Santa Anita horses to watch: Week of Jan. 4

TOM’S TRIBUTE
Trainer: Jim Cassidy
Last race: Dec. 26, 7th
Finish: 6th by 1 1/4
Beyer: 89
A strategy miscue cost this late runner his chance in the Grade 2 Sir Beaufort at a mile on turf. He pressed a blazing pace instead of being rated, made the lead at the eighth pole after seven furlongs in 1:21.03, and got swallowed. Tab for a rebound with patient handling.

DISTINCTIV PASSION
Trainer: Jeff Bonde
Last race: Dec. 26, 8th
Finish: 8th by 9 3/4
Beyer: 84
Seven furlongs setting an insane pace (43.33-second half-mile) was too much to ask in the Grade 1 Malibu, and this speedster hit a wall in the final furlong. He can turn back to six furlongs next time and possibly run them into the ground.

CHELIOS
Trainer: Tom Proctor
Last race: Dec. 28, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 81
This well-bred colt (by Distorted Humor out of an A.P. Indy mare) turned in a smart debut that sets him up for improvement next out. He got an inside trip, raced evenly, finished on his own, and is certain to improve with experience and distance.

MUM
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Dec. 29, 7th
Finish: 3rd by 10
Beyer: 51
This debuting filly by Tapit was not quick enough to keep up with the runaway winner but galloped out full of run and was difficult to pull up on the backstretch. Tab on the stretch-out.