SANTA ANITA
TIGRE DI SLUGO: Broke last from post one in this 6½-furlong sprint in this field of 12. He saved ground chasing the pace, had to come out for room on the turn but had jockey Flavien Prat angled back in, then swung back to the outside for room a sixteenth out and came home strong to finish a much better-than-looked third, just missing the place by a half length. He is sitting on the win next out.
CUNNING MUNNINGS: Had a big work coming into this $25k claimer and may have been best but had a wide trip. He came home with a good late run and was gaining on the lone speed with every stride, just missing by less than a length. He is in fine form and should get the money next out sprinting on the grass at this level.
RACETRACKERS: First-time starter for trainer Ron Ellis ran a good third in this $50k maiden race after hesitating and hopping at the start to be dead last. He then settled and split runners a half mile out and made a nice late run while outside passing horses down the lane at 28-1, We won’t see this price next out but it should still be a square price.
COMMANDER: Phil D’Amato runner was going a mile on the grass in this $40k optional claimer. He was forced in when between runners and bumped hard in the early going. He then stalked but had to be steadied hard when crowded into the second turn. He continued off the rail and continued to run on for the place money in what was a nice effort despite the trouble. He will be hard to beat next out.