SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
MARCH 16, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
HEALTHY ADDICTION (Boston Harbor), with Jon Court aboard, found herself in
the unlikely role of pacesetter in the Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1) on
Saturday. Once again, the five-year-old mare demonstrated how difficult she is
to overhaul with a lead, holding on resolutely to post a well-deserved 1
3/4-length victory. Conditioned by John Sadler, Healthy Addiction was sent to
the front by Court shortly after the start and set a very lively pace. She would
never relinquish her advantage despite pace pressure coming in the form of
Awesome Lady (Bianconi) and Proposed (Benchmark). Healthy Addiction was able to
turn into the stretch with a clear lead, and maintained that safe margin to the
finish despite drifting out in midstretch under punishment. Dream of Summer
(Siberian Summer) raced toward the back of the pack prior to finding her best
stride in the stretch and outfinished Seafree (Chief Seattle) for the place by a
half-length. Proposed gave way after prompting the pace to the far turn and
wound up a well-beaten fourth.
Also on Saturday, Santa Anita Park presented the China Doll S. for
three-year-old fillies at a flat mile on turf. FOXYSOX (GB) (Foxhound), a
transplanted European invader, kept her unbeaten record in the United States
intact with a smart pace-pressing victory. Golden Silk (Songandaprayer) set a
very deliberate pace, yielding grudgingly to the winner in the stretch, and then
held well once displaced on the lead in a sharp effort. Incumbent (Carson City)
was third in an even effort.
BALANCE (Thunder Gulch), who has failed to finish first on just one occasion
in her brief career, demonstrated her penchant for winning by annexing the Santa
Anita Oaks (G1) on Sunday despite a less than perfect trip. Although she was
forced to race wide on both turns, Balance kicked into gear shortly after
entering the stretch and subsequently increased her advantage under regular
pilot Victor Espinoza, drawing clear to win by a decisive 2 1/2-lengths. Quiet
Kim (Real Quiet), dispatched at odds off 27-1, was a forward factor from the
outset. She gained the lead racing around the far turn, but was no match for the
winner late, remaining three lengths clear of third-place finisher Wild Fit
(Wild Wonder). Wild Fit, the 6-5 race favorite, settled toward the back of the
pack prior to improving her position leaving the far turn. She offered only a
mild response in the stretch, outfinishing a beleaguered Diplomat Lady
(Forestry) for a minor award.
Pat Valenzuela continues to top all riders, with Garrett Gomez moving into
second place last week. They are followed Espinoza, Alex Solis and Martin
Pedroza.
Doug O’Neill attained the top spot in the trainer standings last week, as Bob
Baffert and Bobby Frankel now share second on the list. Jeff Mullins remained in
the fourth spot with John Sadler and Jack Carava in a dead-heat for fifth.
Early speed was advantaged on Thursday and Friday. The inside paths were best on Friday. The turf course played evenly when in use except for Sunday, when deep
closers fared best.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/8)
3RD – BULLET TRAIN (Unbridled Jet) was ambitiously spotted off a maiden
claiming sprint win up north. Exhibited improved speed to dispute the pace and
held well to finish a close up third around two turns. Would benefit from a
class drop in subsequent starts to either a sprint/route.
6TH – IMPRESSIVE FLIGHT (Ire) (Flying Spur) was dueled into defeat, arguing a
quick early pace at 6 1/2 furlongs, and understandably tired in the stretch from
her early exploits. Appears to be sitting on a win, especially if able to clear
the field early while cutting back in distance.
Thursday (3/9)
5TH – OCEAN GRAND (Bold n’ Flashy), a horse-to-watch off his February 24
effort, finished a strong second here at odds of nearly 8-1 while stepping up
off the claim. He was saddled with a tough inside post while stalking the early
pace. Dropped back and then re-rallied late.
7TH – BALAVISTA (Distant View) wound up being compromised by a bit of a wide
trip and a slow pace. Finished well for third as the pace quickened noticeably
late. Has more tactical speed than he has demonstrated of late.
Friday (3/10)
2ND – HURRICANE HARRY (Stormin Fever) finished a much improved second while
dropping back in for a selling price. Held gamely throughout chasing a fast pace
carved out by a well bet/well meant first timer. Should not be winless much
longer if kept at the $40K maiden claiming level.
7TH – DANCING EDIE (Moscow Ballet) received a useful dirt prep in her return
from a long layoff. Set a pressured pace and tired while gaining beneficial
conditioning from her comeback race. Remains eligible for a Cal-bred preliminary
allowance contest on the turf.
Saturday (3/11)
8TH – Seafree used the wrong tactics in just her second route contest. Was
taken off the pace and could not overhaul a determined wire-to-wire winner,
settling for the show. Prefers to race on the front end.
Sunday (3/12)
9TH – Balance overcame a less-than-ideal trip in registering an extremely
impressive win. She responded nicely when set down for the drive to win drawing
clear, and the David Hofmans-trained lass is bred on both sides of her pedigree
to get better with age and distance. Could be any kind of runner if she remains
healthy.
Wild Fit turned in a creditable third-place finish tackling the iron in her
division. Finished with interest, but failed to make the necessary impact late.
She may be best suited to racing around one turn.