HORSE TO WATCH LIST

Horses entered on this list are horses that caught our horse handicappers and/or clockers eye with a better-than-looked performance. They should be followed when they are entered in a upcoming race! 

Comments will remain posted through the conclusion of the meet.

SANTA ANITA CLASSIC MEET

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

R1 Mas Rapido (#8) broke well, allowed to settle early, well back early on, began a rally while caught in tight between and behind horses while checking and steadying. Never had a chance to stretch his legs in the lane and finished with much left in reserve. Follow.

R2 Madaket Road (#1) broke a step slow, found stride to race inside, kept position inside down backside, tracked, was kept busy by Hernandez and angled out for stretch-drive, made up ground while green and was up for the win. Still plenty of room for improvement.

R6 JB Strikes Back (#3) gelding has never been better. On improve and gamely took down the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes. Follow.

R7 Easter (#2) away a step slow which is not unusual for gelding, raced well back early kept inside, kept inside and reserved backside, began rally on turn, angled out for drive and kept to task willingly for a nice effort. True gerlding may have lost a step or two but keeps firing in defeat. Still may have big effort left in him.

R9 King of Gosford (#1) has never been better. Put on the lead this afternoon and took 'em all the way in a stylish win. Follow.

R10 Accuracy (#2) cut back in distance for this and failed to show any speed at all. Kept back off pace, split riavls on turn while making a run, hard ridden on turn and failed to fire. Finished okay late. Draw line through this race.

R11 She Feel's Pretty (#8) flashy winner here and sure hope we get to see this filly again. Broke well, stalked and made sharp move into stretch to draw off for fun. Very classy and should be followed.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

R1 Avoir (#2) bit of trouble crossing dirt crossing. All-in-all a decent even try here.

R2 Silver N Black (#7) broke sharp, was very wide into turn, remained wide down backside and into turn, swung out wide to engage for the lead, opened up into lane but tired from this wide trip. Better-than-looked try and should be followed.

R4 Pursuit of Freedom (#4) broke well, flashed good speed away, in hand, :21.81, :44.55, got a bit weary coming into lane but fired for a barn that usually takes it time with babies. Look for improvement next time.

R5 How About Abby (#2) acted up in paddock, real handful in warm-up under Rosario, broke okay away from gate, easily got to lead, under hold early, got late in lane. Will improve off that effort for Michael McCarthy outfit.

R8 Our Moonlight (#4) nice maiden debut winner. Showed lots of maturity here for Dean Pederson barn. Tracked leader between horses, kept after on turn, swung out for drive, and looked good late drawing away late for win. Looks to have some talent.

R9 Investalot (#1) broke well, steadied early while rank, pulling hard on turn, steadied on turn while taking hold, kept again inside to brush rail, real handful while hard to ride, ranged up backside inside, checked again and steadied while pulling, waited behind horses on turn, angled out late and finished okay. Much better-than-looked effort from him. Follow.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

R5 The G M (#3) solid looking maiden debut winner for the Mike Puype stable. Follow this gelding through his conditions.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29

R3 Fifth Street (#2) broke a step slow, found stride, taken in hand early, bobbled crossing dirt, hopped up when back on turf, restrained backside, raced outside in contention into turn, 4-5 wide into lane, flattened out through lane. Draw line through race.

R5 Rascality (#8) handful in gate prior to start, broke okay but was never in contention. Filly didn't have her mind on running today. Give look next time.

R7 Precision (#8) broke okay in North American debut, made wide premature move on backside to engage leader, battled until stretch and tired. Looked to need this race. Follow.

R9 Take Another Card (#2) nice looking visually impressive win after a slow and awkward start. Found stride and raced into contention while kept inside, continued to make up grand backside easily under Dettori, angled out on turn to begin rally and drew off in lane for ultra impressive maiden debut win. Follow.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1

R2 Oveta's Hobby (#4) nice looking winner. Didn't break all that sharply, battled early, opened up on turn and sailed home while kept busy. Follow.

R3 Nanci Griffith (#5) sat second here trying to rate, tracked, took lead mid-stretch but wasn't able to hold off two rivals at the wire. May be better when allowed to roll early? Follow.

R7 Mirinda (#2) got to lead and ran off early while trying to be restrained by Maldonado. Set blazing fractions and tired through lane. Toss this race.

R8 Berlin Wall (#1) walked out of the gate to be well back early while being urged by Pereira, made headway inside rivals on turn, tracked, angled out for stretch-run, finished full of run for third. Better-than-looked here and deserves to be followed.

R9 My Summer Dream (#4) dwelt at the break, far back early, wasn't hard-used while making up ground in the stretch. Toss this race and give a look next time.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3

R2 Madame Secretary (#4) stumbled slighly at the break, turned in much improved effort here. Filly has ability and should be followed.

R9 Max n' Lou (#1) broke okay, allowed to settle early while kept inside, tracked a hot pace down backside, angled out and was caught in tight between horses heading into turn, angled out for stretch drive and came up empty. Not a great trip here under bug-boy and deserves another shot next time.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

R4 Annie's Joy (#1) restless in gate before break, broke nicely, taken hold of, began to pull going into the turn, rank, kept on inside and checked off horses heels, settled, raced behind horses on turn, found room in lane but tired in stretch-drive. Draw line through this race.

R5 Barnes (#2) proved he's the real deal here with an impressive win. Improved in second start. Follow.

R6 Maria Tallchief (#4) broke a step slow, quickly found her stride to get into contention a few strides away, raced inside while moving up, traced leaders and was in tight to check hard on turn, came inside when finding room for stretch, finished nicely in a troubled start. Follow.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5

R1 Day Dawning (#9) sent to the lead from outside post, dried some to remain wide into turn, cleared off backside, set solid fractions and tired through the stretch. Tough trip here. Worth following.

R3 Sugar Beets (#5) broke okay but was checked and steadied soon after break, rank and dropped back to last, was allowed to settle inside, reached contention on turn, sat and settled down, was sent inside to engage leaders on turn, got to a brief lead and tired. Not the best of trips here and this race should be tossed out.

R6 Smiling Tizzy (#7) huge number here on tote (90/1), broke okay but showed no speed, found best stride in lane and came running inside late. Solid gallop out. This one is worth following.

R9 Teddy's Triumph (#11) broke okay and taken hold of out of gate. Tracked leaders and made nice winning move on turn to win going away. Impressive here. Follow.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

R9 Spiritual Advisor (#3) broke awkwardly, outrun into turn, made up ground inside to be in contention backside while pulling, fought for lead into turn, got to a clear lead at 1/4 pole, battled length of stretch in a huge effort. Follow.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

R1 Aggro (#3) hustled hard out of gate, taken hold of and rated nicely, tried hard in a solid effort. Follow.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

R5 Miles Finch (#4) broke okay, in traffic between rivals, steadied in tight, got out in clear to track on turn, made move but flattened out through stretch. Give another chance next time.

R8 Western Freedom (#6) broke okay, ranged up along rail to battle for the lead into turn, kept after on turn, made move to take lead into stretch, continued to battle at rail for a solid runner-up effort in debut. Follow.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

R3 Canto Della Terra (#4) solid looking win in North American debut. D'Amato trainee has plenty of room for improvement and should be followed.

R5 Dr. Ray D, (#7) first off the claim for Robert Hess stable and turned in a sold try. On the improve.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

R1 Ocala Kid (#1) very disappointing effort here while not getting the best of trips from the inside post. Broke okay but was in tight while checking and steading backside. Shuffled back some and was just never in this under Hernandez. Better post next time and gelding deserves another chance.

R8 Lila (#3) tough beat for this daughter of Audible under Kyle Frey. Broke running under Frey, tracked nicely, got after on the turn, green through stretch to finish a sharp second at 24/1. Filly still has room for improvement. Follow.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

R2 Full Moon Grazen (#2) rough start, off awkwardly and slow into stride, raced well back early on and gradually made up ground to finish nicely under Kyle Frey. Keep eyes on this filly next time.

R3 Majestic Palisades (#2) tossed head before break to be off slow and awkward, raced well back early, kept inside, last into turn, moved up willingly backstretch to reach contention, ranged up three-wide into turn and stretch, battled gamely through stretch. Nice effort.

R5 How About Pavel (#5) have always liked this filly and she got job done this afternoon. Daughter of Pavel has natural speed and looks to be improving. Give her a look vs. winners.

R6 Dixie Allure (#6) away slowly and awkwardly in debut. Well back early on, allowed to settle and found late interest to finish well. Worth taking a look at next time.

R7 Egyptian Mau (#7) perfect prep down-the-hill for this mare. Big number here, she could be useful down the road for Drysdale.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

R8 Leopardess (#8) broke okay from outside box, taken in hand early, tracked while in good position early, launched bid on turn, swung four-wide into lane, battled gamely to wire. Better-than-looked effort. Follow.

R5 Andtheomofthebrave (#5) bumped both sides at break, recovered to flash his normal speed, got rank behind leader while tracking in second, did settle on turn, was asked backside to keep position, ridden while being asked at rail, tired through lane. Not the best of trips for this one. Follow.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

R2 Blazing Bardot (#5) broke awkwardly with rider losing an iron at the start, able to get back in stirrup to race well back early on, never got into the race after the break. Interesting that Berrios rode for Karen Headley here and might be worth taking a look at next time.

R3 Dr. Park (#1) broke okay from rail, allowed to settle and found stride to glide up inside, tracked nicely under hold, angled out some between rivals, dove back inside for stretch drive to finish nicely. Will improve off this race. Follow.

R7 Naismith (#5) off slowly and taken hold of out of gate, raced well of pace early, got to rail to track, began rally on turn while still inside, finished okay through lane and bears watching next time out.

R9 Noble Gary (#2) eliminated at break, bad stumble almost unseating rider. Draw line through this race.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

R1 Way too Sexy (#2) broke a step slow, found stride to race into contention from inside, angled out some on turn, began rally, finished okay while not quickening enough. Filly needs to learn to break as she also broke slowly in debut. Worth following.

TRACK LISTED AS WET FAST FOR THE SECOND RACE 

R4 Fast Service (#7) broke okay, wide into turn, wide down backside while engaging for the lead, began to tire on turn. Toss this race. Horrible trip.

R7 Going Nowhere (#6) trailed early, made move on turn, tried to squeeze through between horses, checked had to angle out to finish with much run. Unlucky trip. Follow.

R10 Dettori (#2) solid runner-up try here. Chashed home runaway leader but finished nicely for second. Colt is improving and should break through next time.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

R4 Robin's Tough Love (#5) broke okay, no speed early, not rushed allowed to settle early, began rally mid-backstretch while wide, third mid-point on turn, continued to improve, green in lane, was able to grind out a nose win. Could prove to bse useful if connections find soft spot vs. winners. Mature win for firster.

R5 Lady Gregory (#5) broke okay, raced behind horses while inside early, checked and steadied off heels, mare loaded at this point, waited, checked and steadied through lane with no room, found a seam late but wasn't able to rally. Huge better-than-looked effort here. Horrible trip. Follow.

R8 March of Time (#7) perfect prep for this returning colt by Justify. Wide trip, grinding out run through stretch to miss in photo. Look for a winning trip next time. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

R3 Kopion (#3) broke nicely, stalked and blew rivals away with a visually impressive win in the GII $200,000 Santa Monica. Filly is razor sdharp and has a very bright future. Follow.

R8 Seal Team (#9) broke through gate prior to start but didn't run off, reloaded, broke okay, taken hold off and guided to the rail at once, last early on, sat behind rivals on turn, while awaiting room, got through inside head of stretch and finished strongly for the runner-up. Sharp effort despite trouble at the gate.

R9 Berlin Wall (#4) continues to leave gate slowly, rushed into contention inside, saved ground on turn, ranged up to steady on turn, found a seam to bother rival in stretch but closed nicely for second. Kissed into win by Stewards via the DQ.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

R1 Mas Rapido (#3) broke okay, steadied and checked hard first turn, continued racing inside, continued rally on turn for home and finished just okay. Gelding continues to get bad trips.

R3 Tenma (#4) classy filly looked super here. Battled with solid fractions, drew off for a impressive win. Follow.

R4 Katerini (#6) stumbled bad away from the gate, tracked mid-pack on turn, made early bid backside, became rank under Prat, tired through stretch. Toss this race.

R7 Shofner (#4) broke well, taken in hand to track, tried rally inside backside, checked and shuffled back to lose momentum, re-rallied on turn while kept inside, kept to task through stretch. Worth taking a shot at next time.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

TRACK LISTED GOOD FOR FIRST RACE. NO TURF.

R2 Proud Racer (#1) tossed head and was off slowly at break, raced well back early on, angled out to find stride making up ground, angled out stretch to finish quite nicely after a bad break. Better post and trip can earn diploma next time. Maybe turf next time?

TRACK UPGRADED TO FAST FOR THIRD RACE.

R4 Garden Party (#2) filly refused to load was was scratched at gate in debut.

R5 Bruiser (#3) broke okay but not quick in stride, outrun early to drop far back, began rally on turn while kept inside, perfect run along rail to finish quite nicely.  Solid gallop out. May be worth following next time.

R8 Chasin Munny (#9) rough trip here under new bug-boy Chavez. Broke very awkwardly against the bit, well back early on, began making move inside to check and steady, angled out on turn and finished okay through lane. Toss this race and look for rider change next time. Gelding had some run.

R9 Grey Market (#5) broke a step slowly, rushed up into contention, hard ridden, vied for lead, between horses on turn, dropped back. Needed this race and should be followed.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

R1 Heras Hope (#1) broke running but lugged out and taken hold off by Berrios, raced inside while checking backside, dropped back to last, kept inside while full of run, wasn't able to secure a path to run, taken hold of and ridden to wire. Much better-than-looked race here. Follow.

R2 Parlay Bay (#1) broke slowly and outrun early while well back, angled out beginning rally, finished okay. Take a look at next time.

R3 Whatmakessammyrun (#6) broke through gate prior to jog down hill about 1/8th mile, reloaded and didn't fire. Toss this race.

R7 Truly Quality (#6) didn't fire here at all in dull effort. No visible excuse here. Toss this race.

R10 Khantaro d'Oro (#7) broke running and taken back to track, sat nicely inside down backside, made move inside on turn while being asked, checked and steadied sharply on turn inside, squeezed through inside for stretch drive,  brushed rail stretch while in tight, flattened out through lane. Eventful trip with lots going on. Follow.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

R3 Sakura Blossom (#2) broke okay, taken hold off to track early, continued under hold down backside, was given her head and made early wide move on turn, battled while three wide while not able to get by, contiued gamely to wire for runner-up spot. Premature move cost filly here.

R5 Charlie Pride (#5) continues to break slowly. Needs some work on leaving the gate.

R5 Canani (#1) broke okay, raced well back earl on, began nice rally on turn while inside, continued a nice rally between horses upper stretch, weaved his way through traffic for an eye catching late run. Gelding is improving. Follow.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

R4 Madame Secretary (#3) third time was the charm here for filly as she broke maiden nicely. Daughter of Constitution has plenty of room for improvement. Follow.

R6 Varney (#3) in tight on turn, checked, steadied and pulled up. Not sure what happened yet but colt didn't look good after incident. 

R6 Flyin Private (#4)  washed out in post parade and going to gate. Something amiss with this gelding.

R7 Mining District (#8) sent, sent and sent from outside draw in what looked like a quarter horse break. Got to rail, opened up and tired and not got after late. Follow.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

R1 Resemblance (#2)  broke well and sat tracking, perfect stalking trip early, asked and flattened out through lane. May need a drop in class before we see another win for Knapp.

R3 Toulouse Detrac (#7) broke on top, sent to lead to clear and fell apart on turn. Miserable effort here for a filly that won nicely. Use caution with her next time as she may be heading in the wrong direction.

R8 Entressa (#1) broke well from rail and sent to lead, opened up setting some swift fractions and tired in the lane for third place finish in bow. Barn better with racing so look for her to improve next time with race under her belt.

R10 Bro Bro (#6) nice looking maiden debut win. Lots of late action. Follow.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

R1 Lord Dunmore (#3) broke awkwardly and slow, allowed to settle, began rally while kept inside down backside, tracked on turn while inside, gamely kept to task through lane in a nice runner-up effort. Nice effort here despite break.

R5 Fast Buck (#3) fast gelding battled throughout, relinquished lead mid-stretch, battled gamely and re-rallied to lose in a photo. Tough gelding has a big heart and is sharp. Follow.

R6 Uncle Dusan (#2) longshot was in tough, reared at the break, jock almost came off. Toss this race.

R9 Scipio (#5) broke okay, reserved early on while racing in traffic, checking and steadying behind horses turn for home, angled out for stretch-run, closed with a rush when in the clear to win going away. Very impressive win. Follow.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

R1 Smiling Tizzy (#2) stumbled slightly at the break, showed speed in side, taken hold off, bit rank on turn and in tight, continued to be rank and pulling backside, remained inside turn for home looking for a path, split horses to rally to just miss in a big effort. Follow.

R6 Caribbean King (#1) broke slow, lunged at break, continues to be a bad gate horse last pair. Raced well back early on, used to reach contention, tracked, angled out for drive, lugged-in through lane, finished just okay late. gate antics have cost this gelding in recent pair.

R8 Mr. Machupicchu (#11) broke okay from outside draw, taken hold, dropped back to last, got to rail while racing well back, began rally on turn, split horses, dove to rail to finish extremely well late. Change in tactics here. Follow.

R10 Sogno Di Vino (#5) broke well at a huge price, raced in contention between horses while being held, became rank, found room inside head of stretch, finished okay to wire. Gelding has some talent and deserves to be followed.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

R1 Private Gem (#2) returned here off a long layoff to win impressively. This was a hard effort and there is a significant chance colt may regress some in next start. Use caution next out.

R4 Amelia Bleu (#2) stumbled out of gate  and fell losing rider. Perhaps one of the worse stumbled we have ever seen.

R5 Lee's Baby Girl (#5) rating tactics employed here as filly was restrained early on. Nice effort but will be making her 11th start as a maiden next time out and is hard to trust.

R8 Formula Rosa (#7) nice maiden debut win here by a filly we will be hearing more from. Broke okay, tracked the promising Baffert filly Brilliantly early, made move on turn, swung out wide to engage stretch and took lead to draw off through stretch. Follow.

R9 Cheeky Gal (#2) broke a tad slowly, tracked leaders from inside, found stride to begin move into turn, caught in tight to steady and check, lost ground, stayed inside while ridden to wire. Worth checking out next out at a price.

R9 Dr. Ray D. (#8) acted up in gate prior to start.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

R2 Dixie Allure (#5) dull try here in career start number two. Filly raced greenly and still learning game. Don't give up on just yet.

R7 Renatus (#3) broke through gate prior and had to be reloaded. Toss this race.

R8 Tiz Secure (#8) very impressive maiden debut winner for Baffert. Son of Maximum Security looks like he wants more distance so follow.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

R1 Cuban Confusion (#4) ran to good to lose in North American debut. Bested by a better horse today. Follow as gelding will improve off this.

R3 Factory Drive (#3) looked fantastic in warm up and responded with a sharp third place finish. Gelding maintains his sharp form.

R5 Lookin for Curly (#5) washed out badly going to gate.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

R1 Leopardess (#3) nice improved effort here and looked solid on the gallop out. Mare hasn't won in longtime but may be coming up to a win. Worth following.

R2 Trouble N Paradise (#1) vet scratch at the gate.

R6 Charlie Neal (#4) broke through gate, dumped rider and ran off. Stewards scratch.

R9 Muscled (#1) nice looking maiden win  here. Could come right back vs. winners. Colt is sharp.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

R1 American Glory (#6) gelding didn't get the best of trips here. Stuck in behind horses, we'll give him another shot next time.

R2 Going Deep (#1) dumped rider when broke through gate and ran off. Stewards scratch.

R4 Beer Buzz (#3) firster opened up at 1/1 from 10/1 morning line. Nicde wagering support throughout as gelding ran a winning race in debut. Follow.

R5 Quick Brown Fox (#2) overcame a troubled trip to win in return in impressive fashion. The hype was correct on this one in her debut. Follow.

R6 Positivity (#2) solid gallop out on this gelding. Finished solid for second. Follow.

R8 Journalism (#2) nice looking win in the San Felipe Stakes as colt was able to run down promising Baffert runner with slow early fractions. On his way to Kentucky now.