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SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK MARCH 10, 2010 by John Mucciolo A big day of racing was held at Santa Anita on Saturday, led by a trio of Grade 1 events. Santa Anita H. (G1): Trainer Bob Baffert et al's MISREMEMBERED (Candy Ride [Arg]) took the lead after a mile and fought off all challengers while securing his first Grade 1 trophy in this one. The accomplished four-year-old endured 1 1/4 miles in a sharp 2:00 1/5 with Martin Garcia to give Baffert his first Grade 1 winner as a breeder. Santa Anita Oaks (G1): Michael Talla's CRISP (El Corredor) responded to the addition of blinkers to wear down the front runner and post a fine win for trainer John Sadler. The talented filly negotiated 1 1/16-miles on the Pro-Ride in 1:43 2/5 under the guidance of Joel Rosario. Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1): Juddmonte Farms' homebred PROVISO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) got up in the final jump to post her initial Grade 1 win with Mike Smith in the controls. The classy five-year-old mare returned to turf and toppled her male counterparts, turning one mile on the firm course in 1:35 1/5. Sham S. (G3): Teresa McWilliams et al's homebred ALPHIE’S BET (Tribal Rule) exploded onto the scene late and drew clear to a decisive, 2 1/4-length win in here for conditioner Alexis Barba. The sophomore colt earned his first graded win in this one while clocking 1 1/8-miles in 1:48 3/5 under Alex Solis. Track Stats From a total of 44 races held over the Arcadia racetrack during the five-day race week, favorites won at a 27 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 45 percent of the wins. From 34 frays contested on the Pro-Ride oval, eight animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (38 percent), while one of the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (10 percent). The main oval didn't display any significant bias last week, but we've noticed that most of the wire-to-wire wins happened early in the card. We're not completely sure why, but it's something we'll be watching for this week. Most of the winners on the lawn came from off the pace, reversing a trend from the previous week. Meet Totals:
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (3/3) 3RD -- SILVER GAMES (Ire) (Verglas [Ire]) put in a fine run in her first start in the United States, just missing in her first start since September. The four-year-old Ben Cecil trainee should be a big factor in her next engagement. 6TH -- THOMAS BAINES (Johannesburg) was well handled in here by Rafael Bejarano and responded with a timely run late to prove best in this field for Doug O'Neill. The stakes-quality sophomore deserves another chance at a graded group, with the April 3 Santa Anita Derby (G1) being a logical option. Friday (3/5) 7TH -- Cecil unveiled another talented import as VANISHING GREY (Ire) (Verglas [Ire]) displayed good speed before being run down for the win here, and one has to think this sophomore miss will be a big factor on the stretch out next time. Saturday (3/6) 1ST -- SIBERSKY (Siberian Summer) closed like a rush from last to finish third at a big number in a useful debut for conditioner Mark Glatt. The four-year-old filly will be one to watch for sure if her next outing. 5TH -- FLACON ROCK (Ire) (Hawk Wing) made a fine first impression on U.S. soil with a convincing tally over a moderate group in here for trainer Simon Callaghan. The gelded five-year-old could be solid against an iffy marathon group in California even though this wasn't the best field he topped. 6TH -- MAKE MUSIC FOR ME (Bernstein) looked nothing like a maiden in this one and he darted past the favorite who had things his own way, eventually posting a one-length tally. The Grade 1-placed Barba charge ran a sub-:23 final quarter beneath Mike Smith. 7TH -- While never threatening the winner, SETSUKO (Pleasantly Perfect) earned the right to take the next step along the Derby Trail with a steady late rally for conditioner Richard Mandella. The improved colt deserves a big chance at success in the Santa Anita Derby if that's where his connections opt to go. 9TH -- FLUKE (Brz) (Wild Event) came a hair shy at picking up his second consecutive Grade 1 win and has clearly never been better since arriving in the states. Sunday (3/7) 4TH -- GUNS ON THE TABLE (Carson City) returned from a long break to give a talented 4-5 shot everything he could handle before tiring very late in a sharp second-place showing. The Baffert pupil was clearly second best over a fine cast and could get a chance in a black-type event next out. 9TH -- MENSA HEAT (Unusual Heat) fought bravely to the wire after being outsprinted turning for home and should be a big threat in his return for Jack Carava. A Look Ahead 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) queen ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) headlines Saturday's $250,000 Santa Margarita H. (G1), which serves as a prep for her showdown with Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) in the $5 million Apple Blossom (G1) on April 9. Saturday's $150,000 San Felipe S. (G2) serves as an important prep for three-year-olds.
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