San Carlos

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A field of eight will go forward for Saturday's seven-furlong, $150,000 San

Carlos H. (G2) at Santa Anita.

IMPERIALISM (Langfuhr) is perfect in three starts at seven furlongs, his last

win coming at that distance in the Pat O'Brien Breeders' Cup H. (G2) in August.

The Kristin Mulhall trainee has been working well in the mornings lately and

will be making a jockey switch back to Victor Espinoza here, who has

won seven races in the past week. The five-year-old owns good late speed

and should be prepared for victory off a two-month freshening.

JET WEST (Western Fame) annexed his first three races after moving to the

shedrow of trainer Ted West, but suffered close losses versus graded stakes

competition in his last two starts, including a neck second in the Palos Verdes H.

(G2) last out. The bay five-year-old has earned triple-digit BRIS Speed and E2

Pace ratings

since coming under the tutelage of West in September. Jet West rates a top

threat and could finally break through with his first graded victory here. Garrett Gomez

rides.

SURF CAT (Sir Cat) can finish, producing century-topping BRIS Late

Pace figures in three of his last five outings. He comes off a good score versus

allowance company last October and is a serious contender, capturing four of eight career

starts while placing second in another three. Although this will be his first attempt at seven furlongs, Surf Cat

won two races at

6 1/2 furlongs and is perfectly capable of having his picture taken in the

winner's circle. Alex Solis has the call.

MAJOR SUCCESS (Mazel Trick) is on a three-race win streak, his most recent coming in

the Palos Verdes, where he earned a career best 110 Speed figure. The Bobby

Frankel charge will likely vie for the early lead and that could work to his

advantage since the track has been favoring front-runners at

one-turn distances. Patrick Valenzuela will ride.

CONGRATS (A.P. Indy) will be making his first start off a six-month hiatus.

In his last start, the Richard Mandella trainee finished eighth in the Pacific Classic (G1)

at Del Mar. Although

proficient over both the course and distance, he is questionable off the layoff.

However, he should be kept in mind for the bottom of the gimmicks. ULISTNINTOME

(Wild Rush) just missed versus allowance/optional claiming rivals in an

off-the-turf sprint last out. He faces a huge

class hike and we will bet against.

Despite a number of close finishes, OCEANUS (Brz) (Rainbow Corner [GB]) has

not been able to put up a win since November of 2004. Since most of his recent

starts have come against lesser rivals, we will pass on this one here. BRAND NAME (Unbridled's Song)

does not appear fast enough and could be overmatched here.