SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 13
by Bernard T. Moore
The rains continue to drench Southern California and they show no sign of
letting up in the foreseeable future. As of now, turf racing, which has been a
longtime staple in California, is nothing but a fond memory. Grass racing is in
a holding pattern for the time being as the West Coast continues to be inundated
with wet weather. Not only does the rain need to subside, but the course also
needs time to dry out as well in order for it be considered safe to run over.
Racing was halted after the 1ST race on Sunday due to the unevenness of the
main track, a condition directly attributed to the excessive amount of water in
recent days.
Because of the constant deluge, Santa Anita Park had little choice but to
switch the San Gorgonio H. (G3) to dirt on Saturday. Neither the surface switch
nor the extremely sloppy main track appeared to adversely affect
FENCELINENEIGHBOR (Wild Rush), who made every pole a winning one en route to a
decisive two-length victory. Trained by Michael Machowsky, the winner tuned up
for the San Gorgonio with a fine win over dirt at Golden Gate in December with
Luis Jauregui, who was aboard on Saturday as well.
At this point in her career, Fencelineneighbor appears to be better suited to
dirt, as her last two wins have come over the main track. Irish-bred Uraib (Mark
of Esteem [Ire]), making her dirt debut, acquitted herself quite well in defeat.
The runner-up made the 7-5 winning favorite earn the win, as she resolutely
tracked the front runner nearly every step of the way. Dolly Wells (Arg) (Poliglote
[GB]) raced evenly throughout and was a length farther back in third.
The San Pasqual H. (G2) was run later on the same card and featured the
return of Total Impact (Chi) (Stuka) to California. Off a creditable
fourth-place finish in the Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-G1) in Tokyo, the seven-year-old
was promptly installed as the even-money favorite in the race. However, a
victory would not be in the cards for him on this day as CONGRATS (A.P. Indy)
recaptured the form he had exhibited last year to win by 5 1/2 widening lengths.
Ridden by Tyler Baze, Congrats set sail for the pacesetter on the
backstretch, was able to dispose of that rival on the far turn, and settled into
the stretch with a daylight lead. The five-year-old then proceeded to draw away
with complete authority late. Total Impact saved ground while tracking the lead
early, but could not keep pace with the winner in the stretch while easily
second best. Sigfreto (Spunky Rascal) trailed the field early after a bit of a
slow start and closed belatedly for third while never a serious threat.
Turf racing was non-existent again last week as California continues to be
bombarded with never-ending rain. The main track has held up remarkably well,
all things considered, until last Sunday, when it finally began to shows signs
of wear and tear from the prolonged stretch of bad weather. The track has played
favorably to speed when wet, as one should expect that it would, but the bias
has not been extreme in nature. Paths continue to remain surprising uniform,
with no real distinctive bias.
Baze has assumed the role of leading rider at the meet with 13 victories, two
more than Rene Douglas and Jon Court. Mike Smith is a distant fourth, while
Garrett Gomez and Martin Pedroza are tied for the fifth spot in the standings.
Doug O’Neill has saddled the most starters at the meet and the most winners
as well, with 12 to his credit, four better than Bob Baffert in second place.
Richard Mandella, Ruben Cardenas and Mel Stute complete the top five.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (1/5)
1ST – YOU BEAUTY (Mazel Trick) finished a sharp second despite a bit of an
awkward start. Recovered quickly to contend for the lead and held gamely in the
stretch despite racing erratically and hampering her rider. Might benefit from
the addition of blinkers.
5TH – OVERNIGHTSENSATION (Bertrando) was clearly second best behind a
dominant winner off a freshening. Finished with interest in a race that
quickened late. Exhibited signs of greenness while lugging in slightly along
rail in the stretch and pulled away nicely from the third-place finisher under
modest encouragement.
Thursday (1/6)
5TH – PLAYGIRL (Valid Wager) turned in a game third-place effort making her
first start off the Cliff Sise claim. Exhibited surprise early speed to set a
pressured pace against a dropdown winning favorite. Held well late once
displaced on the lead. Lone career win at Santa Anita going six furlongs, the
exact conditions of her race off the layoff.
6TH – LATIN LUMINOSA (Latin American) was bet down to favoritism in career
debut for the red-hot Cardenas barn. Broke well to carve out the early fractions
and held well on the lead despite drifting a bit in the stretch to finish second
under a seven-pound apprentice rider. Bred top and bottom to handle a route of
ground.
Friday (1/7)
1ST – FOREST WAY (Forestry) showed dramatic form reversal dropping in for a
tag for the first time. Gave futile chase to another maiden special weight class
dropper who dictated an eye-popping pace on the lead.
2ND – IMPRESSIVE FLIGHT (Ire) (Flying Spur) was less than impressive in North
American main track debut. Barely lifted a hoof over a moisture-laden track.
Obviously better suited to grass, especially if it is firm. Would benefit from a
slight class drop while making her second start on Lasix.
Saturday (1/8)
2ND – GOLD FORMAT (Formal Gold) finished a sharp second on the drop in his
two-turn debut. Held determinedly after dictating a good early pace and appears
better suited to a distance of ground.
4TH – Uraib handled wet dirt quite well in her main track bow. Forced to
chase a superior pace rival over a speed conducive course. Irish-bred runner is
clearly at her best when fresh.