SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
APRIL 21, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
The Spring 2006 Santa Anita meet comes to a close this weekend with Fan
Appreciation Day on Saturday, and Family Fun Day set for Sunday, closing day,
when the main attraction will be a Seabiscuit exhibit. Post times for both days
will be 12:30 p.m. (PDT).
The La Puente S. was the only race to remain on the grass last Saturday.
Under a rail-skimming ride by jockey David Cohen, STRATHAM (Ire) (Mozart [Ire])
closed strongly in the stretch to win going away by 1 1/2 lengths over Genre
(GB) (Orpen). The second-place finisher raced near the back of the pack down the
backstretch, found his best stride turning for home, and finished with good
energy to get the place by a half-length over Lightning Hit (Ire) (Orpen), who
completed the all European-bred trifecta. Scootin George (Lake George) stalked
the pace from the outset and held well until midstretch before tiring as the 2-1
favorite while finishing sixth.
There are horses for courses, and then there is CAMBIOCORSA (Avenue of
Flags). Trained by Doug O’Neill, all this four-year-old filly did on Sunday was
keep her unblemished Santa Anita record intact at the about 6 1/2-furlong
distance with a popular win in the Las Cienegas H. (G3). Departing from an
outside post, Cambiocorsa broke alertly to duel for the early lead, subsequently
disposing of pace nemesis Starkay (NZ) (Towkay) before a half-mile had been
negotiated. She continued to add to her advantage in the stretch, drawing clear
to lead by four lengths and had enough gas left in the tank to fend off the
hard-charging Lock and Key (Ire) (Key of Luck) to score by three parts of a
length. Sandra’s Rose (Old Trieste) raced evenly to get the show.
With this victory, Cambiocorsa boasts an unbelievable record of seven
victories from seven starts at Santa Anita, five of them coming with Jon Court
aboard. What I find even more amazing is that O’Neill is considering stretching
her out at Hollywood Park for her next start. What’s wrong with this picture?
Victor Espinoza has unseated Pat Valenzuela as the leading rider at the meet,
holding on to a slim one-win lead. Garrett Gomez rounds out the top three.
O’Neill extended his advantage in the trainer standings and now leads Bob
Baffert by six victories. Bobby Frankel remains in third place.
No particular running style appeared preferable all week. The turf course
played fairly when in use. The inside paths appeared best on Friday and
Saturday.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (4/12)
3RD – SEA MY HALO (Hay Halo) was hard used setting a quick and pressured pace
returning to So. Cal. on the drop. He held well to save the show in a much
improved effort. Fits well at the current claiming level and will make his next
start for new connections.
4TH – MOKI BOWL (Candi’s Gold) was understandably tired after contesting
vicious fractions in his turf debut. His dam has already produced a turf winner
and did well on the inner course herself. He should have derived beneficial
experience and conditioning from this effort.
Thursday (4/13)
3RD – BOUCHARD (Theatrical [Ire]) displayed an even effort making his debut
on grass. He broke a bit tardily from a disadvantageous post and improved his
position late. He’s bred on both sides of his pedigree for a turf route.
6TH – WAYWARD STORM (Crowning Storm) needed this effort off a prolonged
absence. The four-year-old overcame an outside post to gain the place behind an
impressive daylight winner. Both of his career wins have come over a route of
ground.
Friday (4/14)
5TH – TABOR (Behrens) regressed badly in his second career start over a wet
track. He gave way after stalking a very fast pace and will make his next start
for new connections. His speed might be more effective over a route of ground.
6TH – ONEINSPIREDTOPPER (Old Topper) closed well from off the pace to get
second returning to a sprint. She appears to be most effective sprinting, and
her lone career win came at Hollywood Park.
Saturday (4/15)
3RD – AGASSI (Grand Slam) was compromised by a wide trip over a course
favoring the inside paths. He did well to get the show in a race that quickened
noticeably late.
7TH – Genre was a fine second chasing home a perfect trip/ground-saving
winner. He was compromised by modest fractions and forced to rally as the race
quickened. The sophomore appreciates wet turf and also would benefit from a
livelier pace scenario.
Sunday (4/16)
6TH – KRIS’ SIS (Forestry) needed this useful “education race” in her debut
for Canani, who does not always have his first-timers ready to fire right out of
the box. She broke a bit slowly and then raced evenly late. A half-sister to
multiple Grade 1 winner Kicken Kris, who excelled on grass and barely lifted a
hoof over the main track, this runner will probably try the lawn at some point.
7TH – Lock and Key leveled off too late in the stretch to overhaul a prolific
horse-for-the-course/distance winning favorite. A runner who suffered some
heartbreaking defeats in Group 3 contests abroad, she remains eligible for much
softer races here.