|
|
SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 20, 2013 by John Mucciolo There was a trio of Grade 2 races over the weekend at Santa Anita. Santa Maria S. (G2): Jessica Coudelaria's homebred GREAT HOT (Orientate) took advantage of the lack of pace to lead at every call under a heady ride from Gary Stevens. The A.C. Avila pupil went 1 1/16 miles on the fast main oval in 1:43 and finished a half-length in front. San Vicente S. (G2): Pegram and Cardoza's SHAKIN IT UP (Midnight Lute) tracked the pace before powering home an impressive winner under David Flores. The three-year-old colt finished off seven furlongs in 1:22 2/5 in posting a one-length win for conditioner Bob Baffert. Buena Vista H. (G2): Jungle Racing et al's MIZDIRECTION (Mizzen Mast) took the lead soon after the start and never looked back in posting a facile 2 1/4-length win under Mike Smith. The superb five-year-old went one mile on the firm lawn in 1:33 2/5 for trainer Mike Puype. Track Stats From a total of 45 races held at the Arcadia, California racetrack during the past week, favorites won at a 31 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 44 percent of the wins. From 28 frays contested on the dirt oval, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (25 percent), while five of the 17 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (29 percent). Speed was good on the lawn for the second straight week, and front runners have captured nine of the last 28 grassy races in wire-to-wire fashion. We don't think it's a bias, but it's surely worth keeping an eye on as through the initial 61 races just seven horses led all the way on the front. All five of those winners this week came in route events. Although just one winner wired the field on the main oval on Monday, most of the winners were in the mix prompting the pace early. We still prefer speed on the dirt course here and give a slight edge to inner posts. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (2/7) 3RD -- MARINDA (Scat Daddy) surely looked the part in her first start for Richard Mandella, pressing the pace, taking over in the lane and cruising home a fine winner. The four-year-old showed promise early in her career and it seems she's putting it all together now. 7TH -- BEST PRESENT EVER (Unusual Heat) ran a big one in defeat here, falling just short of a stubborn one while finishing well clear of third. We'd imagine and hope that trainer Eric Kruljac will keep this one sprinting down the hill, where she has done her best work of late. Friday (2/8) 2ND -- Trainer Art Sherman rarely sends out a first timer winner, so when he does, we take notice. MOLTEN IMAGE (Iron Cat) was super impressive in a romp here and the gelding could be any kind. We're not sure if the sophomore beat much on this day, but we really liked his movement in here, and expect him to be very tough in the starter allowance ranks right back. 8TH -- SUPER ABILITY (Langfuhr) raced in second throughout behind a fine winner in what appears to be a great comeback race in his first outing since July. The Carla Gaines charge will be very tough next time with any type of improvement off of this dash. Saturday (2/9) 4TH -- BOOK REVIEW (Giant's Causeway) was compromised by a slow pace but still ran huge in finishing more than three lengths clear of the third-place finisher. The Bob Baffert trainee has run a trio of big ones since coming out West, but we still think she's best suited as a one-turn closer. 5TH -- Baffert unveiled a dynamic first timer winner in here, MIDNIGHT LUCKY (Midnight Lute), who took over at will and cruised home a most impressive winner in a fast final time. The sophomore miss is bred to sprint and likely won't be a route horse, but she could be a superb one-turn filly after watching this one. Sunday (2/10) 1ST -- MIND THE MASTER (Mizzen Mast) was a bit unlucky last time when second, but left no doubt in this one under Talamo. The four-year-old gelding has been in solid form and could be a danger in his first with winners coming back. 3RD -- KID DREAMS (Lemon Drop Kid) ran clearly his best race in this sharp maiden win, and while we didn't think this field had much, the three-year-old colt leveled off well in the lane and appeared to have plenty left under the wire. The sophomore could develop into a nice one, and should be able to handle any surface with his breeding. 5TH -- FOOTBRIDGE (Street Cry) has now hung on the money in two straight while favored, but the colt still obviously has ability and will surely be a contender in his return for Eoin Harty. We just won't be singling him until he proves he can cross the wire first. A Look Ahead Sunday's Grade 2, $200,000 San Carlos Stakes is the lone graded feature this weekend at "The Great Race Place."
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
