HORSES TO WATCH

SANTA ANITA DOIN IT THE HARD WAY

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last race: March 3, 1st

Finish: 1st by 9

Beyer: 86

Maiden filly stretching back to two turns put it all together in her sixth career start. Scooted to lead and drew away. High figure makes her a leading contender for Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks on April 8.

HERE COME GEORGIE BOY

Trainer: Jeff Mullins

Last race: March 3, 5th

Finish: 5th by 38 3/4 lengths

Beyer: 13

California-bred turf maiden recently compromised by wide trips; this time had no shot in race moved from turf to dirt. He completely sputtered. Toss this, follow versus statebred maidens, turf only.

BALADI

Trainer: Hector Palma

Last race: March 3, 8th

Finish: 6th by 2 3/4

Beyer: 86

Two turns too far for gelding who uncorked premature backstretch move in $50K claiming route, made lead inside, battled, and tired in lane. Best as a laterunning sprinter. Fits with pace to run at.

FORT BRAGG

Trainer: Tim Yakteen

Last race: March 4, 6th

Finish: 5th by 5 1/2

Beyer: 91

First start since December, 3-year-old lost ground throughout in Grade 2 San Felipe, tired, and split field. Better-than-looked comeback by Tapit colt from stakes-winning mare. Upset candidate next out?

PRACTICAL MOVE

Trainer: Tim Yakteen

Last race: March 4, 6th

Finish: 1st by 2 1/2

Beyer: 100

Not a secret, this is merely to document colt as serious Kentucky Derby contender off his Grade 2 comeback smasher. Saved ground, cut corner, and drew off. One more prep, then on to Kentucky.

CLOSING REMARKS

Trainer: Carla Gaines

Last race: March 4, 5th

Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2

Beyer: 86

Snake-bitten turf mare had brutal trip in Grade 2 turf mile. She was on the rail at rear, made inside move into far turn, steadied sharply when pacesetter stopped, re-rallied, and finished with run. She was best.

HOPPER

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last race: March 4, 12th

Finish: 4th by 2 1/4

Beyer: 94

Hit gate in Big Cap, may have grabbed himself. Pressed pace outside stablemate, reluctant to settle, dueled, and gave way late. Lightly raced (five starts). Haven’t seen his best yet.

AND TELL ME NOLIES

Trainer: Peter Miller

Last race: March 5, 3rd

Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4

Beyer: 78

Unraced in four months, she loomed a threat into the lane in Grade 3 route and flattened out. Promising comeback by Grade 1 winner sets up rematch with winner Faiza in Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks on April 8.