SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
FEBRUARY 29, 2008
by John Mucciolo
The calm before the storm, so to speak, as only a single graded event was
carded at Santa Anita in the past week. Upcoming is Big ‘Cap Weekend, with a
slew of dynamite races on tap.
San Luis Obispo H. (G2): R. D. Hubbard’s SPRING HOUSE (Chester House)
swept to the lead at the top of the lane and drew off to a convincing win for
trainer Julio Canani. The talented six-year-old, who is reportedly Dubai-bound
following this tally, went 1 1/2 miles on the firm (we think good) turf in 2:27
1/5 under Garrett Gomez in his sixth consecutive solid effort since transferring
to the West Coast.
Track Stats
From a total of 51 races held over the Arcadia, California, racetrack during
the week, favorites won at a 32 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 52 percent of the wins. From 42 frays contested on the Cushion
Track, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (14 percent), while two of the
nine grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (22 percent).
While the main oval has been more than kind to horses breaking from the
outside as of late, the past week saw inside posts having great success from
Wednesday through Friday, while it seemed to level out as the week progressed.
I’m not ashamed to say that I’m having difficulty keeping up with the trends of
the surface, but I will say that front runners are having some difficulty
sealing the deal late.
The inside three posts accounted for 14 of the 24 wins during the first three
days of the week, while horses breaking from posts 4 through six captured 13 of
the final 27 races. There are surely animals who have moved up considerably on
the Cushion Track, and they should not be ignored regardless of what class level
they compete in.
Meet Totals
|
RACES: |
|
341 |
|
DIRT: |
|
247 |
|
TURF: |
|
94 |
|
FAVORITES: |
|
89 (26 percent) |
|
2ND CHOICES: |
|
59 (17 percent) |
|
TURF WIRE: |
|
13 (14 percent) |
|
DIRT WIRE: |
|
45 (18 percent) |
Post Positions (wins)
|
RAIL: |
|
33 (9 percent) |
|
1-3: |
|
107 (31 percent) |
|
4-6: |
|
130 (38 percent) |
|
7-out: |
|
105 (31 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (2/21)
7TH – DEE DEE’S LEGACY (Bartok [Ire]) is a pretty honest colt who came up
just short on this occasion for trainer Mike Puype. The three-year-old made a
winning move in the lane but was just outfinished late, and we’ll tab him for
his next encounter.
Friday (2/22)
3RD – We often mention SUNDAY DRESS (General Meeting) in this notebook, but
it is imperative that you watch this replay of the talented mare. Wheeling back
on short rest, the six-year-old couldn’t have been much more impressive under
Gomez. Watch the replay!
Saturday (2/23)
3RD – INDIAN SUN (Indian Charlie) was last halfway through this one, but the
colt gradually made his way to the wire first in a gutsy performance for
conditioner Dan Hendricks. It’s hard to know how good this one is or could be,
but we’d love to see him take on an extra furlong or two in his subsequent try.
Sunday (2/24)
3RD – ENCHANTING MOMENT (Mizzen Mast) was clearly second best on this day in
putting forth a fine debut effort for Richard Matlow. The sophomore lass rated
in midpack and ran a winning race in defeat, finishing 4 1/2 lengths clear of
her nearest foe. We don’t envision this filly being a maiden for long.
6TH – FIRST TAKE (El Corredor) has always displayed a nice turn of foot and
it was nice to see this one break through for Tim Yakteen. The late runner is a
viable candidate in her return if she finds a field with an abundance of early
speed.
7TH – SELVATICA (Forestry) rated patiently early and ran a big one down the
lane in a superb third-place showing for Canani. The usually headstrong mare
could be especially dangerous in the near future if she employs this tactic.
9TH – LIKE SMARTY (Rio Verde) was somewhat live on the toteboard in advance
of his debut start, but who could have expected such a powerful performance from
the Peter Eurton trainee? Breaking and remaining last for the opening
quarter-mile, the gelded four-year-old began picking off horses with ease
approaching the final turn before crushing his foes in a phenomenal effort under
Alonso Quinonez. Wow!
SEVEN POINT ONE (Richter Scale) would have topped a majority of fields on
this day and was unlucky to run into such a freight train off the shelf for
Vladimir Cerin. The five-year-old looks solid next try.
Monday (2/25)
4TH – We’ve tabbed CAYAMBE (Helmsman) on more than one occasion, yet the
synthetic-loving gelding continues to win at square odds for Art Sherman. The
four-year-old displayed a nice rating tactic for his second straight outing and
avoided a claim for his lucky owners. This one is stakes-worthy on this surface.
A Look Ahead
The prestigious, $1 million Santa Anita H. (G1) is the feature for this
Saturday at the Great Race Place. A full field, which should ensure some
fantastic wagering options, is expected. On the undercard is the $300,000 Frank
E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1) over one mile on the lawn, the $200,000 Sham S. (G3) for
Derby hopefuls going 1 1/8 miles on the Cushion and the $75,000 China Doll S.
for three-year-old fillies on the green.
Sunday’s headliner is the $100,000 Baldwin S. (G3) for sophomore turf
sprinters, going about 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill.