SANTA ANITA
RACE 3
No. 4 ROY H: This gelding was exiting our HTW list and going in a downhill turf sprint but the race was taken off the grass. He still ran like a horse possessed, breaking very sharp and then taken back off the pace. He was let go and just stormed home to win going away by more than seven lengths while under a long Maldonado hold. We will be playing him right back. $$$
RACE 4
No. 2 HONOR AND COURAGE: Ran a winning race but just could not get by the lone speed with the stronger rider, Flavien Prat. Bug boy Roman gave it his best but lost by a neck while almost eight lengths clear of the rest in this 10 horse field. He will be a solid single next time out. $$$$$
AND
No. 12 PLACIDO: First time starter for Simon Callaghan ran a solid third going 5½ furlongs on the dirt while stalking five wide most of the trip, making a nice late run. We think this one will like the grass and could upset if entered in a downhill turf sprint. We will be watching for him.
RACE 5
No. 2 SEPTEMBER STARS: Was exiting our HTW list and going 1-1/8 on the grass. This filly really wanted to run as she was pulling jockey Gary Stevens out of the irons. Was close up early but then was taken back, losing several positions and looking beat. She came out four wide into the stretch and somehow came on for the half-length win. We will keep her on our list as she moves into bigger and better things.
RACE 9
No. 1 ZICONIC: Had a horrible trip as he broke inward at the start to be behind the field in this 1-1/8 mmile route for straight maidens. He sat back and unleashed a big late run, finishing like a freight train. Just missed the place by a dwindling half-length and the win by a nose and a half-length. A clean break gets this one his diploma next time out. He will be a solid single in the picks. $$$$$
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No. 3 MINER’S LIGHT: Was last seen running at Del Mar last August and showed up in this six furlong race for Carla Gaines. Mike Smith got the leg up and the horse broke 11th in this field of 14. Showing little early speed, jockey Smith kept him outside and made a nice late run, picking them off to finish a much better-than-looked fifth, just missing the show by a dwindling neck. Look for this one to go longer next time out and get the win at a good price. $$$
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No. 10 OREGON: Was exiting our HTW list and getting his first try going long. He ran his race but was no match for the winner, Fortune of War, who was also exiting our list. The exacta paid $43.60. Oregon looks to be set for the maiden score next out going long on the grass.