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SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK MARCH 22, 2008 by John Mucciolo GEORGIE BOY (Tribal Rule) made good in his two-turn debut to headline the week at Santa Anita. San Felipe S. (G2): George Schwary's Georgie Boy had to rate behind a wall of runners until early stretch, but the synthetic star got his room and closed best of all in posting an impressive, three-quarters of a length victory for trainer Kathy Walsh. Piloted for the initial time by Mike Baze, the Grade 1-winning sophomore finished off 1 1/16 miles in 1:42 1/5 to run his win streak to four. He'll pick up a new rider in Kent Desormeaux in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby (G1). Crystal Water H.: K K Sangara's CELTIC DREAMIN (Game Plan) made a big run while widest of all turning for home and stayed on to gamely take his turf debut for Rafael Becerra. The ever-consistent four-year-old clocked on mile on the firm lawn in 1:34 under Alex Solis. Pasadena S.: B. J. Wright's POLONIUS (Broken Vow) left little doubt in this one with a facile, four-length wire job in here. The talented bay shot to the front and easily drew off when asked, reaching the wire in 1:34 for the one-mile turf fray beneath Jon Court. Irish O'Brien S.: David Abrams et al's LIGHTMYFIREBABY (Unusual Heat) joined the rapidly going list of stakes winners by his sire in California with a game win in this one for Barry Abrams. The improving mare was always in the right spot while traveling well, and closed best of all, going about 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill in 1:13 under the guidance of Chantal Sutherland. Track Stats From a total of 44 races held over the Arcadia racetrack during the week, favorites won at a 39 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 57 percent of the wins. From 33 frays contested on the Cushion Track, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while two of the 11 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (21 percent). It was chalky for the first three days of the week, when 15 favorites won the first 26 races. Sunday and Monday turned out to be much more difficult for handicappers, as only two top betting choices won from 18 events. Middle and outside posts appeared to be at a slight advantage early in the week, with only five winners breaking from the inside three slots through 26 races at the conclusion of Friday. The first four races on Monday, three of which were on the main oval, were taken all the way on the lead. Meet Totals RACES: 481 Post Positions (wins): RAIL: 49 (10 percent) HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (3/13) 6TH -- We tabbed SEVEN POINT ONE (Richter Scale) following his recent second-place effort off the long layoff, and the Vladimir Cerin charge made us look good with a dominant effort on this occasion. The five-year-old gelding got seven panels in a sharp 1:21 4/5 and should be ultra tough in his next, which could (and should) be a starter allowance. 8TH -- ROMANCE IS ZENON (Fusaichi Zenon [Jpn]), a half-brother to Grade 1 queen Romance is Diane (In Excess [Ire]), split foes in midstretch and got up late to break his maiden under Aaron Gryder. The three-year-old is far from the fastest animal on the grounds, but he may come to hand throughout the summer and should be able to negotiate two turns. Friday (3/14) 7TH -- MOSTACOLLI MORT (Hold for Gold) was much the best in here and may have a bright future on the synthetic for Julio Canani. The talented four-year-old looked especially good when dusting his overmatched foes late, getting nine panels in a useful 1:48 3/5 beneath Tyler Baze. Saturday (3/15) 4TH -- DON’T YA LOVETT (NZ) (Lord Ballina) took a ton of money and here and deservedly so, as the nine-year-old dominated late for Melody Conlon. The gelding could turn out to be a smart claim for Jack Carava. 8TH -- Polonius was awesome in here and appears to have a big future Michael Pender. The well-bred sophomore was fast early and never slowed down in leaving little doubt in here. The colt has tons of options and just might try the Santa Anita Derby next out. E Z DREAMER (In Excess [Ire]) had good tactical speed and showed willingness late for conditioner Dan McFarlane. While the stakes-winning colt had no chance with the winner, he did really well to get a placing and could be a big threat right back. Monday (3/17) 3RD -- CHATTAHOOCHEE WAR (War Chant) couldn't have looked much better for Bobby Frankel in this scintillating, 3 1/4-length romp over a proven cast. The lightly-raced six-year-old could be an absolute force on the West Coast all summer if he stays healthy. Under David Flores, the winner went 1 1/8 grassy miles in a fast 1:46 3/5. 6TH -- CARONA TIME (Malek [Chi]) battled back gamely in the lane after being passed and shouldn't be a maiden for much longer. The Dan Hendricks charge is in a positive form cycle and should stick with route races. 8TH -- PUFF MADDIE (Yankee Gentleman) flew home to top a decent field in the finale on Monday for trainer John Shirreffs. The second-time starter showed marked improvement from her initial try and could improve more for a smart outfit. A Look Ahead A pair of graded events will take place in the upcoming week at The Great Race Place. Saturday's feature is the $200,000 San Luis Rey H. (G2), for turf marathoners traveling 1 1/2 miles. The females take the spotlight on Sunday in the nine-furlong, $150,000 Santa Ana H. (G2) on the lawn.
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