HORSES TO WATCH

SANTA ANITA CITY OF LIGHT

Trainer: Michael McCarthy Last race: Sept. 1, 4th Finish: 1st by 7 1/2 Beyer: 95 A second-start maiden 3-year-old, he annihilated his sprint rivals. Broke running, set a fast pace, and was strong to the wire. The sky is the limit for this late-developing son of Quality Road.

AMPLE SUFFICIENCY

Trainer: Dan Blacker Last race: Sept. 2, 6th Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4 Beyer: 87 First-level allowance colt was blocked through the lane in a turf route and got clear too late. He could have made it a race with a clean trip. Much improved since arriving in U.S.

SPECTATOR

Trainer: Phil D’Amato Last race: Sept. 2, 7th Finish: 3rd by 5 3/4 Beyer: 70 Sorrento winner bobbled and was slammed at the start in the Del Mar Debutante, and got the wind knocked out of her. She lagged back and finished okay. Expect rebound in the Chandelier Stakes on Sept. 30 at Santa Anita.

INSTILLED REGARD

Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer Last race: Sept. 2, 8th Finish: 2nd by 1/2 Beyer: 72 This 2-year-old first-time starter made it close in his debut prep. Settled, rallied wide, and had a steady finish. Son of Arch from top female family will not be a maiden for long.

INSTA ERMA

Trainer: Richard Baltas Last race: Sept. 2, 9th Finish: 4th by 3 1/4 Beyer: 95 Making her first start in California in the Grade 2 John Mabee, this improving turf filly steadied and lost position at the quarter pole, and finished with run. She could have made it close. Follow at any level.

– Brad Free

WOODBINE LATONKA

Trainer: Denyse McClachrie Last race: Sept. 2, 5th Finish: 1st by 2 1/4 Beyer: 46 After missing the break, the modestly bred 2-year-old rallied stoutly on the outside to win his six-furlong debut going away. He could be a factor in Ontario-sired stakes this fall.

DR. HARKNESS

Trainer: Danny Acorn Last race: Sept. 3, 6th Finish: 5th by 7 1/2 Beyer: 60 After breaking in the air, he lacked running room in the stretch while trying to make his way into contention in a $16,000 claimer. The consistent veteran figures to get back on track next time if things go his way.

JACKS ESCARPMENT

Trainer: Josie Carroll Last race: Aug. 30, 7th Finish: 2nd by 3/4 Beyer: 92 With blinkers on, he ran a corker to finish second to the unstoppable Pink Lloyd in the $125,000 Kenora, a restricted stakes that he won last year. He seems to have snapped out of his slump.

– Ron Gierkink