SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
MARCH 6, 2009
by John Mucciolo
THE PAMPLEMOUSSE (Kafwain) made a strong statement to his fellow sophomores
on the West Coast this weekend.
Sham S. (G3): Bienstock and Winner Stables et al’s The Pamplemousse
put on his second consecutive tour-de-force in a graded stakes at Santa Anita
for conditioner Julio Canani, rolling home by six lengths over Alex Solis. The
improving colt, who has been unchallenged in his last two, drove home to
complete the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47 4/5.
Baldwin S. (G3): Michael House’s BATTLE OF HASTINGS (GB) (Royal
Applause [GB]) more than made up for his lackluster U.S. debut with a fine win
in this one under Tyler Baze. The Jeff Mullins pupil ripped off about 6 1/2
furlongs on the lawn in 1:11 4/5 to win for the third time in his last four
starts.
Track Stats
From a total of 43 races held over the Arcadia racetrack during the four-day
week, favorites won at a 42 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 56 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the Pro-Ride
oval, 14 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (45 percent), while four of the 12
grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (33 percent).
After weeks of an apparent closers’ bias on the main oval, something happened
that saw 14 wire-to-wire winners from 31 main-track races, an alarmingly high 45
percent! We acknowledge the fact that many favorites were successful over the
past five days, but a difference this drastic in such a short period of time
makes one raise eyebrows — in the direction of track maintenance? Just a
possibility.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 424 | |
| PRO-RIDE: | 332 | |
| TURF: | 92 | |
| FAVORITES: | 147 (35 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 82 (19 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 23 (25 percent) | |
| PRO-RIDE WIRE: | 68 (20 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 49 | |
| 1-3: | 170 | |
| 4-6: | 158 | |
| 7-out: | 96 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (2/25)
7TH — AIR FAIR (Yes It’s True) handled the transfer to the lawn with ease
for Chris Paasch, easily drawing clear late to win this under Joel Rosario. This
filly has never run off the board and has every right to factor in her
subsequent effort.
Thursday (2/26)
2ND — We’ve followed CAYAMBE (Helmsman), as our faithful readers are aware
of, for a long time and we’ve come to a conclusion — he really likes running
downhill on the turf. This was a solid claiming field in here, and he finished
second to a horse with some back class on this day. He’ll take our money next
out.
4TH — MAJOR ROCK STAR (E Dubai) looks like another sharp claim by Mike
Mitchell, who snagged this one for $32,000 most recently. We noticed prior to
this race that the three-year-old was nominated to a lot of graded events, so we
might see him step up in a big way next out.
6TH — VAUNDELL (In Excess [Ire]) took a bunch of early money, and deservedly
so, as the debuter appears to have a nice future for Carla Gaines. The thinking
here is that the gelded sophomore had more than what we saw in here — don’t be
deceived by the 85 BRIS Speed figure, this one is capable of much better.
Friday (2/27)
6TH — RAISE THE RIVER (Moscow Ballet) was in position for the win once
again, but had to settle for second for the fourth time in six career tries.
We’re not sure what to make of the bay, who is consistent but might lack the
will to win.
3RD — SLEEP TIGHT (Exchange Rate) picked up her third straight for Mike
Mitchell, topping a useful group of allowance fillies in this dash. The filly
isn’t necessarily brilliant, but she will not go down without a fight.
Saturday (2/28)
3RD — We tabbed TUSCAN EVENING (Ire) (Oasis Dream [GB]) after her previous
triumph, and the filly did even better this time while destroying her foes. The
four-year-old earned a strong 98 BRIS Speed figure and will almost surely tackle
a stakes field in her next outing.
4TH — BESTDRESSED (Lit de Justice) was visually impressive in going
last-to-first in his second off the claim for Jack Carava. The gelding completed
his final furlong in a scorching :11 2/5 beneath Rosario.
8TH — Another former Horse to Watch, MEDZENDEEKRON (Unusual Heat), earned
his first stakes score with a determined late showing under Garrett Gomez. The
gelding has run three powerful races at this meeting, and we think he’s better
on the synthetic rather than the turf.
A Look Ahead
An excellent day of racing will be upon us on Saturday, with a trio of Grade
1 tilts to be contested at “The Great Race Place.” The $1 million Santa Anita H.
(G1) is the headliner, with the $300,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1) and Santa
Anita Oaks (G1) serving as excellent supporting races.