Sea Smoke primed for optional claimer after good effort

ARCADIA, Calif. – The low-key atmosphere of the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego County is a good fit for the 4-year-old filly Sea Smoke.

“She does better down there,” trainer Richard Baltas said. “She’s kind of a nervous horse.”

Sea Smoke does fine in the hectic atmosphere of racing at Santa Anita. On Friday, Sea Smoke can win her second race in her eighth start in a first-level optional $20,000 claimer for California-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf.

The seventh race drew a field of nine. Golden Light, second in a starter allowance on Feb. 2, is expected to set the pace.

Sea Smoke, who is quick enough to lead, was second in an allowance race for California-bred fillies and mares on March 3 and faces a familiar rival Friday in All That Heat, who was third in that field. Jennyway U Want It, third in an optional claimer for California-bred fillies and mares in January, will start from the rail.

Race 7

KEY CONTENDERS

Sea Smoke, by Tribal Rule

Last 3 Beyers: 79-63-61

◗ Owned by the Little Red Feather Racing partnership, Sea Smoke led from the start of the March 3 race after starting from the inside. She was beaten a neck by Mai Tai.

“Her last race was pretty good,” Baltas said. “We had to go from the rail. She can take back if she cooperates.”

◗ Sea Smoke won a maiden race in 2016 from a stalking position.

All That Heat, by Unusual Heat

Last 3 Beyers: 78-76-74

◗ All That Heat closed from sixth to miss winning the March 3 race by three-quarters of a length.

“She was coming pretty good late,” trainer Mark Glatt said.

◗ The third-place finish has left Glatt encouraged that All That Heat can be a threat from off the pace on Friday, especially if Golden Light and Sea Smoke set a good pace. Leading jockey Flavien Prat has the mount on All That Heat. He rode the filly to a win in a maiden race last June.

“I think she should be tough,” Glatt said. “It looks like there is plenty of speed.”

Jennyway U Want It, by Good Journey

Last 3 Beyers: 77-64-76

◗ Jennyway U Want It is winless in six starts since taking a starter allowance on dirt in March 2016. She was third in her only start this year, beaten three-quarters of a length.

◗ Trainer Mike Puype said the rail draw and her opponents’ speed can work in favor of Jennyway U Want It.

“I want to see her save some ground,” he said. “It’s a good spot. She’ll have to earn it.

“It will be the most competitive betting race on the card.”