SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK
MARCH 20, 2009
by John Mucciolo
The Pioneer continues to lead the way out west, taking another step toward
the Kentucky Derby (G1) with his third consecutive score.
Santa Margarita H. (G1): Marty and Pam Wygod’s homebred LIFE IS SWEET
(Storm Cat) put in a furious late run for conditioner John Shirreffs to run this
accomplished group off their feet late under Garrett Gomez. The classy
four-year-old concluded the nine-furlong feature on the Pro-Ride in 1:48 3/5.
San Felipe S. (G2): Zayat Stables’ PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker)
proved much the class against these overmatched sophomores in rolling to his
third straight for Bob Baffert. The leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender got 1
1/16 miles in 1:43 1/5 with Gomez in the irons.
Track Stats
From a total of 43 races held over the Arcadia racetrack during the four-day
week, favorites won at a 30 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 58 percent of the wins. From 33 frays contested on the Pro-Ride
oval, four animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (14 percent), while one of the 15
grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (6 percent).
While the numbers indicated that winning at each call was quite difficult on
the main oval, many Pro-Ride winners were in the race early en route to victory.
My opinion was that the track played fairly, especially as the week progressed,
as the top two choices scored in 12 of the 19 races on Saturday and Sunday.
Nearly al of the turf routes saw closers come in, but we feel that many/most
of those were logical winners. We’ll watch closely this week to see if a bias
exists on the sod.
Meet Totals:
| RACES: | 511 | |
| PRO-RIDE: | 393 | |
| TURF: | 118 | |
| FAVORITES: | 171 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 106 (21 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 26 (22 percent) | |
| PRO-RIDE WIRE: | 77 (19 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 60 | |
| 1-3: | 202 | |
| 4-6: | 195 | |
| 7-out: | 114 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (3/11)
5TH — The Ben Cecil-trained ROSY MANTLE (GB) (Daylami [Ire]) made a nice
first impression in the United States on this day, rallying to a handy win under
Rafael Bejarano. The sophomore filly is one worth watching in all of the
three-year-old turf events in California this year.
6TH — We tabbed SUPREME SUMMIT (Cactus Ridge) following his visually
impressive maiden tally, and we were made to look good when this one pulled away
in his first try against winners for Doug O’ Neill. We’re upset, though, that we
let the $10.40 mutuel pass us by!
Thursday (3/12)
1ST — SO HOTTIE (Monarchos) was clearly second best to an intriguing
prospect in here and has every right to win in her subsequent try for Jenine
Sahadi.
7TH — MADEO (Mizzen Mast), who was pulled up early in his latest test,
proved that he’s just fine with an open-length romp in here for Shirreffs. The
talented four-year-old completed his final quarter-mile in a swift :22 3/5
against this stakes-quality field.
Friday (3/13)
6TH — SIX PACK ABS (Forest Wildcat) was all heart late in this deep field,
prevailing by a head in a four-horse photo. The John Sadler charge, who showed
little on the dirt at Turf Paradise, proved that this is his preferred surface
and he escaped a claim against this talented cast.
7TH — MODERN LOOK (GB) (Zamindar) was either a little short or not as good
as advertised in being caught late in here for Bobby Frankel. She obviously
deserves another chance on U. S. soil — but we’re going nowhere near 3-5 again!
Saturday (3/14)
2ND — It’s hard not to praise a horse who wins by four on the Pro-Ride in
her stateside debut, but if we had to nitpick, we’d say ST TRINIANS (GB)
(Piccolo) beat a lackluster field and needs to prove to us that she’s ready for
top foes.
8TH — Life is Sweet is starting to resemble her champion stablemate for
Shirreffs, as she just lopes along early before inhaling her foes in the lane.
This filly, who is very deserving of a Grade 1 win, is three for three on the
West Coast and seemingly improves with every outing.
SANTA TERESITA (Lemon Drop Kid) proved that her latest was no fluke, and this
race gave evidence that she is back in excellent form.
Sunday (3/15)
4TH — BEL AIR SIZZLE (Unusual Heat) had a dawdling pace to rally against,
but the miss still rallied with excellent energy to finish a close third under
Gomez. We’ll play the lass right back if she lands in a similar spot, and we’d
love for there to be some early speed signed on.
7TH — UKIAH (Unbridled’s Song) is a real honest closer who fits well at this
level, and the thinking is that Doug O’ Neill made a nice claim of this one.
He’ll earn checks.
A Look Ahead
The $150,000 San Luis Rey H. (G2) and $150,000 Santa Ana H. (G2) are the
weekend features at “The Great Race Place.”