Monrovia

The Monrovia H. (G3) is the New Year's Eve feature from Santa Anita and we

won't go against BELLESKI (Polish Numbers), who loves the downhill course in

Arcadia, California. The five-year-old took the Senator Ken Maddy H. (G3) over

the about 6 1/2-furlong turf distance two starts back, defeating

Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), who returned to easily capture the Matriarch

S. (G1) in her next outing, and Belleski owns a five-for-five record over the

grass at Santa Anita. She's trained forwardly for John Sadler since her last

outing, a facile allowance score at Hollywood Park, and Belleski is well drawn

in post 6. We'll look for the talented mare to continue her winning ways.

COCONUT GIRL (Cryptoclearance) has raced exclusively on the dirt this year

but does own two wins from six turf attempts. The five-year-old

mare owns quality speed and should secure good early positioning from her

outside post. The Paul Aguirre trainee brings excellent BRIS Speed figures into

this event and could be a serious factor throughout.

MARKET GARDEN (Bold Badgett) owns a shot at an upset if the top choice

falters. Trained by Bill Spawr, the Cal-bred four-year-old turned in a sharp

performance last time (earning a 100 Speed figure) and has hit the board in her

last 10 starts. We'll look for her to offer a rally from just off the pace

during the stretch drive.

SOLAR ECHO (Spinning World) displayed a lot of promise in 2003 and finished

an excellent second, beaten only a neck, in the Del Mar Oaks (G1). She hasn't

started since then (495 days off), however, and will spot her rivals seasoning

and fitness in her return. We'll look for a solid performance from Solar Echo

and expect to see much more from her in the future if she remains sound.

RESPLENDENCY (Tale of the Cat) could offer a decent showing if she takes to

the turf. The sophomore miss has been training well in the mornings and has

earned respectable BRIS Speed and Pace ratings. The lightly-raced filly is a

dark horse candidate at long odds (20-1 on morning line). SHEZSOSPIRITUAL (Fly

Till Dawn) should prompt a spirited pace and is a threat to hold for part. The

four-year-old chestnut makes her first start for trainer Tim Yakteen with solid

present form and will offer some value.

ANY FOR LOVE (Arg) (Southern Halo) comes off a nice win over the course and

has a mark of 3-1-2 from eight turf starts. She's squared off against some

talented rivals this year and could make her presence felt with a

stalk-and-pounce trip. VERY VEGAS (Storm Boot) should show speed from post 13

but will likely face serious pressure. She still owns some appeal for the

exotics with her running style. SPRING FESTIVAL (Bertrando) could lead the way

from post 11 but will be tested for class. We'll watch to see how the sophomore

fares at this level.

VALENTINE DANCER (In Excess [Ire]) could offer a decent late rally, but the

distance looks too short for her to be most effective. CYBER SLEW (Siberian

Summer) steps up in class and hasn't run well in two previous attempts over the

course. Can't recommend her chances. MAZELLA (Mazel Trick) may be better on the

main track. CHAPEAU (Deputy Minister), who is coupled in the wagering with

Market Garden, could be overmatched in this spot. WOODLASS (Woodman) steps up in

company after being claimed in her latest.

DELIZIA (Distant View), who is coupled with Belleski, would be a contender if

the race is switched to the main track. PUXA SACO (Dehere) must also be

considered if wet weather forces the race off the turf.