Santa Anita *TRACK PHANTOM*

[Track Phantom]

12-26-13

RACE 6: G1 LA BREA- 300k 7 F (D)
#1 SWEET LULU 8-5
#6 MY HAPPY FACE 7-2
#2 HEIR KITTY 9-2
#5 JOURNEY ON 12-1

#1 SWEET LULU
Classy filly was very impressive in first few starts in So. Cal. She validated those races when she shipped in to win the G1 Test at Saratoga. Did some heavy lifting in the BC F&M Sprint. Draws the inside and will likely be sent to hold position. Santa Anita was heavily speed biased when last there.

#6 MY HAPPY FACE
Faced top choice twice on the East Coast and was right there both times. Was wide in the G1 Test but almost got there. Was flat as a board in the Comely last time out. Rosario stays aboard. Like the cutback.

[Track Phantom]

12-28-13

RACE 2
#6 SAN ONOFRE 3-5
#10 OMEGA STAR 6-1
#4 LIFE A RILEY 4-1
#2 MEMPHIS 8-1

#6 SAN ONOFRE
Went off at 1-5 and took late money. Won sharply with a 98 Beyer. A few came back to hit the board next out. Time of 1.09.1 was 1 3/5 faster than G1 winner, Streaming, ran later. 2nd to 200k stakes winner Omega Star in debut. One to beat.

#5 TOPPER’S GHOST
Quality win two back in only start over this dirt track. He broke awkwardly but rated nicely and won going away. Winner from last ran a solid 2nd on Thursday to Five Palms behind a 1:08.1 for 40k optional claiming. Runner-up won a starter on turf.

[Muddy]

#:4: LIFE A RILEY @ 4-1


Race 5 #:3: Garen @ 5-1

[Track Phantom]

SANTA ANITA 1-3-14

RACE 1
#2 ARTEMIS 6-5
#4 LADY BUGATTI 4-1
#5 ABIDE IN ME 9-5
#1 MORNING STAR 9-2

#2 ARTEMIS
Top connections with a royally bred filly who should be best stretching out. Dam a half to 13 length G1 winner (114 Beyer) Icon Project, from ‘09 and some turf with Lasting Approval and Al Mammoon in tree. Show last won MSW by 6 (77 Beyer). Hollendorfer 7 for 13 (54%) sprint to route in MSW with in money last out.

#4 LADY BUGATTI
Was 4th and only a couple of heads behind the top choice in the good MSW last out for high percentage outfit. Talamo off of outside runner (maybe not be his choice) and stays here. 3 works since last time out and should be ready to challenge for the win with top.

[pondman]

SANTA ANITA 1-3-14

RACE 1
#2 ARTEMIS 6-5
#4 LADY BUGATTI 4-1
#5 ABIDE IN ME 9-5
#1 MORNING STAR 9-2

#2 ARTEMIS
Top connections with a royally bred filly who should be best stretching out. Dam a half to 13 length G1 winner (114 Beyer) Icon Project, from ‘09 and some turf with Lasting Approval and Al Mammoon in tree. Show last won MSW by 6 (77 Beyer). Hollendorfer 7 for 13 (54%) sprint to route in MSW with in money last out.


Artemis-- been running with top horses, Ran against Streaming who won the Hollywood Starlett. Fashion Plate in last came back to win by 6 1/2.

[Track Phantom]

1-4-14

RACE 2
#4 CRUSHED VELVET 4-5
#1 TASTE LIKE CANDY 1-1
#3 AWESOME BABY 4-1
#2 UZZIEL 12-1

#4 CRUSHED VELVET
Won for fun over two who came right back to win. 2nd, Artemis, was a game winner over 4th place finisher, Lady Bugatti, in a MSW on Fri. Show won by 6 in MSW next out. Dam is a half to 3 million winner (and ’08 BC Sprint winner), Midnight Lute.

#1 TASTE LIKE CANDY
Really looks the only danger to the top choice after she ran 2nd in the G1 HOL Starlet behind Baffert trained, Streaming. That was a quality group. 3rd place finisher had won the G2 Pochahontas. Back to back stakes winner, Bajan, finished 5th.

[Track Phantom]

1-10-14

RACE 3
#4 WATER ISSUES 8-5
#3 ASCRIPTION 6-1
#5 STOLE A KISS 5-2
#2 LADY OF THE NILE 4-1

#4 WATER ISSUES
Ran against the males last time out and was sent off at 14-1 and she ran huge to get 2nd behind a good looking runner for D O’Neill. Harbaugh has 2 wins and a nose out in last 3. Might have a home on grass.

#3 ASCRIPTION
O’Neill runner is making her first turf start but has decent turf pedigree influence from dam side and should handle grass. Ran 2nd in 4 horse field in last. Won only route.

[Track Phantom]

1-11-14

RACE 9
#12 MELATONIN 3-1
#10 DISTILLERY 12-1
#4 ARCTIC CODE 8-1
#2 HOME RUN KITTEN 6-1

#12 MELATONIN
Ran 3rd to next out stakes placed foe in debut. Last two were decent but disappointed as the favorite in last. Winner came back to win in allw and 3rd was 2nd next out. Some turf blood.

#10 DISTILLERY
Took good money in debut at CRC but was flat in the lane. 14-1 in a full field in last and he was off slow and wide. Runs for Jim Rome (Mizdir…). Like the work pattern since last race.

[Track Phantom]

1-12-14

RACE 8
#9 READY FOR MORE 4-1
#5 TRIPSKI 3-1
#3 PURE LOYALTY 7-2
#7 CIRCA’SGOLDENGEAR 6-1

#9 READY FOR MORE
Not many in here have early speed but this does and gets an advantageous outside post for Mike Smith to gauge the right spot to place him. Won a 5 ½ F allowance turf sprint at KEE by 6 in Oct ’12. Top two from last both have run well back. Works sharp.

#5 TRIPSKI
Good ride from Talamo in last. He pressed slow early pace and kicked on very gamely to win. 7 year old is a 6 time turf winner.

#3 PURE LOYALTY
Won at this distance with a late rush two back. Faced much better at a mile in last.

[Track Phantom]

1-23-14

Free full card analysis for Thursday by going to TP website

RACE 1
#1 SERGEANT O’ROURKE 7-5
#3 D’YAKNOWWHATIMEAN 2-1
#5 FUNNY GAL 7-2
#6 J K’S MISCHIEF 4-1

#1 SERGEANT O’ROURKE
Really like her debut when favored here back in October. She pressed the pace and drew off. She might get a similar trip here with massive speed drawn on the outside. Not disgraced in either stakes. Bejarano off of #3 for this one.

#3 D’YAKNOWWHATIMEAN
Willing to give her another chance after she was favored in the common race won by Sprague River. That was on the turf and she makes her first dirt try today. Blew apart a maiden field in debut. 2nd, 3rd and 4th have come back to win.

KEY FACT: Trainer Doug O’Neill has two in here. He has won only once in his last 33 starters for a 3% rate.

[Track Phantom]

1-26-14

RACE 3
#6 STATMAN JERRY 3-1 JONES DELGADILLO
#5 EXCLUDE 9-5 MANDELLA PRAT
#9 KARAISKAKIS 20-1 FROUSIAKIS PUGLISI
#4 ALSACE 9-2 BELL COUTON

#6 STATMAN JERRY
Debut for a trainer who works them very slowly. This one is a ¾ bro to the very good, but ill-fated, Carlsbad, who won her debut and was a multiple graded stakes winner. Race is just so very weak.

#5 EXCLUDE
No doubt the one to beat but this 550,000 purchase has had some problems staying healthy and even more beating foes. Drops in half following a long layoff after drifting in the stretch. Tred lightly.

[Track Phantom]

1-30-14

RACE 5
#4 HOT AND PLEASING 6-1
#2 KANA FLAVOR 7-2
#7 VAN DIEN AVENUE 9-5
#1 SIDEPOCKET RUN 5-1

#4 HOT AND PLEASING
If you focus on her turf route races when she was facing Cal-breds (of which there are 2) then she really becomes interesting. She was beaten only 1 1/4 in both of those races. She was flying on two back at 14-1 to pass many and she may have made a premature move 5 back when she finished 4th behind a couple in here. She was off slow in last (actually off dead last) and never really got into it. That was at a sprint and she hasn’t gone that short in 2 years. Back to Espinoza who has ridden her 3 times. 3 works since and blinkers on. Very worthy player here.

[Track Phantom]

1-31-14

RACE 6
#7 MARY CONTRARY 7-2
#8 SPLENDIFEROUS MOON 7-2
#4 LIA JULIANA 10-1
#1 NO TRICKS FOR JACK 5-2

#7 MARY CONTRARY
Definitely understand those not willing to back a trainer who has won exactly one race in So. Cal. in the last 5 years (a maiden claimer at DMR by a head at 49-1 in 2009). But, you can’t argue the fact that she has run two races that would win this race since she was claimed. She was 2nd at 51-1 first off the claim with this rider on and she beat three of today’s foes. The last race was full of legitimate 32k claimers. 4th place, only 1 in front of this one, was coming in off a win in a straight 32k open claimer. Fact that she was in that race is why Ho has 1 win in So Cal.

[Robert Fischer]

In the 7th you've got the baffert horse #7, but I also think the 8 Remise could run well today.

[Track Phantom]

In the 7th you've got the baffert horse #7, but I also think the 8 Remise could run well today.

Ive got Remise on top and is my best bet of the day.

[Track Phantom]

2-1-14
TP has Top 10 Plays and AQU as well for Saturday

RACE 1
#4 DUNMORE EAST 6-5 BAZE
#1 PRIVATE BOUNTY 4-1 GRYDER
#3 SENATOR BOB 5-2 DELGADILLO
#5 ALWAYS THE SAME 8-1 OROZCO

#4 DUNMORE EAST
Really tried to find a way to beat this runner. Considered #2 MENSA HEAT since Ted West is 29% on the 50% claiming drop but didn’t like the layoff after drifting in the stretch in last (followed by the drop). Dunmore East beat a slightly stronger group well in last. That was first off the claim for very high percentage trainer, Robertino (striking at 28% at this meet). He is 3 for 3 in the money on the SA dirt course. Retains Tyler Baze today.

[Track Phantom]

2-2-14

RACE 1
#2 MAHOGANY RUN 2-1
#3 SECOND PROPOSAL 7-2
#1 I BUY GOLD 5-2
#4 TAKE A RISK 5-1

#2 MAHOGANY RUN
Debut for this 30,000 2011 purchase. The sire fee is only 2,500. Been working a long, long time but that is very usual for trainer Bill Spawr. Spawr is 5 for 20 with first time starters that are 3 years old and older and running in maiden claiming. In fact, Spawr doesn’t have a MSW win in the last 5 years and all of his better runners started in the claiming ranks. Dam was a stakes winner running short and long and has 3 other sibs that won stakes races. Top call rider up.

[Track Phantom]

SANTA ANITA 2-6-14 RACE 1 – MDN CLM 5.5 F

#7 GOLDNESIAN 6-1
#1 HEAVENELEVEN 20-1
#2 MR. CACTUS 9-5
#6 GELDAUTOMAT 5-2

#7 GOLDNESIAN
First timer for Doug O’Neil. Hard to get a grasp on when O’Neil fires with this kind but if you focus on 3 year olds and older, running at 5 1/2 furlongs, in So. Cal. in maiden claiming, he wins at 32%. Interestingly, in that filter, when he’s had a sub 1:01 work as the final prep, he is 4 for 5 (other finish a 3rd). Dam won 400k, all sprinting. Only cost 7k last January so this is the right spot. Certainly has had enough work in the morning to be ready.

[Track Phantom]

SANTA ANITA 2-7-14 RACE 1 – CLM 16k 6F

#2 TAKEM BY SURPRISE 8-5
#3 STILL UNBROKEN 5-2
#4 ONEANDONLYLOVEMAN 7-5
#5 BUSHWACKED 12-1

#2 TAKEM BY SURPRISE
Three runners in this race exit the common race won by Happy Idea. Happy Idea went off as the 2-1 favorite, sat behind a bit of a duel up front and drew off in the lane. This runner really didn’t have the best of trips. He broke a bit awkwardly from the rail, made a move about 5 wide on the turn. He was going best of those in this race that come out of the Happy Idea race. Like the fact that Talamo stays and the two slow 3F moves says ready.

[Track Phantom]

2-8-14

RACE 5 SAN ANTNO-G2 300K (1 1/8 DIRT)
#5 GAME ON DUDE 3-5
#2 AMERICAN BLEND 10-1
#4 MAJESTIC HARBOR 6-1
#3 BLUESKIESNRAINBOWS 3-1

#5 GAME ON DUDE
Really tough to go against this nearly 6 million dollar winner. Just missed winning the Clark after a bad effort in the BC Classic. Will have his work cut out early and may need to rate yet again. Has won 7 of 9 over this track and the surface was seriously favoring speed Fri. Has run fresh but pace might make me peek for value here.

[Thebigguy]

are you serious with this stuff?

[Track Phantom]

2-13-14

R4 MSW 56K (6F D)
#6 HOLIDAY N NEWPORT 5-2
#1 CLEARLY CONFUSED 7-2
#2 PEBBLE BEACH BABY 3-1
#3 RAVEN WILD 7-2

#6 HOLIDAY N NEWPORT
We had her on top two back as the pace of the race really worked in her advantage. This is one of my most successful angles. A router with excellent route speed cutting back to 6 ½ in a race where he can be on or right near the lead. She is quick enough to get the lead but, if Nakatani wants, she can rate just behind. Beat many of these already.

#1 CLEARLY CONFUSED
Talamo may decide to gun her from the inside and if the top choice has dulled speed coming off the route, this one is very dangerous to go wire to wire. Great form and should be able to hold the rail.

[Track Phantom]

2-14-14

R6 OP CLM 32K (1M D)
#5 IN DAD’S HONOR 3-1
#4 BIG ROSIE BROWN 15-1
#9 ONE MORE WILD RIDE 7-2
#8 BROWSING 9-2

#5 IN DAD’S HONOR
Was bet down to the 3-1 favorite in her debut but she was off a bit slowly and never got into the race. Was 4th in a key MSW in her next start. One other runner came back to win next out and 3 more were 2nd. Faced a good group in the optional claimer in last and was right there at the end. Sire was a G1 stakes winner going long and dam won long, too.

#4 BIG BROWN ROSIE
She is still a maiden but that was a nice run for 2nd in last. She was bet down to 3-1 in debut against male runners but never got going. 2nd time route is a good angle. Trainer has success with this rider.

[Track Phantom]

2-15-14

R7 SWEET LIFE STAKES 75K (6 1/2 TURF)
#4 FAMOUS ALICE 5-2 SMITH PROCTOR
#8 SMOOVE IT 12-1 GUTIERREZ O’NEILL
#1 SPRAGUE RIVER 6-1 TALAMO MILLER
#7 BAJAN 3-1 ESPINOZA CALLAGHAN

#4 FAMOUS ALICE
Really like how this daughter of Kitten’s Joy won in her debut. She sat nicely behind the other speed, angled out like a pro and accelerated away in a hand ride. She was equally impressive in last. She dueled in very quick fractions and the runners traveling 1st, 3rd and 4th finished 7th, 8th and 9th. Bred for turf. Two good works since.

[Track Phantom]

2-16-14

R4 CLAIMING 12.5k (6.5 F DIRT)
#3 PASS THE PICO 5-2
#4 AWESOME INDY 3-1
#7 ON MY HONOR 3-1
#8 SHACKBAMALAMA 8-1

#3 PASS THE PICO
These owners have moved 3 runners from Henry Dominguez to Peter Miller (shipping in from New Mexico) and dropping down from high level to mid claiming. They won them all. This runner has good speed and was good enough to win a mc50k at CD back in June. Rosario aboard for a reason.

[Track Phantom]

2-17-14

R2 MSW 56K (1M 1/16 DIRT)
#3 DUBLIN UP 8-5
#5 BIG TIRE 5-2
#4 GAREN 9-5
#1 BIG MEDICINE MAN 4-1

#3 DUBLIN UP
Female family tree is one of the best in the history of U. S. breeding. 3rd dam produced A. P. Indy and Summer Squall and many other stakes winners. Was 4th in first local start and the winner really spread them out behind him. Place runner from there ran 3rd in the G2 San Vicente on Sunday.

[Track Phantom]

2-21-14

R3 ALLW 58K (1M T)
#5 TEXAS RYANO 9-5
#2 BETTER BET 5-1
#1 AWESOME RETURN 3-1
#4 LUCKY VIEWS 2-1

#1 TEXAS RYANO
Grass pedigree can hardly be better. Dam is 440k turf winner and a half to 6 turf winning stakes runners. Backbreeding goes back to the early ‘70’s superstar turf mare, Dahlia, who was the dam to many turf starts (Dahar, Rivlia turf millionaires). Had early stretch traffic trouble but overcame it like a pro to win well. Gaines goes 10% to 28% 2nd time turf routers which may be way he didn’t get bet in debut. BEST BET!

[Track Phantom]

2-22-14

RACE 5 - ALLW 30K (6F D)
#4 SIDEBAR 2-1
#5 LETS GET FRISKY 9-2
#3 CORINTHIAN MELODY 5-1
#1 ZUZU’S PETALS 5-2

#4 SIDEBAR
Looks incredibly even on paper but there is a bit more to like about this filly. She breaks slow everytime but overcomes it. She was on the rail in both of her last two and could have been put off by that but she muscled through it. Game filly lost to G2 winning filly, Scherzinger in 2nd start. Working very well for this. Today’s BEST BET!

[Track Phantom]

2-23-14

R6 STARTER ALLW 30k (6.5F TURF) 3+
#1 CINCO D MARIO 9-2 Arias O’Neill
#4 FIGHTING ON 5-2 Talamo Hess
#8 CLUBHOUSE ROCK 6-1 Baze Lewis
#7 HELLO FRANKIE 8-1 Gutierrez Cecil

#1 CINCO DE MARIO
3 straight runner-up finishes at this level before O’Neill tried the blinkers. Back to a runner-up finish without the blinkers two back. Was sitting on a big race in last and was pinned on the rail with no where to run for much of the stretch. Might need to find a trip from rail again. Arias has won 30% with O’Neill turf sprints.

[Track Phantom]

2-27-14

2nd OPT CLM 50k (6F DIRT)
#3 WELL MEASURED 9-5 Espinoza
#2 PRAY HARD 8-5 Bejarano
#1 OH DADDY OH 5-2 Talamo
#4 PATRIOTS RULE 9-2 Perez

#3 WELL MEASURED
It appears Oh Daddy Oh, Millers other runner, will be sent from the rail. That puts Pray Hard into a difficult spot. He will have to go after the rail runner early to keep him honest. This runner will benefit from the speed duel. Bet down to 1-2 in a decent MSW field based on lightning works. Worked hard for the win. Should get the trip of the race here.

#2 PRAY HARD
Guessing, and really mean guessing, that Bejarano will go after the rail runner early enough to take the sting out of both of them. Done the best work on paper and may win the race if the pace flow works out differently. Winner of last a monster.

[Track Phantom]

2-28-14

RACE 5 CLM 8K (5.5F DIRT)
#5 GIANNONATTI 2-1
#3 J LOUIE 9-5
#4 TORRE ITALIANA 12-1
#1 SMIL’N FROM ABOVE 2-1

#5 GIANNONATTI
Love playing horses like this in these smaller claiming races. She has only missed the board 4 times, has only been beaten more than 3 lengths 4 times and is in good form. Expect to get a nice closing trip from the outside in a race where there is some very cheap speed. Didn’t exactly catch much in last and has been a synth runner mostly.

#3 J LOUIE
Beat three others in here in last when she was 4th back in Jan. Has the best early speed in the race but has done her best running at LA. She is 5 of 7 in the money outside of SA and has only 1 win on SA dirt in 7 starts. Still must be respected here.

[Track Phantom]

3-1-14

3rd
#4 TARAN TARAN 3-1
#3 BAD BEHAVIOR 3-1
#2 UNBRIDLED LOYALTY 8-1
#1 NEXT RIGHT 8-1

#4 TARAN TARAN (3-1)
Bafferts numbers with this owner are off the chart. He has won 14 of 28 (45%) with 24 in the money (86%) MSW sprint at 3-1 or less for this owner. Not much on breeding but still cost 280k. Working since Nov 20th and the recent works are typically fast for a Baffert runner.

#3 BAD BEHAVIOR (3-1)
Fairly obvious looking runner for Baffert who was 5-2 and favored in debut. Longshot Mr. Sexy went q’horse on the lead. G2 winner, Moreno was 5th in that race. Work on 2-16 jumps off the page.

[Track Phantom]

3-2-14

1st 16k CLM (5.5F)
#4 CLEARLY CONFUSED 8-5
#2 TEMPE 9-5
#1 VALARTA 8-1
#5 MISS AMERICAN PIE 9-5

#4 CLEARLY CONFUSED (8-5)
Process of elimination here more than anything. Lots of speed and some of it very cheap. This runner will absolutely be last early. Should tuck up the rail and make a late run. Trainer is absolutely on fire. Keeps great closing rider in Talamo.

#2 TEMPE (9-5)
5 wins in the last 8 starts and all of them were wire to wire. Slight drop in purse from last and a major bump in purse from two back win. Well placed for a sneaky good trainer. One to beat in here.

[Track Phantom]

3-6-14

4th ST ALLW 40k (5.5F DIRT)
#2 CRIMSON GIANT 4-1 Linares
#6 JUST DANCING 8-5 Talamo
#2 I’M NO PATSY 3-1 Gutierrez
#1 HLAO ROO 5-1 Sutherland

#2 CRIMSON GIANT (4-1)
He’s run too good to have only one win in 47 starts. If you focus on the just the last 8 races, he really fits here. Top two favorites both like to quit and will likely throw it down early. A couple others in here look cheap or broken. If he can’t get rolling early enough, he wins easily.

#4 SOUTHERN SUNRISE (8-5)
Will have to deal with rail horse early and there is little indication this runner can deal with speed and kick on. Can roll if he is right but 6 year old gelding has only 6 starts. Very suspect.

[Track Phantom]

3-7-14

1st MDN CLM 50k (6F DIRT)
#5 PASEO ALEGRO 5-2 Orozco
#1 WAR POLITICS 2-1 Bejarano
#4 BAKER BOYS 4-1 Talamo
#6 SEEKING ASYLUM 9-5 Bejarano

#5 PASEO ALEGRO (5-2)
What an odd stat. This trainer has 7 wins in 171 starts (4%) and only in the money 26% but has a win (13%) and 6 in the money (75%) from 8 times first off the claim. 8 time winner was getting to Courtside last out. Appears to be the only one with any true tactical speed to pick up the pieces when Unstopper Topper backs up (front wraps last). Should lead with 100 to go.

#1 WAR POLITICS (2-1)
Hollendorfer/Bejarano on a winner last time out have won 37% in next start. Has hit the board in 3 of 5 on SA dirt track. Saves ground here.

[Track Phantom]

3-8-14

3rd CLM 12.5k (6F DIRT)
#9 NOME 8-1 Maldonado
#10 QUICK CIELO 4-1 Mojica
#5 PASS THE PICO 5-2 Rosario
#6 TRIBAL SMOKE 7-2 Baze

#9 NOME (8-1)
Harrington only won 12 times last year but he has actually won 6 of his last 15 starts and many of those runners ran huge at very long odds. Going back to the rider that was aboard for most of the races and the only win (at 32-1 in debut). Big drop, good works. Late run.

#10 QUICK CIELO (4-1)
Has only started on the dirt once and that was a win as the 9-5 favorite at Fairplex. Has never been at this low level. Trainer good with layoffs of this type. Two good works coming in here.

[bks]

Nice hit, Valento. Wish I'd seen your post :(

I realized Harrington had started to win recently, but he's been so bad for so long I'm still out of the habit of including him.

[Track Phantom]

Couldn't believe the horse was 16-1.

My analysis had the pick 5 cold (all 5 winners were my top choice) and I was betting a race at TAM and missed the first race at SA (forgot it was an early post).

Hard game.

[Track Phantom]

3-9-14

2nd $30,000 MAIDEN CLM (1M DIRT)
#2 EVEN ECHO 4-1 Espinoza Cho Myung
#6 BLUEGRASS FOX TR 3-1 Gryder Taylor
#7 PRINCE OF PARIS 5-2 Van Dyke Glatt
#4 CLEARDOFALLCHRG 9-2 Sutherlnd Sadler

#2 EVEN ECHO (4-1)
If you’re a trainer winning at a 3% clip and wondering why, the management of this colt is your answer. Entered in two G1 races, the last of which he was 275-1. Has been keeping company with runners that are worlds better than this group. Two decent works since last and a key rider change to boot.

[Track Phantom]

3-13-14

3rd $10,000 CLAIMING (6F D)
#8 METAXA 3-1 Orozco
#5 LADY VIVIEN 7-2 Couton
#2 ANGEL’S MOON 7-2 Maldonado
#4 SMIL’N FROM AB 12-1 Van Dyke

#8 METAXA (3-1)
She was very impressive when under the care of trainer Breuer. She got this one to fire at double digit odds multiple times. Trainer over 30% first off the claim. He won with his last claim, right at this level, with Tuckers Point. She could easily move up some points with Miyadi taking over.

#5 LADY VIXEN (7-2)
Claimed for twice the price two starts back and now drops to lowest level. Trainer has a history of claiming, raising and dropping. Has an excellent dirt record (8 of 13 in the money). 4th in last dropped to 12k cl at GG and won at 6-5

[Track Phantom]

3-14-14

7th $62,500 OPT CLM (6.5F T)
#1 FOLLINI 4-1 Talamo
#4 KLISZ 6-1 Van Dyke
#7 A TOAST FOR Y 5-2 Gutierrez
#2 HOTRADAMUS 9-2 Bejarano

#7 FOLLINI (4-1)
Looks to be the only real speed in the race. Talamo has been up for three wire to wire wins on him and now he has the rail to boot. He has done his best running leading from the inside. Has a solid work tab since last. Talamo will be able to get quick command and slow it down.

#4 KLISZ (6-1)
At one point, he was intriguing enough to be sent off as the 3rd choice in the G2 Arcadia and that was a 13 horse field. Has been routing mostly of late but has a couple come from behind sprint wins. Sneaky trainer, good works.

[Track Phantom]

3-15-14

5th $30,000 STR ALLW (1M 1/16 DIRT)

#3 SIR MACHO 8-1 Baze Baltas
#8 BRAVE ACT 7-2 Bejarano Truman
#7 TENKILLER KID 7-2 Delgadillo O’Neill
#6 HELLO FRANKIE 8-1 Orozco Cecil

#3 SIR MACHO (8-1)
Was claimed for 50,000 in his last start, which was a solid win on the move up in class. Trainer has claimed two other runners for these owners and one was Rangi, who was 2nd a neck at 7-1 first off the claim. Pace really favors his running style. Bred to go long. Baze stays up.

[Track Phantom]

3-16-14

2nd $56,000 MSW (6.5F DIRT)
#1 KATERRIFIC 3-1 Smith Powell
#2 SEATTLE CHARLIE 5-2 Bejarano Hollendorfer
#4 FAITH HOPE LOVE 7-5 Talamo Dollase
#5 COURAGEOUS CALL 3-1 Maldondo Ellis

#1 KATERRIFIC (3-1)
Powell had one other MSW firster with Smith up and that was Aotearoa. He was a 20-1 morning line runner bet down to 5-2 2 mn to post and won easily at 9-2. The works were similar, if not slower, than this one. Bred to win early. Sire 23% with first timers. Tab tote for clues.

[Track Phantom]

3-21-14

#2 E EQUALSMCSQUARED 5-1 Baze
#3 HEARITFORTHEGR 9-2 Maldonado
#1 WRITER FEVER 9-2 Espinoza
#4 JETBIRD 5-2 Mojica

#2 E EQUALSMCSQUARED (5-1)
Not sure what happened last time out. She was coming in off a good effort 5 weeks earlier, kept Smith, went off favored and showed nothing. Trainer keeps her protected and goes to a go-to rider (27% with Kruljac). Only bad dirt effort was last out. Should get a great trip.

#3 HEARITFORTHEGIRLS (9-2)
Won what is turning out to be kind of a key race. 4 of the 6 runners who have come back to run have been in the exacta including 8th place finisher, Our Glitter Ball, who won at mc40k at 9-1 next out. Good work for Mullins.

[Track Phantom]

3-22-14

4th $200,000 SAN LUIS R-G2 (1 1/2M TURF)

#4 FIRE WITH FIRE 9-2 Baze Drysdale
#1 VAGABOND SHOES 4-5 Espinoza Sadler
#5 TEMERAINE 4-1 Stevens Proctor
#3 LUCAYAN 5-2 Smith Drysdale

#4 FIRE WITH FIRE (9-2)
There is no question this runner will be setting a very slow pace. Nothing I love more than a lonely leader at a long distance when the field is trying to beat a 4-5 off the pace runner. Last two times he’s controlled the pace he won and was nosed out. Baze is great setting the pace.

[Track Phantom]

3-23-14

1st $56,000 MSW (1M 1/16 DIRT)
#1 RPRETTYBOYFLOYD 1-1 Nakatani Bruer
#6 PARTY TIME 6-5 Lanerie Baffert
#5 LORD LOCHINVAR 8-1 Van Dyke Hollendorfer
#3 ARKENSTONE 6-1 Talamo Hendricks

#1 RPRETTYBOYFLOYD (1-1)
Was unlucky to lose in last. He was off a step slow, rushed up wide on the turn, didn’t switch leads until late and was outfinished. Obviously he has talent as he was 3rd in the San Vicente and beaten only 3 to Bayern, a runner that returned to win by 15 lengths. Bred to go long. Strong.

#6 PARTY TIME (6-5)
Lanerie here to accept an award. Was right behind top choice but with a better trip. Blue blood breeding says route is good. Main danger to top.

[Track Phantom]

3-27-14

2nd $75,000 MDN CLMG (1M 1/16 DIRT)
#4 PERFECT CURSIVE 5-2 Van Dyke
#5 CONSECRATE 3-1 Garcia
#6 COMEALONGWITHME 2-1 Baze
#1 NOT A LOVE SONG 3-1 Maldonado

#4 PERFECT CURSIVE (5-2)
Only one race and it was a route on the turf when he closed a bit of late ground. Moves slightly down in class to high maiden claiming. Mandella is 11 for 34 (32%) with 22 ITM (65%) going from MSW to MC. Has an excellent dirt pedigree. Should see improvement in 2nd start.

#5 CONSECRATE (3-1)
Baffert runner wen to GG and was well-beaten at 2-1. Was able to get third behind Be Proud and Arethusa in her second start both of whom are stakes winners now. 250k purchase just last April now for 75k. One of Bafferts top owners.

[Track Phantom]

3-28-14

8th $16,000 CLMG (6F D)
#10 TOPPER’S GHOST 9-2 Baze
#2 MY JEALOUS 5-2 Bejarano
#9 NOME 6-1 Maldonado
#1 JOVITA’S TUFFY 7-2 Van Dyke

#10 TOPPER’S GHOST
Tried some salty foes in last. Only two runners who have come back to run both won (3rd Peacenik beat 16k claiming 91 Beyer, last place Road Ready 8k claiming with 70 Beyer). 4th two back Judge Carr beat 16k claimers for fun in next start.

#2 MY JEALOUS
Other O’Neill runner was claimed in last when running 2nd at 12,500. Clearly has some health problems as he’s bounced around from stakes to claiming. Winner in last was coming in off of a win at open 25k claiming for Peter Miller. Use.

[Track Phantom]

3-29-14

2nd $80,000 OPTIONAL CLAIMING (6.5F DIRT)
#5 PILLOW 2-1 Bejarano Callaghan
#2 SUSHI EMPIRE 5-2 Nakatani Harty
#1 LOAN SAVANT 9-2 Gutierrez O’Neill
#7 SAINTLY JOAN 8-1 Baze O’Hara

#5 PILLOW
Euro shipper for a trainer that does very well with Euro’s (17% win percentage) but even better when Bejarano is up on one of his Euro shippers (4 for 7 with 5 in the money). Beat a lot of good runners in the 167k Tattersalls two back. Sure looks like he could be a major standout here.

#2 SUSHI EMPIRE
Beaten only 3 in the China Doll which should turn out to be a key race. Was a stakes winner three back. All turf bloodlines, as well. Dam is a full sister to millionaire Marchfield who was 3 for 7 on the turf for $560k. Another sib, Westmoreland, won 210k on the grass.

[Track Phantom]

3-30-14

1st $20,000 CLAIMING (6F DIRT)
#5 KAFISTER 3-5 Bejarano Hollendorfr
#1 LIMITED RESPONSE 2-1 Baze Puype
#2 MY BEST BET 5-1 Talamo Carava
#3 NO CONTINGENCY 8-1 Nicolas Powell

#5 KAFISTER
Pretty tough to go against these connections in this type of situation. Hollendorfer when first off the claim with Bejarano up is 15 for 28 (54%) with 23 in the money (82%) at an ROI of $3.09. This runner is coming out of a race in which the winner dropped to 12,500 claiming and won at 9-5 (84 Beyer) and 3rd won back at 25,000 claiming at 7-1 (94 Beyer). Stalks others.

[Track Phantom]

4-4-14

1ST $56,000 MSW (1M D)
#3 ICONIC SPIRIT 9-2 Talamo
#5 THISONESFORRI 6-5 Bejarano
#2 KOOL KAT 5-2 Baze
#1 TIZ THE KEY 3-1 Stevens

#3 ICONIC SPIRIT
4 year old filly has been off since August when she was up the track at Del Mar. Her races here a year ago were very solid. She is 4 for 4 in the money on the SA dirt course. Sadler has a good record bringing them back off a layoff. Winner four back is graded stakes placed since that race. Dam won most of her money routing (but on the turf). Working well enough for return.

[Track Phantom]

4-5-14

1st $56,000 MSW (7F DIRT)
#6 YARD LINE 3-1 Bejarano Harty
#9 MISTER WONKA 6-1 Blanc Jones
#2 RENO REBEL 7-2 Espinoza Sherman
#7 VEGAS STRIP 6-1 Maldonado Baffert

#6 YARD LINE
Harty is 4 for 132 with 1sters. Yet this runner almost got there. 2nd to a Baffert 1ster that has gone on to run a close 2nd in the G2 Lewis and win the G3 SUN Derby. Every other runner, except one, from that race has won since. Related to two millionaires, Glitter Woman and 2001 BC Distaff winner, Unbridled Elaine.

[Track Phantom]

4-12-14

9th - $75,000 MDN CLM (6.5F TURF)
#9 DISTILLERY 7-2 Baze Puype
#7 J KAT 9-2 Talamo Dollase
#4 GO JEREMIAH 12-1 Garcia Hendricks
#10 ROBERT E. LEE 10-1 Blanc Jones

#9 DISTILLERY
Very little doubt this runner would have finished at worst second, if not first, in his last start. He was traveling well, moved to the rail at the top of the lane, was just starting his move and was pinched and bounced off the rail. He recovered and was catching the top 2 late. Love the quick then very slow work. Best Bet!

[Track Phantom]

4-13-14

1st $20,000 CLM (1M DIRT)

#4 PRIME ISSUE 3-1 Franco Diodoro
#6 MUCHOS BESOS 2-1 Gryder Sherman
#3 BLUEGRASS REWARD 5-2 Blanc Sierra
#2 DIAMONDSDIPLOMAT 8-1 Delgadillo Spawr

#4 PRIME ISSUE
Diodoro has won with three straight and five of his last ten first off the claim. Shipper from No. Cal. has been close in last two and basically ran the same race. No. Cal. shippers have done well here of late. Winner in last came back to run 3rd by 3 vs 25k claimers. Lots of speed here, will need to lay slightly off the pace. He was successful with that move in his last win at 1 1/16.

[judd]

Great job your doing in masters contest, lot of work :ThmbUp:

[Track Phantom]

4-19-14

1st CLAIMING $32,000 1M 1/16

#3 TIMELESS INDY 7-2 Maldonado
#5 VALLEY CAT 5-2 Bejarano
#2 HALF STRIKE 9-5 Delgadillo
#4 CANDY FOR DEBBIE 3-1 Van Dyke

#3 TIMELESS INDY
Not sure what we’ll see as he beat no on off the layoff on the turf last out. However, while there are issues, there is also talent. Was 4th to G3 Rzrbck winner, Golden Lad, two back. 2nd has come back to win twice 97 and 108 Beyers. Third was show in G1 Donn. Trainer 24% 1st off claim.

[Track Phantom]

4-20-14

1st MDN CLM $20,000 7F
#4 WINE COUNTRY WANDA 3-5 Van Dyke Kruljac
#2 NEW NATURE 3-1 Pereira Avila
#5 SHE’S FLUSH 4-1 Perez Sherlock
#3 CHASING HOPE 8-1 Franco Hofmans

#4 WINE COUNTRY WANDA
Was off slow in the debut at 15-1 but showed some late interest and was able to get up for 4th. Took more action at the window next out and ran to the betting with a solid 2nd with this rider up. That field she faced in her last start was much better than these. Van Dyke 28% with Kruljac.

#2 NEW NATURE
Likely main player based on her 3 for 5 in the money and never worse than 5th finishes. Was all over the track three back in a race she was best in. Broke awkwardly two back. New rider up today. Chalky exacta.

[Track Phantom]

4-25-14

3rd CLM $12,500 7F

#6 MAGIC NUMBER 7-2 Bejarano Belvoir
#1 SHE’S A GO GIRL 4-1 Perez Kitchingman
#9 ADDENDUM 3-1 Talamo Carava
#4 ELTONINADRESS 9-2 Baze Mullins

#6 MAGIC NUMBER
Winner of 3 of her last 8 starts. She won over the rail runner two back after traveling far back. She was dropped to 12,500 and was off slow. Trainer has won 5 of 10 first off the claim and Bejarano aboard (3 more ran in the money). Should get a nice trip behind a contested early pace.

#1 SHE’S A GO GIRL
She was sent hard from the rail and opened up on the field last time out. She went fast early but tired late and was tagged by the top choice. Might relax a bit more with the larger field. She is usually in the mix late.

[Track Phantom]

4-26-14

7th SPRING FEVER $125,000 6F
#1 MARKS MINE 3-1
#3 SUDDEN SUNDAY 8-1
#7 WARREN’S VENEDA 5-2
#6 OUR PURE CREATION 3-1

#1 MARKS MINE
Hard to bet against a runner who has won 8 of 16 starts and is coming off of a game stakes win last time out. Really hasn’t run a bad race with this rider up who is coming over to ride her in this race. Has great early speed and draws the rail which means she will be sent early. Best Bet.

[Track Phantom]

5-8-14

1st MSW $56,000 4.5F DIRT (2YO)
#8 DESERT STEEL 5-2
#2 KYANKES 3-1
#6 LOOKIN FOR MONEY 4-1
#7 YES SHE’S A DANCER 4-1

#8 DESERT STEEL
Trainer was 2nd in both 4.5 or 5F two year old starters last year. Both had similar works but neither were quite as fast. 130k purchase is by a sire who won the ’08 BC Sprint. Dam was an excellent two-year old. Half to Pretty Cozzy who won 200k sprinting. Love her outside post draw.

#2 KYANKES
May be bred to be better with more distance but it is hard to overlook what Baltas is doing. He has 5 wins and 16 in the money from his last 23 starters. Bullet works and go-to rider is aboard.

[Track Phantom]

5-9-14

SA 5-9-14 2nd MSW $56,000 1 1/16 DIRT
#6 FRENSHAM 9-5
#5 PROSPECTOR ALLEY 9-2
#1 GOLDEN CHALICE 2-1
#2 GRAZENETTE 3-1

#6 FRENSHAM
He made a dramatic left hand turn out of the gate to duck into the gap and almost hit the rail. It was enough to cost him any chance. Like the way he ran evenly after. 4-1 in debut indicated there was talent and connections tried stakes. All speed stopped two back when :43.3 for half.

#5 PROSPECTOR ALLEY
Two non-turf races were pretty decent. Was 4th in debut despite the slow start and narrowly missed two back. Show from that race came back to win in mc30k. Should be closing here.[/FONT]

[Track Phantom]

5-10-14

1st CLM $12,500 1M DIRT
#3 SILK IN SILVER 6-5 Bejarano Baltas
#4 KID ROLLINS 5-2 Van Dyke Proctor
#7 WILD NICOLE 10-1 Delgadillo Miyadi
#6 MIRACLE MERGER 8-1 Quinonez Capestro

#3 SILK IN SILVER
Takes a drop from starter allowance. Been favored in last four and was able to win once when she drilled Kid Rollins two back. Has the best early speed in the group. Trainer 7 of 8 in the money here. Will be very tough.

#4 KID ROLLINS
No trouble after stumbling in last when she came and got a weak bunch. Was 2nd to top choice two back in a good effort. Might have the same problem trying to catch her without anyone pressing her. Chalky exacta.

[Track Phantom]

5-11-14

3rd OPT CLM $80,000 1 1/16 DIRT
#1 FRIENDSWITH K MILL 8-5 Baze O’Neill
#2 RUM POINT 4-1 Trujillo O’Neill
#5 PAPA TURF 3-1 Nakatani Kasparoff
#4 ARKENSTONE 5-2 Talamo Hendricks

#1 FRIENDSWITH K MILL
The way the pace of the race sets up really sets this one up. One of two in here for O’Neill. Was not disgraced in either the Derby Trial or the SA Derby. Baze was up for a 18-1 2nd place finish three back. Saves ground.

#2 RUM POINT
One of a few in here with speed. Was nearly 40-1 in last but was a game third. Winner came back to run 3rd in the Laz Barrera on Saturday. O’Neill likely to send him with two here. :59.3 move 8 days ago. Sets the pace.

[Track Phantom]

5-16-14

1st MSW $56,000 4.5F DIRT (2YO)
#5 KRISTI’S COPILOT 7-2 Gryder
#1 SMOOVEN SQUARE 5-2 Gutierrez
#2 SIR AWESOME 3-1 Sherlock
#6 PLAYER’S CHARM 6-1 Gomez

#5 KRISTI’S COPILOT
Sherman 0 for 33 with 11 ITM with 2yo firsters. He did have a debut 2yo by Lucky Pulpit run 2nd in debut last year. California Chrome. Works are very sharp at Los Alamitos. Work on 5-3 was 46.2hg, second fastest of the day. Gryder has had some success for Sherman. Should be live.

#1 SMOOVEN SQUARE
O’Neill is 2 for 6 this year with his two year old starters. This one’s sister is Smoove It, also trained by O’Neill. She ran 2nd after steadying in her debut and has run 3rd in a couple of Cal-bred stakes. Nice work pattern and go-to rider, Gutierrez up. Needs to break sharply from rail.

[Track Phantom]

5-17-14

4th AMR G3 100k 1M TURF
#1 WINNING PRIZE 8-5
#4 SILENTIO 3-1
#2 OBVIOUSLY 9-5
#3 PURE TACTICS 15-1

#1 WINNING PRIZE
Drysdale worked hard at getting him to relax prior to the Arcadia and he ran huge in a stalking position. Used his natural speed in the G1 Kilroe to win nicely. Can be handy and he might be best suited to stalk Obviously. Beat Tom’s Tribute who set the mile track record in last start. A game runner.

#4 SILENTIO
Traded punches with the top choice in the last two starts. 3rd in the BC Mile behind Wise Dan was superb at 31-1. Gets a new rider up today with Bejarano hurt. Working very well for his return. Main win threat.

[Track Phantom]

5-22-14

8th MSW $56,000 1M TURF
#2 STAR ACT 5-2 Stevens
#4 VENETIAN 6-1 Talamo
#3 BURNING ARCH 2-1 Smith
#1 SERENE MELODY 5-2 Gryder

#2 STAR ACT
Three year old filly is long overdue. She has been right three in all four turf starts. She was 2nd to two time graded stakes winner, Nashoba’s Gold, three back . Dam was a millionaire and half to another millionaire, as well. Proctor is 20% with all turf starters and 26% with beaten favorites. Will be passing them very late.

#4 VENETIAN
Carla Gaines runner is coming back off a long break. She was last seen running in the 100k Juv Filly Turf at DMR. Gaines has good numbers with layoffs of this type. Close relation to excellent turf mare, Re Toss.

#3 BURNING ARCH
Hollendorfer / Smith runner was really flying in her debut. She was far back early but made a furious late run for 2nd at 7-1. Hollendorfer 24% with first time routers and 21% turf MSW. Cost 440k, one to beat.

[Track Phantom]

5-24-14

1st CLAIMING 12,500 5.5F DIRT
#2 FORIN SEA 5-1 Talamo Belvoir
#6 XUANG FENG 6-5 Van Dyke Miller
#4 HAMILTONIAN 9-5 Perez Diodoro
#1 CLOSE TO THE EDGE 3-1 Baze Carava

#2 FORIN SEA
Very good trainer takes this 4 yr old gelding from EMD where he was running for this same 12,500 claiming price. Has had trouble from the gate in 7 of his 10 starts. Overcame the bad break to win in last. Some confidence shown by shipping here and not No. Cal. where they have a string. Trainer 18% 90+ days away w/ a positive return.

[Track Phantom]

5-25-14

8th CLM 12,500 1M DIRT
#6 GOLDEN DYNAMO 20-1 Martinez Leonard
#1 TIZ FUTURITY 8-1 Van Dyke Sherlock
#9 IMAGE OF JOPLIN 10-1 Pereira Miyadi
#4 BETTING MCCANN CAN 9-2 Baze Puype

#6 GOLDEN DYNAMO
Amazing amount of runners in here bred to go short. This one has a legit route pedigree on both sides of the tree. He has been mismanaged and represents 1 of only 5 winners for this trainer (and his last winner). There are excuses in most defeats. First time at this level and 2nd off the layoff.

#1 TIZ FUTURITY
Always seems to run his race. Problem is, it usually isn’t good enough. True router that will be closing into some runners dragging a piano late. Needs the right pace situation to have a shot and he’ll get that in here.

[Track Phantom]

5-26-14

1st MSW 56,000 4.5F DIRT (2 YO)

#4 LOST BUS 5-2 Espinoza Heap
#3 DESERT STEEL 3-1 Baze Callaghan
#8 SATURDAY YODELER 6-1 Desormeaux Harrington
#2 ABETS ABET 12-1 Gryder Harrrington

#4 LOST BUS
Trainer has 5 wins and 2 seconds from his last 9 starters (and that includes a win on Sunday). Sire gets 51% with 2 year olds and an amazing 33% with first timers. Full brother won 3 of 6 sprinting. Have to notice the :34.2 work exactly one month ago. Certainly looks like in here.

#3 DESERT STEEL
Maybe we found the excuse for the 4-5 defeat. She gets first time lasix today so maybe she bled. Was really hammered down in the betting. Winner was a Kitchingman 1ster off at 9-2. Show finisher ran 3rd next out.

[Track Phantom]

SA 5-30-14

1st CLAIMING 10,000 1M DIRT
#3 SUMMERS DIGNITY 8-1 Orozco Craigmyle
#1 ELTONINADRESS 2-1 Baze Kitchingman
#6 LADY VIVIEN 3-1 Desormeaux Bernstein
#2 SUNFLARE 8-1 Perez Miyadi

#3 SUMMERS DIGNITY
Might be coming into her own. She has run well in 4 of the last 5 starts and the race she finished 2nd was her first start off the layoff and she broke from the 12 post. Was flying on in the common race on 5-9 at 13-1. Enough speed in this race to set it up for one with a good late kick.

#1 ELTONINADRESS
Will be a popular choice after she beat a couple in here as the favorite in her last start. She was claimed from Mullins by a trainer that wins about 14% off the claim. Likely presses pace again. Baze keeps mount a plus.

#6 LADY VIVIEN
Tries the route for only the second time. Trainer not very good on going sprint to routes or those trying the route for the first time. She has faced better and gets a big rider upgrade. Very playable if she handles distance.

[Track Phantom]

5-31-14

1st CLM 40,000 1M TURF

#1 TONES 4-1 Maldonado Pearson
#2 BENCH LIGHT 5-2 Trujillo O’Neill
#5 SWIFT EAGLE 7-2 Desormeaux Sadler
#6 HAWKDEON 3-1 Talamo D’Amato

#1 TONES
Has earned over 130k on the grass. He was claimed for 8k by decent trainer, Molly Pearson 9 starts back and he has responded with big efforts in Arizona. Winner four back has since won two G2 turf races at SA. Has a nice work pattern since last. Certainly fits with drop to high claiming.

#2 BENCH LIGHT
O’Neill claimed him out of a key win in last. The runner-up came back to win vs 25k claimers (82 Beyer) pretty easily. O’Neill runners have really been firing, especially on turf. Rider 3 for 5 for O’Neill with turf runners.

#5 SWIFT EAGLE
Sadler hasn’t been having the best meet but Desormeaux has. This one was 3rd behind comeback winner, Polytechnician (won back for 75k on the turf with a 92 Beyer). 5 for 7 in the money at this distance on the grass.

[Track Phantom]

6-1-14

9th MDN CLAIMING 20,000 5.5F DIRT

#4 TASHA’S COURAGE 6-1 Talamo Armstrong
#10 WARREN’S SUNNY B 8-1 Delgadillo Gutierrez
#7 SUPER REAGAN 7-2 Trujillo O’Neill
#11 NO BARNEYS 6-1 Maldonado Miller

#4 TASHA’S COURAGE
Slow early and Talamo never hit him in the lane last out. Winner 2 back was 3rd beaten 1 in an allw at 17-1 next out. Talamo has been working him since March when he outworked MSW winner, Scarly Charlie. Built in speed in two most recent moves. Overdue.

#10 WARREN’S SUNNY BOY
Finally drops him to rock bottom after two tries with better. Something likely went wrong in debut as he was sent to the sidelines after. Showed speed when overmatched in the turf MSW last out. Clockers rated 5-23 move highly. Could surprise.

[Track Phantom]

6-5-14

1st MDN CLM 40,000 1M DIRT

#3 Super Defence 9-5 Delgadillo Baltas
#2 Always An Angel 3-1 Hernandez Kruljac
#5 Soar Home 6-5 Van Dyke Moger
#1 Inherit the Throne 12-1 Flores Johnson

#3 SUPER DEFENCE
Doesn’t face much as she comes back off a long layoff. She was 2nd three back when trained by Van Berg. Baltas is 2 for 6 with 3 in the money with 180+ layoff maidens. Notice Delgadillo ends up here off of major player Soar Home. Works are very sharp.

#2 ALWAYS AN ANGEL
Would have had this one on top if she weren’t a vet scratch since her last race (entered for mc50k). Exits a race in which 3 came back to win MSW. Trainer 44% MSW to MC off layoff in So. Cal. Bred to go long. Very capable if physical problems are minor.

[ultracapper]

#1 Inherit The Throne has nothing to be ashamed of in comparison to this field. 21-1 as I type. I'll take that in a field of question marks.

[ultracapper]

Sound logic on tossing the favorite, and right you were.

[Track Phantom]

6-6-14

6th MDN CLM 20,000 6.5F DIRT
#6 Watch It Buster 6-5 Talamo Puype
#4 Dark Timbers 7-2 Desormeaux Meza
#1 Destino 5-1 Cedeno Fernandez
#5 Voluntary 9-2 Hernandez Rosales

#6 WATCH IT BUSTER
Debut runner for a trainer that is having a cold meet. Puype has won 4 of 14 (28%) when running at mc20k level. He had one such winner already this year. Works at Los Alamitos are very good. He has been in company and outfinishing his work mates.

#4 DARK TIMBERS
In the money in 3 of his last 4 starts. Winner in last was a higher level dropper. Have to like the fact that he was 7 clear of the rest of the field. Massive rider upgrade to high % Desormeaux. 20 chances but might be in his best form now. Will close late.

[Track Phantom]

6-7-14 (Free SA today)

1st MAIDEN CLAIMING 20,000 1M 1/16 DIRT

#3 Moonlight Stroll 7-2 Van Dyke Baltas
#6 Itsabeautifulday 2-1 Blanc Gallagher
#2 Madame Forbes 9-5 Talamo Eurton
#4 I’msoulflattering 5-2 Delgadillo D’Amato

#3 MOONLIGHT STROLL
14-1 in her debut over at BHP and she made a late push for 2nd despite a slow start. The winner has since run well in starter allw. Winner 2 back won a key opt clm next out. Clearly something went wrong in last, steadied and basically eased. Baltas 2 for 8 with 7 ITM off layoffs with mdn clm. One 2nd a neck on Thur.

#6 ITSABEAUTIFULDAY
Really hasn’t run a bad race in 2014. Has the best early speed in the race. Was hung out in the 11 post in last. Winner and 2nd place finishers in that race were droppers. Show horse ran 4th with a bad trip on Thursday. Will take them a long way in here.

[Track Phantom]

6-8-14

SA 6-8-14 1st MDN CLM 50,000 4.5F DIRT
#8 Myrna Lou 4-1 Pereira Pearson
#5 Wackett 5-2 Van Dyke Solis
#4 No Maybe Baby 4-1 Steiner Kitchingmn
#2 Lady Dash 7-2 Delgadillo DeLeon

#8 MYRNA LOU
Pearson just shipped over the 5th place finisher (a head in front of this one) from last race. That runner was entered in the same 50k mdn clmr. He won for fun on Friday at 3-1. The 4th place finisher from that race won MSW at PRM on 5-24 by 18 lengths.

#6 WACKETT
Finally drops into maiden claiming after two disappointing efforts. She did have a rough start in debut when she dwelt and never ran a step. Like how she pressed in first local start in a strong MSW race. Clockers thought she was working well before last.

[Track Phantom]

6-14-14

SA 6-14-14 1st CLM 25,000 7F DIRT
#1 Adriatic Skye 3-1
#4 Tough Business 9-5
#6 La Quillotana 10-1
#3 Warrens Lil Margie 5-2

#1 ADRIATIC SKYE
Clockers really impressed with her 7F move on June 4. Only beaten 5 runners since maiden win but the trainer keeps her at 25k. Blinkers off in last. Has the best speed and the rail. Might be sent and prove brave.

#4 TOUGH BUSINESS
Word was out in last after she didn’t run a step in debut. She blew the doors off a weak field. Fits well in this spot but could be a bit overbet.

[Track Phantom]

6-15-14

3rd SINGLETARY 75,000 STAKES 6F DIRT

#1 Warren’s Veneda 5-2 Talamo
#4 My Sweet Addiction 2-1 Smith
#1 Doinghardtimeagain 5-2 Nakatani
#2 Clearly Confused 3-1 Trujillo

#1 WARREN’S VENEDA
Made a nice middle move but went flat in the G3 Adoration in her last start. Trainer Craig Lewis has had a lot of success cutting this one back to a sprint from a route race. She has run well with Talamo aboard (3 of her wins). A couple of fantastic works since last. She’ll need to break quickly and get into position. Talamo was red hot on Sunday; 4 wins.

#4 MY SWEET ADDICTION
Will be a popular choice since she appears to be the controlling speed, has only one loss (that to G1 winner, Midnight Lucky, and has Mike Smith aboard. Nice wire to wire win in last but that was back in April. Runner-up has won twice in allowance company at CD since that race.

#5 DOINGHARDTIMEAGAIN
Hollendorfer great off layoffs but is a startling 4 for 39 (10%) with only 9 in the money (23%) with ones in graded stakes, laid off and back in a non-graded stakes. Those are low #’s for high % outfit. Still dangerous.

[Track Phantom]

6-19-14

1st MSW 56,000 5F DIRT
#4 Partyin 9-5 Maldonado, E
#2 Caval 8-5 Trujillo, E
#1 Haleys Rainbow 3-1 Desormeaux, K
#3 Yes She’s a Dancer 8-1 Perez, F

#4 PARTYIN
Bonde doesn’t have a two-year old debut winner in So. Cal. in the last five years but we know he is very good with two year olds from his No. Cal. time. Has been popping the gate in works and she outworked an older MSW winner on 6-4. Bred to sprint with Henny Hughes pedigree influence. Will be fast early.

#2 CAVAL
Hollendorfer has won with three straight two-year old MSW first timers here. The works have been similar to a few. He had one that was solely working out at BSR, like this one, roughly the same times and she won by nearly 8. Hollendorfer has won 6 of his last 8 debut two-year olds at Santa Anita. The one to beat.[/FONT]

[Track Phantom]

6-20-14

3rd MDN CLM 20,000 1M DIRT

#3 He’s a Real Kpr 5-1 Martinez, F
#4 Stauffenberg 3-1 Flores, E
#8 Heaveneleven 5-1 Perez, F
#2 No Barneys 5-2 Maldonado, E

#3 HE’S A REAL KEEPER
First start as a newly gelded runner. He was in mdn claiming level just twice and he ran 4th in both races. He was behind the outside runner last out but in front of him two back. Was squeezed back to last early on in most recent start. Working pretty well and nicely spaced for his return. Race is ripe for a new player.

#4 STAUFFENBERG
He was our best bet last time out and thought he ran about as flat as he could have. Yes, he finished 2nd but there was absolutely nothing in the race. Goes back to Flores and has nibbled vs 50k claimers very recently. Is starting to look like a perennial maiden who takes a minor award no matter what the race.

[Track Phantom]

6-21-14

1st MSW 56,000 5.5F DIRT
#6 Bonus Spin 4-5 Nakatani
#1 Spectacular Proof 7-2 Desormx
#3 Grace Victoria 9-2 Gutierrez
#5 B Positive 5-2 Talamo

#6 BONUS SPIN
Was the 7-5 favorite in her debut for Mullins. She was bumped at the start and found herself near the back of the pack but quickly recovered and moved right up. She was outrun late by a filly who had been 3rd in a 100k stakes race as a two-year old for Peter Miller. Dam was a stakes winning sprinter of 140k. Works were superb before and since last. Nakatani has been aboard her in the mornings and the clockers have given her high marks. She was 7 clear of third in last.

[Track Phantom]

6-26-14

5th MDN CLM 50,000 1M TURF
#8 PYROTECHNICS 9-2 Flores
#1 CERNOBBIO 7-2 Orozco
#3 SURFER MOON 2-1 Talamo
#7 STOLEN PROPERTY 4-1 Garcia

#8 PYROTECHNICS
Low percentage trainer comes back on 6 days rest with a runner that should fit nicely at the level. Warren has hit the board 2 of 5 on 1-7 days off and the other 3 ran a good 4th (all outrunning their odds). Caught a few tough fields (Alert Bay is now a 200k stakes winner and Eddies First came back with a 100 Beyer).

#1 CERNOBBIO
2nd three back might be good enough to win this. The winner has since come back to win both the 250k Snow Chief and 100k Silky Sullivan on the grass. Some negatives, however. Was 2-1 off the layoff and beat two runners. He laid off again and didn’t fire on the cutback. Another drop and slow works. Mystery.

[Track Phantom]

6-27-14

SANTA ANITA 6-27-14 8th MSW 56,000 1M 1/8 TURF

#8 J SERINO 3-1 Blanc
#4 MISTER WONKA 12-1 Maldondo
#7 CLICKJAB 5-2 Smith
#3 STORM THE CHANNEL 6-1 Trujillo

#8 J SERINO
Really improved last two starts. Third two back to one that was 10 back in the SA Derby. Finished in front of comeback winner Yard Line (behind a Group 1 winner, was DQ’d) last time out. Beyers more what would be expected of a 485k purchase. Dam is half to 2 graded turf stakes winners (Academy Award and Statuette).

#4 MISTER WONKA
Trainer numbers don’t really support this move but the breeding and workouts are very interesting. Clockers are very high on what he has been doing at LA since his last start. Debut wasn’t all that bad as he made up quite a bit of ground late and passed much of the field. Last was disappointing. Looks fit enough.

[Track Phantom]

6-28-14

1st MSW 56,000 6.5F (D)
#10 TRIBALIST 3-1
#3 TRIBAL DUDE 4-1
#4 TABLE TWENTYONE 8-1
#1 HAZARDOUS DREAMS 4-1

#10 TRIBALIST
Sire Tribal Rule is well-served here (having 4 of the offspring in the race). This one was closing into G1 winner, Tamarando, in his debut. Sire is 16% with first time turfers. Trainer is winning with basically anything he sends to the track. Have to love the work pattern. :58.4 was smokin.

#3 TRIBAL DUDE
Showed speed in what is going to turn out to be a key race in last. 2nd won a MSW down the hill with a 77 Beyer. Same with Sun Spots (MC50k 70 Beyer). 4th ran 2nd in a MSW mile on turf (77). Blinkers off here.

[Track Phantom]

6-29-14

1st STR ALLW 40,000 6.5F (T)

#6 ROMAR SUCCESS 9-2
#11 EL TOVAR 6-1
#5 OFF THE DEEP END 3-1
#1 NAVARRE 6-1

#6 ROMAR SUCCESS
Drawn very wide in all 3 starts off layoff. He ran pretty well in last despite getting steadied badly twice on the backside and into the lane. Once he was righted, he was moving best late. Blinkers come off today. He should give a good account of himself.

#11 EL TOVAR
Was a 27-1 upset winner in his last start to break his maiden. He is eligible to be ok with his breeding. Sire was a 700k turf earner and an excellent turf miler coming from the royally bred Toussad line. 2 from last came back to win. Good outer draw.