SANTA ANITA
Race 4 — #9 The Factor – First time starter for trainer Bob Baffert was sent off at .70 cents on the dollar and ran a very goofy race. Rosario had him in contention early but then dropped back to eighth and came on again to run fourth. Maybe next time.
Race 7 — #4 Sebastian Flyte – Was much the best in the Hollywood Derby but jockey Joel Rosario got him in a ton of trouble. He got squeezed back at the start, pulled his way along the rail and had to wait off heels with no place to go leaving the second turn. Came out for room but was steadied and bumped when pinballed between horses. Bulled his way through but just got nailed late on the line by Haimish Hy, who exiting the same race paid $25.80. The $2 exacta was worth $85.40. You just must use horses exiting common races.
Race 8 — #4 Caracortado – His first start since the Preakness back in May was a sprint on the grass. Settled nicely while down on the inside, was taken off the rail on the turn and swung four wide into the stretch. Surged home with the whip turned down and used a hand ride to win going away. This one-time Kentucky Derby hopeful may have found a home sprinting on the grass.
GOLDEN GATE
Race 3 — #5 Freedom’s Halo – Was looking for grass, but the race was switched to the main. He still ran but never really got untracked. We will make a play when he finds a grass race.