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SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK JANUARY 19, 2012 by John Mucciolo A trio of Grade 2 events highlighted the third week at Santa Anita. Santa Ynez S. (G2): Lanni Family Trust's RENEESGOTZIP followed up a big debut win with a fine score in this one for trainer Peter Miller, leading at every call in winning by 7 3/4 lengths at the finish. The sophomore filly stopped the teletimer in a swift 1:15 1/5 for 6 1/2 panels under Corey Nakatani. San Gabriel S. (G2): Johnston et al's NORVSKY ranged into contention approaching the final turn and sped home to upend the 3-5 favorite in a fairly convincing tally beneath Rafael Bejarano. The six-year-old California-bred clocked nine panels on the firm lawn in 1:47 for conditioner Donald Warren. San Fernando S. (G2): Winchell Thoroughbreds' homebred TAPIZAR shot to the front soon after the start, felt some pressure at the top of the lane then spurted clear in the final furlong under Nakatani. The four-year-old colt went 1 1/16 miles in 1:41 4/5 in picking up his second graded win on this oval for trainer Steve Asmussen. Track Stats From a total of 43 races held over the Arcadia, California, racetrack during the past week, favorites won at a 32 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 65 percent of the wins. From 28 frays contested on the dirt, 10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (36 percent), while two of the 15 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (13 percent). The main oval has been pretty consistent, with speed types having a big chance on the dirt. We prefer early speed or pace pressing types on the main strip, but once again, won't discount the right late runner. Racing on the lawn seems to be pretty even, with speed and closing types appearing to have an equal chance. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (1/12) 2ND -- SKY KINGDOM (Empire Maker) stamped himself as a three-year-old to watch this campaign off of this commanding tally for trainer Bob Baffert. The well-bred sort didn't beat much in this one, but really looked the part and is bred to run all day. 4TH -- LARA ANTIPOVA made a fine debut for the Mike Puype barn in here off the shelf, dominating this field in a visually impressive showing. The four-year-old filly will likely be bound for a starter allowance race in her return. 6TH -- THIRTYFIRSTSTREET put in a fine four-year-old debut in this spot for conditioner Doug O'Neill, taking over in early stretch and powering home the easiest of winners. He'll be stakes bound next out. Friday (1/13) 2ND -- The Jeff Mullins-trained INDIGO RIVER made a sharp start to her U.S. racing career, taking this field down off the break. The sophomore lass powered home after being behind a slow pace, and she could be any type, especially going down the hill. Saturday (1/14) 5TH -- SEGWAY was professional in this debut win for trainer Richard Mandella, and impressed when getting his final quarter mile in :23 1/5. This three-year-old colt is surely worth watching and could be a good one. Sunday (1/15) 3RD -- Trainer Bob Hess might have gotten a useful runner when claiming runaway winner MANDATED BLISS out of this race. The gelded four-year-old led easily from the start in this one and should be a threat right back if properly placed. Monday (1/16) 6TH -- For the second consecutive race, MR. BOSSY PANTS was pushed to the final jump, but he showed his heart once again in winning under Mike Smith. The game gelding was claimed by Robertino Diodoro out of this and will always get out endorsement running down the hill. 7TH -- BODEMEISTER drew widest and was racing at a distance that is likely much shorter than his best, but the Baffert pupil was a big second here and should graduate really soon. We'll count this one as another sophomore to keep an eye on from this Hall of Fame barn. A Look Ahead Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Palos Verdes Stakes and the Grade 2, $150,000 La Canada Stakes on Sunday tops the action this week at Santa Anita.
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