Here’s the latest list of key performances covering the most recent 10 days of racing at Santa Anita:
GOLD ALY (Feb. 15) – Four year old colt was making only his fourth career start in a straight maiden sprint won by Ray Morrison and confirmed the promise that he showed as a two-year-old when finishing an excellent second in a quick race for the level. The son of Medaglia d’Oro bobbled at the start to lose early position, moved steadily into range midway, then angled out for room and kept to his task in the drive while unable to match strides with the closing winner in the final 70 yards. Moves like a colt that will enjoy a switch to turf, and should be set to graduate following a pair of runs off a long layoff for Mullins. A downhill turf dash or a mile maiden affair on the lawn would seem ideal.
YOU CAN DREAM (Feb. 14) – Ran too well to lose when nailed right on the money by late-charging Sky Marnie in a very fast, highly-rated $20,000 claimer for four-year-old fillies, a race that should prove very productive down the road. Daughter of Cat Dreams had trounced a $16,000 field last month and continued her improving pattern even in defeat, and assuming she came out of the race as well as she went into it should be dangerous on the raise for new trainer O’Neill. Probably most effective sprinting and might like the Hillside course if given the chance. She should be especially tough to beat next time if she catches a field without too much early zip.
BLACKMAN BAY (Feb. 13) – Lightly-raced 3-year-old gelding has the makings of a good late-running sprinter and just missed with a furious late kick when third in a fairly decent maiden $32,000 claimer, beaten a neck and a head for all the money. Son of Storm Creek has gradually improving speed figures for Bernstein and with another forward move next time should earn his diploma. His last two races have been in abbreviated sprints but he might be more comfortable at six and one half furlongs or even seven eighths of a mile. Wants to be held up early and allowed to blast home late.
ERIC’S REVENGE (Feb. 12) – Was gobbling up the ground when time ran out in a very promising racing debut while carrying a $50,000 claiming tag in an abbreviated sprint, missing by a neck while more than four lengths clear of the third horse. The Hector Palma-trained colt was off slowly and outrun early, took hold into the lane and displayed a nice long stride in a fast race for the class. Was worth the money, but there was no takers. Next time, perhaps vs. straight maidens or more preferably against a high priced ($100,000-$80,000) maiden claiming field, son of Limehouse should be along in plenty of time.
BEACHROCK (Feb. 11) – First time starter in Eoin Harty’s barn was extremely well-meant when debuting in a very tough affair and confirmed the promise that he had shown in the morning when winding up an excellent third in race that should produce a number of soon winners. The son of Maria’s Mon was always within striking range, loomed a bold threat into the lane, remained dangerous until deep stretch but then weakened late and wound up third to the more experienced Big Man Has a Sign while beaten just over two lengths. Should benefit greatly from the experience and be fitter and tougher next time. Would love to see him surface in a downhill turf dash next time out.
INDY RIDE (Feb. 10) – No doubt was best when finishing third, beaten a length, in a $12,500 extended sprint in his first start since being claimed by Carava. Was unprepared for the start, was off poorly and dropped far back, took hold wide into the lane and closed with a rush but couldn’t quite make up the lost ground. Son of Candy Ride is clearly most comfortable as a late-running sprinter and next time, with a clean break in a similar mid-level claimer, he should be able to produce a winning late kick.
APPEALING AFARE (Feb. 7) – Daughter of Successful Appeal had to settle for second in her racing debut in a hot race won by the equally promising Hopeful Union, but the Baffert-trained filly lost nothing in defeat and remains a very bright prospect. Settled in mid pack while lacking early zip, took hold into the lane and was finishing fastest of all while finding her best stride in deep stretch. Bred to sprint on both sides of her pedigree so she’ll likely be kept around one turn for now, but with a bit more ground to work with – perhaps in a downhill turf sprint – good looking 3-year-old filly will be hard to deny.
TOTAL BULL (Feb. 6 ) – Had to settle for second yet again despite running a winning race in defeat in a powerful first level allowance dash won by Mobilized. Was forced into a very hot pace while under pressure throughout, edged clear in the upper stretch and remained in command until the final strides. Baffert-trained colt should make amends next time at what probably will be a fairly short price. Might make a nice turf horse, and we wouldn’t complete rule out a two-turn mile, so the trainer has a few options should he chose to experiment.
SECRET OATH (Feb. 5) – Maiden claiming state bred filly was making her second career start in a seven furlong affair and after a slow start made steady progress to wind up a promising third for high percentage trainer Marty Jones. She’s bred for distance both top and bottom and with this seven furlong affair under her belt she should be ready to stretch out and win next time. Won’t have too much to beat, that’s for sure.
LIBERIAN FREIGHTER (Feb. 4 ) – Was making his first start since June and looked rather rusty when checking in fourth in a strong downhill turf dash won by Victor’s Cry. Veteran state bred gelding in Neil Drysdale’s barn was prominent throughout, weakened late as if a tad short, and seems sure to be fitter and tougher next time. Most effective sprinting, handles any surface, and should be given a big look when resurfacing against a similar field next time.
