HORSES TO WATCH

SANTA ANITA STELLA NOIR

Trainer: Keith Desormeaux

Last race: March 19, 5th

Finish: 1st by head

Beyer: 78

First-time starter lost ground rallying wide in special-weight sprint, kept grinding, up late. Auspicious debut by Stay Thirsty filly produced by multiple stakes-winning dam.

FOOTHILL

Trainer: Doug O’Neill Last race: March 20, 3rd Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4 Beyer: 74

Gelding dropped to $25K claiming N2L and ran well in first turf route. Stalled behind runners on far turn, went evenly late. Claimed from Sean McCarthy, enters O’Neill stable in top form.

RED KING

Trainer: Phil D’Amato

Last race: March 20, 5th

Finish: 3rd by 1/2

Beyer: 95

Graded stakes-winning comebacker blocked through the stretch in starter-allowance turf marathon, his first start in four months. Finished well, galloped out well. Solid comeback.

AIRMAN

Trainer: John Shirreffs

Last race: March 20, 9th

Finish: 2nd by 1/2

Beyer: 72

Maiden turf colt ran the race of his career in fifth start. Rallied from far back, made up nearly five lengths in final furlong, missed to frontrunning winner. Sitting on maiden win.

MIDNIGHT JAMBOREE

Trainer: Bill Spawr

Last race: March 21, 4th Finish: 2nd by nose Beyer: 83

Massive mare vastly improved. Pressed odds-on favorite in starter allowance, battled to wire, finished more than eight lengths clear. May handle entry-level allowance route.

XMAS SURPRISE

Trainer: Leonard Powell

Last race: March 21, 5th

Finish: 2nd by 1/2

Beyer: 73

Maiden turf sprint filly produced more speed than in debut. Pressed pace, broke it open in lane, collared by favorite, finished nearly three lengths clear. Ready for a maiden win.

– Brad Free