Santa Anita Notebook

SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK

APRIL 7, 2005

by Bernard T. Moore

As the date for this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) draws closer, Triple Crown

prep races become more common nationwide. This Saturday, Santa Anita Park's

contribution toward that end will be the Santa Anita Derby (G1). This year's

renewal features the participation of Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)

heroine Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat), who will take on males much like Winning

Colors did in 1988. Winning Colors won the Santa Anita Derby that year as we all

know and used that victory to propel her to even greater heights, emerging

victorious in the Kentucky Derby. At this point in time, no one knows whether

Sweet Catomine is of that ilk, but it will sure be worth the price of admission

on Saturday to find out.

All SUPAH BLITZ (Mecke) had to show for his efforts in 2005 were a pair of

non-descript races where he barely lifted a hoof. A recommendation by jockey

Victor Espinoza to trainer Doug O'Neill suggesting that he reequip the

five-year-old with blinkers produced a dramatic turn of events on Saturday.

Supah Blitz, bet down to 7-5 favoritism in the Tokyo City H. (G3), broke alertly

to stalk the pace carved out by Ender's Shadow (A.P. Indy).

Espinoza was content to sit just off the front runner until early stretch

before asking Supah Blitz in earnest for a bit more run. The response from the

winner was almost immediately forthcoming, as he left the pacesetter in his

wake, spurting away to a clear lead while increasing his advantage with every to

stride to be three lengths clear at the wire. Outta Here (Dehere), who raced

within striking distance of the leaders down the backstretch, closed belatedly

for second as Ender's Shadow struggled home to finish third.

The Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup H. (G2) on Sunday was supposed to feature

the return of Kela (Numerous), who was second in the Breeders' Cup Sprint to

California. However, the race lost some of it luster when the program favorite

was scratched. As a result, the Potrero Grande became an extremely contentious

affair, with Hasty Kris (Kissin Kris) being dispatched as the 2-1 favorite.

Trainer Doug O'Neill, who has been on a roll in stakes contests of late, wound

up saddling his fourth stakes winner of the weekend when HARVARD AVENUE (You and

I) rallied from last place to win the feature going away by a half-length.

The race set up perfectly for a deep closer as a suicidal speed duel

developed on the front end. Ridden perfectly by Garrett Gomez, Harvard Avenue

advanced suddenly in the stretch, picking off his rivals one by one as he

out-finished Rushin' to Altar (Pulpit), who closed from off the pace as well.

Roi Charmant (Evansville Slew) tracked the lively pace from the outset,

eventually rallied past the beleaguered front runners in the stretch, but was no

match for the top pair and settled for third. Saint Afleet (Northern Afleet),

the 7-2 second choice in the wagering, also stalked the fast early fractions,

but failed to improve his position when called upon in the stretch. Hasty Kris

failed to make his presence felt and finished sixth in a dull effort.

This was Harvard Avenue's initial victory at Santa Anita, and his first win

since August, 2003, at Emerald Downs. One of Harvard Avenue's future goals is

the Longacres Mile (G3) in August at Emerald Downs, although O'Neill has been

non-specific regarding any immediate plans for the four-year-old gelding.

Tyler Baze's lead over Pat Valenzuela in the jockey standings shrunk to two

last week. Rene Douglas continues to hold down the third spot, followed by

Garrett Gomez and Espinoza.

O'Neill continues to lead Jeff Mullins by a wide margin in the trainer

standings. Bob Baffert moved into third place ahead of Bobby Frankel, and Steve

Knapp completes the top five.

The main track began the week favoring closers. That bias seemed to disappear

as the week wore on before reemerging somewhat on Sunday. The outside paths were

best on Wednesday and Thursday, and seemed preferable to end the week on Sunday.

The turf course appeared bias free all week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (3/30)

5TH - JANE BLOSSOM (Unusual Heat) finished a creditable second off a brief

respite while returning to a sprint. Raced along a dead rail around the far turn

and into the stretch attempting to rally. Raced in tight quarters attempting to

split rivals and gained the place when finally securing running room.

6TH - SHOSHONE (Surachai) regressed badly disputing the pace along a bad rail

on a closers' track while stretching out to a distance of ground off the claim.

He came into the race with sharp and consistent prior form sprinting against

multiple winners and will need to time to recoup from this effort. The gelding

would benefit from a cutback in distance.

8TH - MARGARITALOSFLORES (Artax) finished a strong third reverting to rating

tactics. Was trapped behind horses while full of run down the backstretch and

around the turn. Faced an uphill battled attempting to improve his position

while racing toward the deeper inside paths in the stretch.

Thursday (3/31)

4TH - JEWEL OF THE YEAR (Event of the Year) appears to be slowly rounding

back into best form for Mike Mitchell. Ran a strong second to an odds-on

favorite dropping down from Grade 1 and 2 races who benefited from a ground

saving trip. Jewel of the Year's lone turf victory came at Hollywood Park going

nine furlongs, and she could be gearing up for the move cross town.

5TH - TANKS A LOT MAN (Perfect Mandate) was a useful third in a route for an

outfit that does not do well with runners stretching out. Failed to sustain his

rally late and may be better suited to shorter distances.

Friday (4/1)

6TH - HAMMER BACK (Victory Gallop) regressed badly off a taxing debut effort.

Steadied shortly after the start and then raced wide around the clubhouse turn.

Had to be urged vigorously down the backstretch to improve his position. Raced

wide around the far turn and entering the stretch before flattening out badly.

Was not abused when hopelessly beaten and is capable of much better than he

showed. Would certainly benefit from a freshening before making his next start.

9TH - PRISON BOUND (Good and Tough) wound up a sharp second stepping up in

claiming price off the claim. Overcame extreme outside post to carve out

enterprising fractions and held well despite yielding to his uncoupled

stablemate in deep stretch. Has a sprint pedigree and should win early in his

career.

Saturday (4/2)

3RD - INSPIRING (Golden Missile) turned in a strong effort off a prolonged

layoff. Disputed a dizzying pace to the stretch and weakened under pressure as

her early exploits began to take their toll. Was not abused late by Stevens to

save the place.

6TH - DEL MAR MISS (In Excess [Ire]) was an "eye catching" debut winner from

Baffert. Generously supported at the windows from the opening bell and

confidently ridden down the backstretch, the four-year-old filly swept to the

lead around the far turn without encouragement. Settled with a daylight lead

into the stretch, which grew as she switched to her proper lead on cue. Never

asked for her best.

Sunday (4/3)

8TH - PERFECT MOON (Malibu Moon) held well arguing a lighting quick pace over

a course playing favorably to come-from-behind runners. Won the pace battle but

lost the war, tiring slowly in the stretch to fresh closers, one of which was

his uncoupled stablemate.