San Simeon

As one would expect in a high-level turf sprint, Saturday’s San Simeon H.
(G3) is a competitive affair. A field of nine will line up for the about 6
1/2-furlong event on Santa Anita’s downhill course, and the probable favorite,
SIREN LURE (Joyeux Danseur), rates our top choice. The Art Sherman trainee won
back-to-back stakes races over this course and distance before capturing the
off-the-turf 6 1/2-furlong Daytona H. in his last start. Siren Lure is an
excellent turf sprinter and rates the nod beneath Alex Solis.

GRAFTON (Rahy) broke his maiden at first asking over this course and distance
and most recently won a $62,500 claiming event at the same trip, earning a 103
BRIS Speed rating. The dark bay was claimed out of that event by trainer Jeff
Mullins and gets a rider change to Garrett Gomez. He gets in light with 113
pounds and is a serious win threat at square odds.

PURE AS GOLD (Stolen Gold) exits back-to-back victories over this course and
distance. The Doug O’Neill trainee won the first for a $62,500 claiming tag and the
second against third-level allowance/optional claiming foes. Pure as Gold likes
to come flying from the back of the pack and brings good form into this test.

The honest router WE ALL LOVE ALEYNA (Nines Wild) won his only start over this
course and distance in March 2004 against $50,000 claimers. The John Sadler
trainee turns back in distance after finishing a close fourth going a grassy
mile against classified allowance types and, like the one above, must be
respected for a share.

The $2.7 million DIAMOND FURY (Sea of Secrets) makes his turf debut for
conditioner Bob Baffert after winning a six-furlong main track race in 1:09 in
his return from a 12-month layoff on March 24. The chestnut has the look of a wild card and
is worth a saver. SAINT BUDDY (Saint Ballado) likes to attend the early running
and may take to the downhill course. The Rafael Becerra-trained gray exits a
close third in the Santana Mile H. and has some upset potential.

The speedy MOTH BALL (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) figures to get sent to the
early lead and could hold on for a minor part. Our concern is that the James
Cassidy trainee has not won in nearly 19 months. MARGARITALOSFLORES (Artax)
has finished in the money in four of five starts over this course and distance, but upgrades substantially in class here. We’re just going to watch. SEATTLE
BUDDY (Seattle Slew) has good early speed but may prefer the main track. He
finished on the fringes in his two previous turf starts against maidens.