Santa Anita horses to watch: Week of Oct. 12

BIG MACHER
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Oct. 3, 1st
Finish: 1st by 4 3/4
Beyer: 86
Dirt was what this gelding wanted. Making his fourth start, he trounced $40K maiden claimers and looks like a worthy favorite next out in a maiden-40 starter.

HOBBITS HERO
Trainer: Janet Armstrong
Last race: Oct. 4, 3rd
Finish: 1st by head
Beyer: 60
This 2-year-old first-timer was much best. He broke slowly, rushed through traffic to make the lead, shook free, and held. This win was better than the figure gives credit.

NOISE OF THE CROWD
Trainer: Hector Palma
Last race: Oct. 4, 5th
Finish: 1st by 3 1/4
Beyer: 83
A romping win against open company was this veteran mare’s eighth win. She will be a logical contender next time in a downhill turf sprint for California-bred fillies and mares.

POSHSKY
Trainer: Don Warren
Last race: Oct. 4, 7th
Finish: 4th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 72
This three-start colt ran okay first against winners/first turf. He raced inside, lost interest on the far turn, but finished with run. Merits respect in a similar maiden-40 starter.

GRAZENETTE
Trainer: Mike Mitchell
Last race: Oct. 6, 4th
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 70
This 2-year-old filly faced a tough task, stretching to a route and facing males off one sprint. She uncorked a wide move on the final turn, battled, and missed. She could run Nov. 1 in the $200K Golden State Juvenile Fillies.