HORSES TO WATCH

HUDSON RIDGE

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last race: March 5, 3rd

Finish: 4th by 3

Beyer: 75

Maiden 3-year-old stretched out from sprint, but rather than use speed, was rated. Rank early, trailed, finished with run, galloped out in front. Maiden-special sleeper also bred for turf.

MASTERING

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last race: March 6, 2nd

Finish: 1st by 1/2

Beyer: 91

Massive 4-year-old broke half-step slow in second-level allowance route, fourth on rail, angled out, grinding rally, up. Third straight win by large colt, wants longer distance.

ROYAL SHIP

Trainer: Richard Mandella

Last race: March 6, 9th

Finish: 5th by 1

Beyer: 94

First in three months, first since gelded, longshot in Grade 1 Kilroe ran well. Lagged off pace, finished willingly in traffic, solid comeback. Group 1 winner in Brazil may be coming around.

WHISPER NOT

Trainer: Richard Baltas

Last race: March 6, 7th

Finish: 1st by 1 1/4

Beyer: 94

Set blazing pace (45.30 and 1:09.33) in entry-level allowance turf mile. Wired field in 1:33.32, fastest turf mile of meet, 1.16 seconds faster than Grade 1 Kilroe. Up the ladder.

DEFUNDED

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last race: March 6, 11th

Finish: 1st by 2 1/2

Beyer: 83

Comeback maiden making first start since August, first since being gelded, exploited hot pace to score decisive ridden-out maiden victory rallying from off the pace. Very sharp.

MR. IMPOSSIBLE

Trainer: Simon Callaghan

Last race: March 6, 11th

Finish: 3rd by 3 1/2

Beyer: 75

Tough-luck maiden sawed off on backstretch, steadied, re-rallied to press hot pace, made lead in lane, swallowed in better-than-looked effort. Should be tough next in maiden sprint.

BROWN STORM

Trainer: Michael McCarthy

Last race: March 7, 7th

Finish: 3rd by 3

Beyer: 91

Comeback veteran set pace in allowance turf mile, fought to deep stretch, held third in solid comeback. Winless since autumn 2018 in Chile, fits in allowance/minor stakes race.

SO VERY SMART

Trainer: Kristin Mulhall

Last race: March 7, 8th

Finish: 4th by 7

Beyer: 60

Debut filly in California-bred maiden race settled midpack, four wide forwardly placed while losing ground on turn, leveled off late, galloped out in front. Better than looked debut.