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SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 8, 2008 by John Mucciolo A busy stakes Saturday dominated the racing at Santa Anita last week, which was cut short due to additional problems with the Cushion Track. Santa Monica H. (G1): Tom Grether Farms' INTANGAROO (Orientate) was sent off at nearly 27-1 in the five-horse field, but the lass closed best of all along the inside to pull off the shocker. Conditioned by Gary Sherlock, who earned his initial Grade 1 tally in here, the dark bay reached the wire in 1:20 3/5 for seven-eighths to annex her second consecutive race over this oval. Strub S. (G2): Class Racing Stable and A & R Stables LLC's MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) opened up a seven-length lead after the opening half-mile of this nine-furlong race and forgot to stop under David Flores, recording a facile 4 1/2-length romp for trainer Craig Dollase. The rapidly improving four-year-old has reached new heights in each of his last two races and looks untouchable on the West Coast over this surface. The burgeoning star was just .01 seconds off the track record when finishing in 1:45.65. Robert B. Lewis S. (G2): B. Wayne Hughes' CROWN OF THORNS (Repent) took the next step on the Triple Crown Trail with a convincing score in this one beneath Victor Espinoza. The talented Florida-bred was pinned along the inside early, shot through an opening on the rail approaching the final turn, and closed with powerful strides to finish 2 1/2 lengths clear under the line. The Richard Mandella pupil, who clocked 1 1/16 miles in 1:40 3/5, has all the makings of serious Kentucky Derby (G1) contender. La Habra S. (G3): Tabor, Magnier and Smith's PASSION (Came Home) took command early and fought off a game challenge from favorite Ariege (Doneraile Court) to take this affair for Todd Pletcher. The sophomore miss traveled about 6 1/2 furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:13 2/5 to capture her second straight over this oval. Track Stats From a total of 29 races held over the Arcadia, California, racetrack during the week, favorites won at a 24-percent clip and the top-two betting choices combined for 41 percent of the wins. From 22 frays contested on the Cushion Track, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (27 percent), while one of the seven grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (14 percent). The track was a bit quirky last week, which produced three wire-to-wire winners on Friday, while horses breaking from the inside three posts captured the initial five races on that same day. Saturday appeared to play more fairly, with outside posts earning wins in four of the 11 events. One thing seems pretty apparent to me -- making a sustained run while wide entering the final turn is taxing and not the ideal route to the winner's circle. This wasn't the case so much at Hollywood in their previous meet but is holding true throughout Santa Anita's interrupted meeting. Meet Totals
Post Positions (wins)
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (1/31) 6TH - PAUL'S HOPE (Lake Austin) made two moves in this race and appears to have a bright future for conditioner Mike Mitchell. The Florida-bred gelding got seven furlongs in a swift 1:20 4/5 under Rafael Bejarano in his 2008 debut. 7TH - We tabbed maiden winner RHETORICALLY (Cozzene) following his triumph most recently and he made it two straight for Kathy Walsh. The gelded sophomore was brave for the second consecutive race, this time between runners, and should be stakes bound in his next start. Friday (2/1) 2ND - INCLUSIVE (Include) was last after six furlongs but made a solid and sustained run to earn the place spot in this lengthy contest. The Ron Ellis charge should stick to long distance racing at 10 furlongs more. Saturday (2/2) 3RD - BEHINDATTHEBAR (Forest Wildcat) was much the best in here and cantered over this field for Craig Dollase. The second-time starter, who was a fast-closing second in his debut, should step up to stakes company next out. The sophomore looks to be able to handle longer distances by his running style. 5TH - Crown of Thorns could be any type for Mandella and I wouldn't be shocked if the improving sophomore were to take the Sham S. (G3) in his next try. Although the colt was somewhat rank early, he still exploded when asked late and proved his courage by slipping through a small hole along the rail. 6TH - Passion is a proven performer over dirt, synthetic and dirt surfaces, and was all heart in getting up first in here. The three-year-old filly should be respected any time she steps on the racetrack. 11TH - SHEM TOV (Unusual Heat) has been second in consecutive outings and is sitting on a win for Barry Abrams. The three-year-old colt didn't encounter the smoothest of trips in here and still just missed in a fine effort. A Look Ahead The upcoming weekend features a handful of graded events, including a trio on Saturday -- the $250,000 Las Virgenes S. (G1) for sophomore fillies, $250,000 Santa Maria H. (G1) for older fillies and mares; and the rescheduled $250,000 San Antonio H. (G2). The Sunday features are the $200,000 La Canada S. (G2) and the $150,000 San Vicente S. (G2), which is expected to mark the return of CashCall Futurity (G1) hero Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday).
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