Fast main track and firm turf course. The only wire-to-wire winner on dirt was 2-year-old first timer Gorgeous Ginny at 4.5f. The winning turf course running styles were two dueling front runners down the hill and a downhill stalker (rail at 30 feet).
No riding or training doubles on Thursday.
Anita Partner is very sharp right now. She had been closing down the hill but broke running from the rail and kept on going in a good looking 3.25 length tally in the hillside opener. She posted back-to-back 86 FIRE Numbers prior to today’s win.
Ismelucky broke slow and was clearly second best behind easy wire job winner and strong favorite Gorgeous Ginny in her juvenile debut for Bonde. According to Today’s Racing Digest clockers, she was training well in advance of this race. She might graduate next time.
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! September Stars capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 5
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (7f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were two front runners down the hill and a stalker at one mile (rail at 20 feet).
Joe Talamo rode the final three winners on the Friday card. Edwin Maldonado booted home a pair. Agapito Delgadillo and Richard Baltas teamed up for two wins. Phil D’Amato saddled three winners.
Once again, Little Bit Lovely went all the way in a downhill sprint (opening race). According to Today’s Racing Digest stats, Ramon Guce and Jack Carava are now 6-for-8 together.
Danzing Candy went all the way to defeat Accelerate in the salty optional claiming feature at one mile on dirt. The top two were well clear of the rest and could face each other again in upcoming stakes races. On 2-4-16, Danzing Candy posted a 102 FIRE + 146 CPR in a flat mile optional claiming win at SA and appears to be back in that stakes quality form for Baffert.
Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 6
Wet Fast (sealed) main track and firm turf course (downhill races moved to dirt). Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (4.5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile (Sircat Sally) and a closer at one mile (Bowies Hero).
Edwin Maldonado booted home a pair. Apprentice Austin Solis and new trainer Mick Ruis teamed up to win with a pair of longshot first timers (Summer Buddha at $21.20 and The Critical Way at $92.00). Phil D’Amato saddled three more winners including Bowies Hero in the Singletary.
Sircat Sally controlled the pace and remained unbeaten in the Grade III Senorita. Late runner Beau Recall got up late for 2nd and might be able to get to Sircat Sally at some point if she gets more pace help. Promising second timer Pacific Wind missed 2nd by a head in an encouraging effort.
Bowies Hero stumbled at the start, got plenty of pace help, and outfinished fellow closer Bird Is The Word in the Singletary. Post time favorite Sharp Samurai dueled through quick splits, opening up a 2-length lead in the stretch, and weakened to 4th in an okay effort. In his prior start on April 6, Sharp Samurai uncorked an 86 FIRE + 147 CPR and might be able to get back to that next time.
Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 7
Wet Fast (sealed) main track and good turf course (downhill races moved to dirt). Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (Chalon - 6.5f, off the turf). The lone race to remain on the turf (nine furlongs) was nabbed by patient favorite September Stars (rail at 10 feet).
No riding or training doubles on Sunday.
September Stars had an interesting journey in the grassy eighth race. She stalked in 4th after the first 1/4 under Stevens, fell back to last of eight after six furlongs, and rallied to get up late as the betting favorite. She has stamina and a decent late kick and might be a threat in long distance turf stakes later this year. In her US bow on March 23, she earned an 83 FIRE + 136 CPR and finished up in a strong :35.7.
