SANTA ANITA
AY AY AY
First time starter out of the barn of James Cassidy was dead on the board as most of this trainers first time starters are. Tyler Baze, who looks to be getting back into the swing of it all since his long layoff, seemed to be sitting on a runner. This filly was trying to pull him out of the saddle and got in tight into the first turn of this mile race. He came out for room but was steadied midway on the backstretch, which cost her a position and probably the race. She came out again for room and made a strong late run to be one of four heads on the line, settling for fourth in what was a great attempt for a first time filly going long. $$$
SCOOTER BIRD
Jockey Nakatani thought he was on a monster in this 1¼ turf race, keeping this girl as wide as he could most of the trip. Came five wide down the lane to finish a game third just a length behind the second place finisher, who was a neck behind the winner. Scooter is in top form and only needs a fair trip to make it to the winner’s circle next time out.
BOTCH
Was getting stretched out on the grass for the first time. He did run long on the dirt in the Emerald Downs Derby last August and was one of three horses on the line. Got put up after the winner was taken down. This race was an excellent effort and should have him set for another big run going long on the grass.
GAB POWER
6yo gelding always puts in his late run, but most of the time it is just that. He looked to have a shot on the drop down in this mile turf race but really had none with the trip the jockey gave him, coming six wide into the stretch after lagging dead last. He did get claimed for the $25k by John Sadler and this could turn out to be a good pick up. We will be on him next time out with the big jockey change. $$$
HOME RUN KITTEN
Was exiting our HTW list and made us very happy when he won and paid $11.20. This was a top effort going down the hill. We look for this Kitten’s Joy offspring to come back and run another big race. Will keep him on our HTW list as trainer David Hoffmans looks to have a nice turf runner in this 3yo colt.
FOOTSTEPSINBRONZE
First time starter for trainer Simon Callaghan showed good early speed in this downhill turf sprint as he went to the front early and then dueled head to head. He reluctantly gave it up late, losing narrowly by a half-length while more than two clear of the rest. This one will be hard to beat next time out.
PURE LOYALTY
Lunged at the start and was steadied back to last. He came out leaving the hill in this 6½ furlong downhill sprint and made a four wide run, finding his best stride late. He is sitting on the win. $$$
Richard Saber, a former director of race and sports at the famed Stardust book, is GamingToday’s horse racing and sports handicapper. Follow Richard on Twitter @SabesBet. Contact Richard at [email protected].