SANTA ANITA
FOSTER BOI: Was making his first start off the layoff and first as a gelding for trainer Phil D’Amato. He broke slow in this 5½-furlong turf sprint, chased on the far outside and then got between runners on the turn. He continued way off the rail and came home strong to finish a much better-than-looked fourth. He ran like he may have needed this race and he will be one tough customer next out sprinting on the grass, especially if he finds some pace to run at.
HOOTIE: Was pulling hard but the new jockey Umberto Rispoli took hold of him and just gave him a great ride stalking the pace. He let him loose down the lane and this gelding responded and blasted home to win going away. He looks like he could move up with starter allowance runners and repeat going long on the grass.
BELLA VITA: First-time starter for trainer Simon Callaghan ran a super race after breaking slow in the 5½-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-old fillies. She made a big four-wide move and a big run home. She did put a head in front nearing the wire but lost the bob by a nostril on the line. No mistakes next out, we will be singling in the picks.
GOING TO VEGAS: Ran a goofy race in this $75k maiden claimer for 3-year-old fillies as she broke sharp to be close to the lead while down on the inside, she then took to the outside, losing three positions on the turn, but came back on to rally three-wide picking up the place money. If she can run straight next out she will get the win going long on the grass.
RAKASSAH: Maiden filly was making her first start in the States and just ran a big race. She made a quick move in this 5½-furlong sprint while down on the inside as she spurted to the lead, opening up a half-length. But she could not hold off the 6-5 chalk but held well to be a good second. This filly can flat out run and will be very hard to beat next out.