GG synthetic; that big-gate speed displayed in March to win on SA grass at today's distance was missing especially fron latest when breaking 8th; on the lead in just 2 of 22 starts but when he does break fast produced a good finish; the workout for this race was not very enticing; needs a big wakeup call.

Benba

Graduated from just off the pace and that figures to be a winning trip chasing Field Report and perhaps Red Man Run and Hello Frankie from the gate; in his lone turf start he broke poorly then was a non factor thereafter; the 2-back runner-up finisher Beyered 71 in his next-out FNO-25K-maiden claiming win.

Life Rule

Late runner has been screaming out for more distance but remains at 6.5F; sire is 23-for-152 with 1st-turf starters; 2-for-9 dam (16K) did not race on grass; only other foal to race is 1-for-6 Light Up My Heart (4K) who did not race on turf.

Quick Cielo

Looms for a perfect trip stalking the inside speedsters; big try 3-back beating the show runner a next-out 67 Beyer DMR-20K-maiden claliming winner; sire is 1-for-13 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who produced 2 grass winners from 4 foals to race on the lawn including 1-for-7 turfer full Lunarco (41K).

Tale Be Told

Figures to be last early then make 1 run; 13th race was the charm graduating on dirt; lone turf race on SA green was a dull 8th-place double-digit length defeat; worked well on dirt for this however owns his best Beyer was posted on synthetic; has plenty to prove on the green.

Myfundsarelo

Midpack runner regressed the Beyer 2nd-time out off a 68-day layoff as the beaten-betting choice on dirt; 1st turf today; sire is 4-for-28 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an unraced dam who's only foal to race on grass is 1-0-0-0 turfer Blues Blaster.

Race 7

Syndicated

He's one of two in the field moving into the claiming ranks after a start in the Pomona Derby; the other horse making the move is Too Fast To Pass; has sharpened his skills for the turnback in distance with a smart half-mile move, and note barn excels with its route to sprint prospects; further, this one's maiden win came at six furlongs; contender in competitive race.

Derringer

He's been consistent as a rule, so his last race seems a bit out of sorts for him; however, it's explainable when one takes note of the pace and final time of the race, both of which were quite quick; looking for the fractions to be more reasonable in this spot, and he would be tough with repeat of his effort from Sept. 4; leading contender.

Najran Breeze

He has class appeal as one who has seen steeper; his company lines include Broadway Empire, who since their meeting has won a pair of Grade 3 races between Alberta, Canada, and Oklahoma; a concern is that in the past this one did not seem to take to SA; still, he's worked well over the local strip up into this race; one who can share.

Great Friends Rule

He made the turf to dirt move last out and ran a good second in a $32K claimer in which he was favored; seems to be a better horse on turf at this point in his career, but like that he's a consistent sort overall and that he's one of the winningest members of the field; yet another contender in competitive race.

Too Fast to Pass

He's one of two in the field coming out of the Pomona Derby, the other horse being Syndicated; this one is returning to both the claiming ranks and sprinting and his last win came under such conditions; he also has appeal as a four-time winner facing less experienced runners; looks like a leading contender.

Native Treasure

He will be giving up recency to all of these as he has not seen action since March; did run well off the bench in his last start, and note the winner of the race returned to take the Tsunami Slew and Pasadena in his next two starts; the company line is appealing; one to preview in the paddock.

No Contingency

He's moving back to SA, where he won his debut in February; gets a chance with straight 3-year-olds after facing older rivals in his last couple of outs; removed blinkers for his most recent start and ran one of his better races; like a number of these, he is one who can share.

Full Consent

May foal is facing winners for the first time after having his number put up in his debut; note he was the favorite in the maiden allowance; has the benefit of a straight 3-year-old spot for the move to the ranks of winners, and also shows some forward works over the main track at Santa Anita; must consider.

Summer Exclusive

He's moving back to dirt after a series of strong efforts on turf, and note he was a sharp debut winner on the main track at SA back in March; so sharp, in fact, that he earned himself a shot in the Santa Anita Derby; wore blinkers for his smashing debut, and put them back on for his most recent start; outside post might lend itself to ideal tracking trip; choice.

Race 8

Tiz a Minister

He's a G3 winner racing over the synthetic surface at BHP but he hasn't been at his best in his two turf starts and he might prefer more ground to cover than today's 6 1/2f assignment offers; prefer to keep looking around in here.

A Toast to You

He's run some nice races sprinting down the hill, and even though he hasn't been on top of his game lately, he can have a say in the outcome if he can regain the form that he displayed earlier in the year.

Circa'sgoldengear

Consistent performer is a proven commodity racing over this turf course and he's run very well in his starts sprinting down the hill; however, it might be worth noting the presence of Talamo aboard another in here.

Atta Boy Pete

He ran a nice race in a five-furlong dash at Del Mar in his turf debut in his latest outing, but he's stepping up to take on tougher this time around, and the added distance might not play in his favor.

Starspangled Heat

This barn has been on a solid run lately and this gelding is more than capable of producing a big late run to make him a threat against competition of this caliber; like to see Nakatani land here and he's won with 3 of 5 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Mobilized

He loses the services of Nakatani to Starspangled Heat, but this veteran has looked good in a couple of his starts sprinting down the hill, and if his recent workouts are any indication, then he's set to return to action running.

Ain't No Other

This is a barn and rider that have had a big year together and this multiple stakes winner ran a big race with Bejarano aboard the last time he was seen sprinting down the hill; winner from latest won next out at Bel on 9/28 going 6f in a G1 with a 108 Beyer.

Dixieland Blues

Respect the fact that some of his better races have been run over this turf course and at today's distance, but this does appear to be a tough spot for his stakes debut; runner up from latest won next out at BSR on 9/14 going 6f vs. 40k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Strong Wind

He's stepped up his game nicely since moving into this barn and it looks like Stevens has played a big role in his improved form; maybe there's something to be said for this being his first start sprinting down the hill, but he's tough to ignore with a number of sharp looking recent workouts in tow.

Luckarack

Tough veteran seems to own the ability to run his race over any surface and he is stakes placed sprinting down the hill; however, he is going to need to find his way back to his very best performance if he's to have a chance at seeing his number posted on top after this one.

Race 9

Full of Slew

Inside again, no apparent excuse as beaten chalk in last; nice move on the 27th and the place horse in last graduated next out in a maiden $30K claimer with a 40 Beyer; dam took one dirt sprint; this is her first to race; due.

Union Blaze

She needs a turn around after 2 poor efforts; dam's only win was sprint debut at 2; lone half sis was out of the money in only try; must hurry.

Royaly Dunn

Maybe she was intimidated by the rail last time; dam out of the money 5 times; the sibling to win took juvenile debut sprinting, lost next 8; hard to adore off last effort.

Shoot Me Another

Off poorly in the debut, at least she got a feel of the surface; dam took juvenile debut sprinting, lost next 4; several siblings routed to no avail; top kin Really Free banked about $180K in a long career; still in for $16K more than purchase price.

Water Issues

Filly is starting to figure it out and she has proven she can close ground late; Talamo strings along and if she breaks with her field, it could be a whole new ballgame; trainer Blacker grew up with horses across the pond and has worked for Tom Albertrani and Richard Mandella; 7 of dam's 13 wins were routes as she banked nearly $400K; top kin Flying Home won thrice routing, banked nearly $80K; this miss looks live.

Singleinthelast

Homebred must be given legit look on the drop alone; bumped in the debut, then forced to steady, like the last several drills including the best of 37 spin on the 9th; 7th finisher in last took a MSW next out and the 9th finisher took a maiden $32K claimer; dam was unraced; this is her first to race; looking for a walk off.

Papa's Flashy Girl

George Lopez was named as owner in the debut; she is the only one in the field with route experience and that may show up in the headlines at crunch time; dam was unraced; all 3 siblings won, but only sprinting; look for bug to send and hope for the best.

Inherit the Throne

Second time Lasix but last race was on the dismal side; there is at least a route winner in the family in the form of Got Alot Going; hard to take a positive stance off the local debut.

She's Flush

The way she was inching toward the winner suggests she could take to the trip; backers can point to the fact that half sis Morning Jewel did win routing; slight improvement and she will be in the mix.

Sweet Lips Pooh

Off a career effort, but has the Sherlock to deal with among others; both siblings won sprinting once in the minor leagues; hand will likely be forced by the post so look for rider to be aggressive from the get go.