Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire sprint winner on dirt (5.5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner down the hill, a downhill stalker, and a downhill closer (rail at 30 feet).
Rafael Bejarano and Tiago Pereira both booted home a pair. Matthew Chew saddled two winners.
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Kenda capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 12
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winner on dirt (5.5f, 8.5f). The winning downhill turf course running styles were three dueling front runners (rail at 20 feet).
Kent Desormeaux and apprentice Evin Roman both booted home a pair.
Stop the Violence finished well for the show (6 lengths clear of 4th) at 4.5f for juvenile first timers. He probably won’t be a maiden much longer for Miller.
Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 13
Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner down the hill, a downhill stalker, a downhill closer, and a flat mile stalker.
Tyler Baze (dirt sprints) and Flavien Prat (downhill sprints) both booted home a pair. Peter Eurton (turf) and Peter Miller both saddled two winners.
First timer Omega Moon was ready to roll in his debut for Baffert but experienced foe Pioneer Lad was a length better (show finisher 6 lengths back). They paid $500k for Omega Moon and he will probably click at low odds next time.
Heavy favorite American Pastime ran out of ground in today’s third race at 5.5f (Stormy Rocit wire-to-wire). The Hess trainee fell a 1/2 length short and was clearly second best. He earned quality TRD numbers in his winning debut March 11 (92 FIRE + 134 CPR) and can make amends next time.
Cistron had every reason to win the Desert Code. He was the only multiple winner and the early/pressing type broke from an advantageous outer post. He opened up a clear lead in the stretch but second timer Arms Runner went past him easily (show finisher 7.5 lengths back). The latter smartly won his April 20 downhill debut (81 FIRE + 126 CPR) and looks like a good one for Miller.
American Anthem turned back and got back on the beam in the G3 Laz Barrera for Baffert. He easily held off my top choice Kimbear and the top two were both exiting the SA Derby.
Cheekaboomboom loved the turn back in distance and rolled home from off the pace to graduate in the hillside sixth for Prat/Miller. She was my best bet on the card and paid a generous $11.20.
Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 14
Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at nine furlongs, a downhill stalker, a stalker at one mile, and a dueler/stalker down the hill (rail at 10 feet).
Flavien Prat booted home a pair on turf. Peter Miller saddled three winners. Richard Baltas saddled two turf winners.
Post time favorite Kenda ended up a clear 2nd behind Madam Dancealot in her first start vs. winners in today’s fourth race. She earned decent TRD numbers graduating down the hill April 21 (81 FIRE + 120 CPR) and was hardly disgraced landing the place behind a horse exiting the stakes ranks. She is a decent downhill performer.
Selcourt dueled and finished 3rd behind two Baffert runners (Faypien, Noted and Quoted) in the Angels Flight. She earned nice TRD Pace Ratings in her first two starts (140, 146) and jockey Tyler Baze said she was too headstrong today. She is going to be a tough customer if she learns to relax a bit.
