Monrovia

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

The Monrovia H. (G3) is the New Year’s Eve feature from Santa Anita and we
won’t go against BELLESKI (Polish Numbers), who loves the downhill course in
Arcadia, California. The five-year-old took the Senator Ken Maddy H. (G3) over
the about 6 1/2-furlong turf distance two starts back, defeating
Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), who returned to easily capture the Matriarch
S. (G1) in her next outing, and Belleski owns a five-for-five record over the
grass at Santa Anita. She’s trained forwardly for John Sadler since her last
outing, a facile allowance score at Hollywood Park, and Belleski is well drawn
in post 6. We’ll look for the talented mare to continue her winning ways.

COCONUT GIRL (Cryptoclearance) has raced exclusively on the dirt this year
but does own two wins from six turf attempts. The five-year-old
mare owns quality speed and should secure good early positioning from her
outside post. The Paul Aguirre trainee brings excellent BRIS Speed figures into
this event and could be a serious factor throughout.

MARKET GARDEN (Bold Badgett) owns a shot at an upset if the top choice
falters. Trained by Bill Spawr, the Cal-bred four-year-old turned in a sharp
performance last time (earning a 100 Speed figure) and has hit the board in her
last 10 starts. We’ll look for her to offer a rally from just off the pace
during the stretch drive.

SOLAR ECHO (Spinning World) displayed a lot of promise in 2003 and finished
an excellent second, beaten only a neck, in the Del Mar Oaks (G1). She hasn’t
started since then (495 days off), however, and will spot her rivals seasoning
and fitness in her return. We’ll look for a solid performance from Solar Echo
and expect to see much more from her in the future if she remains sound.

RESPLENDENCY (Tale of the Cat) could offer a decent showing if she takes to
the turf. The sophomore miss has been training well in the mornings and has
earned respectable BRIS Speed and Pace ratings. The lightly-raced filly is a
dark horse candidate at long odds (20-1 on morning line). SHEZSOSPIRITUAL (Fly
Till Dawn) should prompt a spirited pace and is a threat to hold for part. The
four-year-old chestnut makes her first start for trainer Tim Yakteen with solid
present form and will offer some value.

ANY FOR LOVE (Arg) (Southern Halo) comes off a nice win over the course and
has a mark of 3-1-2 from eight turf starts. She’s squared off against some
talented rivals this year and could make her presence felt with a
stalk-and-pounce trip. VERY VEGAS (Storm Boot) should show speed from post 13
but will likely face serious pressure. She still owns some appeal for the
exotics with her running style. SPRING FESTIVAL (Bertrando) could lead the way
from post 11 but will be tested for class. We’ll watch to see how the sophomore
fares at this level.

VALENTINE DANCER (In Excess [Ire]) could offer a decent late rally, but the
distance looks too short for her to be most effective. CYBER SLEW (Siberian
Summer) steps up in class and hasn’t run well in two previous attempts over the
course. Can’t recommend her chances. MAZELLA (Mazel Trick) may be better on the
main track. CHAPEAU (Deputy Minister), who is coupled in the wagering with
Market Garden, could be overmatched in this spot. WOODLASS (Woodman) steps up in
company after being claimed in her latest.

DELIZIA (Distant View), who is coupled with Belleski, would be a contender if
the race is switched to the main track. PUXA SACO (Dehere) must also be
considered if wet weather forces the race off the turf.