SANTA ANITA
COVER SONG: This filly had the misfortune of starting her career vs. the likes of Songbird last July at Del Mar. The result was not very good. Trainer Carla Gaines put her on the shelf and brought her back in this 6½ furlong downhill turf sprint. She ran a very game race for the win at almost 11-1. We will be on her again right back.
LORI’S ATTITUDE/SPINDLE/AUDACIOUS ANGEL/PROUD’N’READY: These four fillies finished second, third, fourth and fifth behind COVER SONG. We just can’t wait to see them back facing each other again. It will be trifecta time. Keep all four on your watch list.
NINE POINT NINE: Really wanted to run in the downhill turf sprint but the jock took hold of her as she was pulling him like a plow horse. She was then shuffled back but got going late and was storming home to miss by a half-length. No mistakes next time out, maybe long on the grass.
RALIS: May have been best here but got stuck down on the inside down the lane. Once clear he flew home, just missing the bob. Will be a solid single next time out going long on the grass.
GUNSLINGER: Came into this race off a layoff but had some very good works. He showed good speed, actually got to the front and just got a little tired late. With this race in the books he will be hard to beat next time out.
LA PREMIERE ETOILE: Filly could not handle the 8/5 winner down the lane but held well to finish a solid second. She is just sitting on the maiden score going long on the grass.
Richard Saber, a former director of race and sports at the famed Stardust book, is GT’s horse racing and sports handicapper. Twitter: @SabesBet. Email: [email protected].