SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 28, 2010
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded events took place during the rain-soaked week at Santa
Anita.
San Marcos S. (G2): Wildenstein Stable’s LOUP BRETON (Ire) (Anabaa) inhaled his foes late in a
fine late run to win this under Garrett Gomez. Trained by Julio Canani, the
classy six-year-old went 10 panels on the turf in 2:00 4/5.
Palos Verdes H. (G2): Super Horse Inc.’s KINSALE KING (Yankee Victor) recorded his second
consecutive graded win for Carl O’Callaghan, inching clear in the lane to stop
the teletimer in a sharp 1:08 4/5 for six panels. Martin Garcia was aboard for
the winning ride.
Track Stats
From a total of 18 races held over the Arcadia, California, racetrack during the five-day
week, favorites won at a 39 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 56 percent of the wins. From 16 frays contested on the Pro-Ride
oval, no animals won in wire-to-wire fashion, while one of the two grassy
tussles went all the way on the lead (50 percent).
No runners won at every call on the main oval over the two days of racing,
but many were within close range throughout. Just off the pace and off the rail
would be an ideal spot to travel upon the Pro-Ride.
We urge handicappers to include first-time starters in all maiden claiming
races, as debuters have been running big in Southern California for the better
part of six months.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 173 | |
| PRO-RIDE: | 127 | |
| TURF: | 46 | |
| FAVORITES: | 57 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 42 (24 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 10 (22 percent) | |
| PRO-RIDE WIRE: | 17 (13 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 20 | |
| 1-3: | 70 | |
| 4-6: | 66 | |
| 7-out: | 37 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Saturday (1/23)
2ND — Making her initial start since July, CACTUS FLYER (Cactus Creole) put in
a solid effort to be second behind a good one in this affair. The four-year-old
should be a major player with any improvement next out.
3RD — ART CURRENCY (Street Cry [Ire]) kicked off 2010 in style
with a fine tally in this one for Mike Mitchell, proving best late in this
off-the-turf event. The five-year-old suggested that he wants to run longer with
his steady closing effort.
6TH — LEOTHELION (Lion Heart) looked good in posting a facile
maiden win and could be stakes bound in the very near future for conditioner
Mike Puype.
8TH — VENTANA (Toccet) exceeded our expectations in here with a
close second for Bob Baffert, his second strong race in succession. The
four-year-old has never been nearly as good as he currently is.
Sunday (1/24)
1ST — NEXTDOORNEIGHBOR (Lido Palace [Chi]) looks like an interesting sophomore
prospect after this dominant maiden stroll for trainer Michael Machowsky,
winning by four lengths beneath Rafael Bejarano. The three-year-old colt
completed his final five-sixteenths in :30 3/5.
4TH — The talented ROSE CATHERINE (Speightstown) took over soon
after the start and gave her foes no chance for trainer Todd Pletcher, leading
at every call en route to an easy victory. The fleet sophomore is as capable at
one turn, especially on the lawn, as nearly any three-year-old miss we’ve seen.
A Look Ahead
The $250,000 Santa Monica H. (G1) will take place on Sunday, while a trio of
Sunshine Millions events will be hosted on Saturday; the $500,000 Classic,
$300,000 Filly & Mare Turf and $200,000 Filly & Mare Sprint.