SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 30, 2013
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded races were offered last weekend at the Santa Anita
winter/spring meeting.
Santa Monica S. (G2): Ted and Judy Nichols’ homebred TEDDY’S PROMISE
(Salt Lake) confronted the pacesetter in early stretch and romped home in the
lane to a powerful three-length score for trainer Ron Ellis. The five-year-old
mare sped seven panels on the wet-fast, sealed oval in 1:22 3/5 under Victor
Espinoza.
Santa Ysabel S. (G3):
Watson, Weitman and Pegram’s FIFTYSHADESOFHAY (Pulpit) pressed the pace
early, took the lead turning for home and cruised late to a 5 3/4-length score
under Rafael Bejarano. The Bob Baffert trainee covered 1 1/16 miles on the
sealed oval in 1:42 4/5 en route to her initial graded tally.
Track Stats
From a total of 35 races held at the Arcadia, California racetrack during the
past week, favorites won at a 26 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 46 percent of the wins. From 33 frays contested on the dirt oval,
10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (30 percent), while none of the two
grassy tussles went all the way on the lead.
Speed runners had another fine week of racing on this oval, especially on
Sunday, with four horses winning in wire-to-wire fashion. It’s not impossible to
close for a win, especially if saving ground early on, but staying in the
three-path or wider for the duration of the race makes it very hard for crossing
the wire in front.
Only two races were held on the lawn this past week, so we have no insight on
the recent grass racing here.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 192 | |
| DIRT: | 145 | |
| TURF: | 47 | |
| FAVORITES: | 69 (36 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 36 (19 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 5 (11 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 31 (21 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (1/24)
2ND — The Mike Mitchell-trained MEL’S GAME (Game Plan) was always close to
this fast pace and slowly wore down this field in a game maiden tally under
Julien Leparoux. The four-year-old colt defeated a solid field of open foes, so
we expect this California-bred to be real tough next time if placed with his
Golden State rivals.
7TH — SKY KINGDOM (Empire Maker) was last early and had just one horse
beaten at the top of the lane, but the Baffert trainee came home with a ton of
energy and got up late in a most impressive race off the 10-month layoff. The
well-bred sort did flash a lot of ability as a sophomore, and could be starting
up a fine 2013 campaign after beating this stakes-quality field.
BLUESKIESNRAINBOWS (English Channel) rated patiently, darted through an
opening in midstretch and stayed on well to be a fine second in his first run
for conditioner Jerry Hollendorfer. The Grade 2 winner is also one who could
have a fine season ahead of him with natural progression.
Friday (1/25)
6TH — SHUMOOS (Distorted Humor) came back with a vengeance in her
four-year-old debut on this occasion, flying out of the gate and never looking
back in a superb 2 1/2-length allowance win. The graded winner, last seen flying
home second in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint against the boys, could be
a major player on this circuit for Ben Cecil.
Saturday (1/26)
2ND — Trainer Gary Mandella unleashed a fine first time starter in SATICOY
(Bertrando), who opened up a big early lead and never stopped in traveling six
furlongs on this oval in a wicked 1:08 2/5. The three-year-old colt did get the
best part of the track to run on, but he was still very impressive and could be
a nice one.
5TH — DANCINGTOTHESTARS (Good Journey) had no chance late with the superb
and classy winner of this race, but the Doug O’Neill charge proved her worth at
the stakes level today while finishing well clear of third. The five-year-old
mare should be tough next time with a similar showing.
7TH — TIZ A MINISTER (Minister’s Wildcat) looked to be shot out of a cannon
approaching the turn for home and exploded late to post a fine stakes win in
this spot under Garrett Gomez. The Cal-bred sophomore surely looked the part in
his dirt debut on this day, getting his final quarter-mile in :24 flat for
trainer Paul Aguirre.
OMEGA STAR (Candy Ride) took the lead turning for home and ran a winning race
in second in his debut with winners, finishing 2 1/2 lengths clear of his
nearest pursuer. We really think this gelding will make noise with open company
in graded races this spring.
10TH — HAIL MARY (Old Topper) showed good speed, took command in early
stretch and strode home an impressive 4 1/2-length winner at first asking in
this one under Joe Talamo. The Mitchell debuter couldn’t have been much more
professional in taking down what we thought was a solid maiden cast.
Sunday (1/27)
5TH — ROCK ME BABY (Rock Hard Ten) followed up a solid maiden score with
this big win in the starter ranks for trainer Craig Dollase, and the gelding
appears to be a nice one after just a pair of lifetime starts. The four-year-old
can likely stretch out a lot more and could be any kind with the natural early
speed he owns.
A Look Ahead
A trio of graded races will take place on Saturday at Santa Anita — the
Grade 2, $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Grade 2, $200,000 Strub Stakes and the
Grade 2, $150,000 Arcadia Stakes.
Sunday will play host to the Grade 2, $200,000 San Antonio Stakes.