Santa Anita horses to watch: Week of Feb. 15

AKISS FORAROSE
Trainer: Gary Sherlock
Last race: Feb. 6, 6th
Finish: 4th by 3
Beyer: 63
A horrible trip under jockey Orlando Mojica compromised this $25,000 (N2L) filly. She shuffled, steadied, lost position on the far turn, and tried to finish. Follow vs. similar.

EXCESSIVE KID
Trainer: Carla Gaines
Last race: Feb. 6, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 5
Beyer: 75
This 3-year-old colt showed promise against maiden special weights. Green, climbing, and uncomfortable on “wet-fast,” he leveled off late and finished willingly in a fine debut.

JOE CARL
Trainer: Jack Carava
Last race: Feb. 7, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 4 1/4
Beyer: 76
A closer, he had no shot over a drying-out track biased toward speed. Reclaimed by Carava (from Kristin Mulhall), he fits in a $12,500 claiming route over a fair track.

IMPERATIVE
Trainer: George Papaprodomou
Last race: Feb. 8, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 98
Vastly improved since being claimed for $50,000, this gelding ran super to finish second in the Grade 2 San Antonio. He chased a hot pace, battled through the lane, and ran better than the winner, Blingo.

SWIFT EAGLE
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Feb. 8, 9th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 82
First time for a tag, this veteran was a timely claim by Sadler (from Paddy Gallagher). Despite a history of seconds and thirds, he is likely to improve for his new connections.