SANTA ANITA
RAINHA DA BATERIA
May have been best in the 18th running of the Blue Northern. She broke dead last and stayed there until the top of the lane in this 10 horse field. Tried to go inside but had to steady off heels and had to wait behind horses in midstretch when looking to make a winning move. She rallied between horses late to pick up the show dough, just missing second by 3/4 of a length in what was an outstanding effort. $$$$$
FROGGY FRESH
Was exiting our HTW list in this $30k maiden claimer and had a horrible trip stumbling badly at the start to be off last. She moved up inside but had to come out for room and was steadied off heels when in tight. Once clear she came on to pick up the show money. We will keep her on our list as she is ready to graduate.
BOAT DRINKS
First time starter came in this downhill turf sprint for straight maidens working with a purpose for trainer John Sadler. She prompted the pace till the top of the hill, sprinted clear but got caught late by the Mark Casse Churchill Downs shipper. We will be singling this filly next out. $$$
ENDLESS CRUISE
Huge effort by this $16k claimer as he bobbled at the start and chased while down on the inside. He was making his move when bumped and steadied a sixteenth out. Got going again just missing the show and place by a nostril plus the win by 3/4 of a length. We will be all over this one next time out.
THE MAN
First time starter for the ice cold Bob Baffert stable was sent off at 9/5 in this very strong straight maiden race. He showed early speed, got to the front in the stretch but could not hold off the top pair and settled for third. If he can clear early next time out he will be gone!
ZIPPINAROUNDTOWN
Was let go at 28/1 in this $30k maiden claimer. She showed good early speed and battled with the winner till the end, losing by less than a length while almost 7 clear of the rest in this 10 horse field. The filly who finished third at 35/1 was exiting the same race as the zipper so don’t forget those same race runners.
WAR DESTINY
Was working very well for this 6½ furlong sprint for straight maidens. Ran his race and could not hold off the 2/1 favorite but was more than 3 lengths clear of the rest. Should get the win next out.
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].