SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
APRIL 7, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
As the date for this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) draws closer, Triple Crown
prep races become more common nationwide. This Saturday, Santa Anita Park’s
contribution toward that end will be the Santa Anita Derby (G1). This year’s
renewal features the participation of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)
heroine Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat), who will take on males much like Winning
Colors did in 1988. Winning Colors won the Santa Anita Derby that year as we all
know and used that victory to propel her to even greater heights, emerging
victorious in the Kentucky Derby. At this point in time, no one knows whether
Sweet Catomine is of that ilk, but it will sure be worth the price of admission
on Saturday to find out.
All SUPAH BLITZ (Mecke) had to show for his efforts in 2005 were a pair of
non-descript races where he barely lifted a hoof. A recommendation by jockey
Victor Espinoza to trainer Doug O’Neill suggesting that he reequip the
five-year-old with blinkers produced a dramatic turn of events on Saturday.
Supah Blitz, bet down to 7-5 favoritism in the Tokyo City H. (G3), broke alertly
to stalk the pace carved out by Ender’s Shadow (A.P. Indy).
Espinoza was content to sit just off the front runner until early stretch
before asking Supah Blitz in earnest for a bit more run. The response from the
winner was almost immediately forthcoming, as he left the pacesetter in his
wake, spurting away to a clear lead while increasing his advantage with every to
stride to be three lengths clear at the wire. Outta Here (Dehere), who raced
within striking distance of the leaders down the backstretch, closed belatedly
for second as Ender’s Shadow struggled home to finish third.
The Potrero Grande Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) on Sunday was supposed to feature
the return of Kela (Numerous), who was second in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint to
California. However, the race lost some of it luster when the program favorite
was scratched. As a result, the Potrero Grande became an extremely contentious
affair, with Hasty Kris (Kissin Kris) being dispatched as the 2-1 favorite.
Trainer Doug O’Neill, who has been on a roll in stakes contests of late, wound
up saddling his fourth stakes winner of the weekend when HARVARD AVENUE (You and
I) rallied from last place to win the feature going away by a half-length.
The race set up perfectly for a deep closer as a suicidal speed duel
developed on the front end. Ridden perfectly by Garrett Gomez, Harvard Avenue
advanced suddenly in the stretch, picking off his rivals one by one as he
out-finished Rushin’ to Altar (Pulpit), who closed from off the pace as well.
Roi Charmant (Evansville Slew) tracked the lively pace from the outset,
eventually rallied past the beleaguered front runners in the stretch, but was no
match for the top pair and settled for third. Saint Afleet (Northern Afleet),
the 7-2 second choice in the wagering, also stalked the fast early fractions,
but failed to improve his position when called upon in the stretch. Hasty Kris
failed to make his presence felt and finished sixth in a dull effort.
This was Harvard Avenue’s initial victory at Santa Anita, and his first win
since August, 2003, at Emerald Downs. One of Harvard Avenue’s future goals is
the Longacres Mile (G3) in August at Emerald Downs, although O’Neill has been
non-specific regarding any immediate plans for the four-year-old gelding.
Tyler Baze’s lead over Pat Valenzuela in the jockey standings shrunk to two
last week. Rene Douglas continues to hold down the third spot, followed by
Garrett Gomez and Espinoza.
O’Neill continues to lead Jeff Mullins by a wide margin in the trainer
standings. Bob Baffert moved into third place ahead of Bobby Frankel, and Steve
Knapp completes the top five.
The main track began the week favoring closers. That bias seemed to disappear
as the week wore on before reemerging somewhat on Sunday. The outside paths were
best on Wednesday and Thursday, and seemed preferable to end the week on Sunday.
The turf course appeared bias free all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/30)
5TH – JANE BLOSSOM (Unusual Heat) finished a creditable second off a brief
respite while returning to a sprint. Raced along a dead rail around the far turn
and into the stretch attempting to rally. Raced in tight quarters attempting to
split rivals and gained the place when finally securing running room.
6TH – SHOSHONE (Surachai) regressed badly disputing the pace along a bad rail
on a closers’ track while stretching out to a distance of ground off the claim.
He came into the race with sharp and consistent prior form sprinting against
multiple winners and will need to time to recoup from this effort. The gelding
would benefit from a cutback in distance.
8TH – MARGARITALOSFLORES (Artax) finished a strong third reverting to rating
tactics. Was trapped behind horses while full of run down the backstretch and
around the turn. Faced an uphill battled attempting to improve his position
while racing toward the deeper inside paths in the stretch.
Thursday (3/31)
4TH – JEWEL OF THE YEAR (Event of the Year) appears to be slowly rounding
back into best form for Mike Mitchell. Ran a strong second to an odds-on
favorite dropping down from Grade 1 and 2 races who benefited from a ground
saving trip. Jewel of the Year’s lone turf victory came at Hollywood Park going
nine furlongs, and she could be gearing up for the move cross town.
5TH – TANKS A LOT MAN (Perfect Mandate) was a useful third in a route for an
outfit that does not do well with runners stretching out. Failed to sustain his
rally late and may be better suited to shorter distances.
Friday (4/1)
6TH – HAMMER BACK (Victory Gallop) regressed badly off a taxing debut effort.
Steadied shortly after the start and then raced wide around the clubhouse turn.
Had to be urged vigorously down the backstretch to improve his position. Raced
wide around the far turn and entering the stretch before flattening out badly.
Was not abused when hopelessly beaten and is capable of much better than he
showed. Would certainly benefit from a freshening before making his next start.
9TH – PRISON BOUND (Good and Tough) wound up a sharp second stepping up in
claiming price off the claim. Overcame extreme outside post to carve out
enterprising fractions and held well despite yielding to his uncoupled
stablemate in deep stretch. Has a sprint pedigree and should win early in his
career.
Saturday (4/2)
3RD – INSPIRING (Golden Missile) turned in a strong effort off a prolonged
layoff. Disputed a dizzying pace to the stretch and weakened under pressure as
her early exploits began to take their toll. Was not abused late by Stevens to
save the place.
6TH – DEL MAR MISS (In Excess [Ire]) was an “eye catching” debut winner from
Baffert. Generously supported at the windows from the opening bell and
confidently ridden down the backstretch, the four-year-old filly swept to the
lead around the far turn without encouragement. Settled with a daylight lead
into the stretch, which grew as she switched to her proper lead on cue. Never
asked for her best.
Sunday (4/3)
8TH – PERFECT MOON (Malibu Moon) held well arguing a lighting quick pace over
a course playing favorably to come-from-behind runners. Won the pace battle but
lost the war, tiring slowly in the stretch to fresh closers, one of which was
his uncoupled stablemate.