Santa Anita Park Race 9 - Race 9 - Maiden Special Weight
HARDTOBEBETTERNOW (2) was close to a maiden win before a ten weeks break, finishing off with a placing over 1609m at Del Mar (Turf). Re-unites with Umberto Rispoli. Well placed and happy to have him on top. BIG BILL (4) was close to breaking through last time in work, closing the prep as favourite and finishing third at this track (Turf) before a three-and-a-half months break. Jockey Abel Lezcano back aboard. Rates highly and is a strong chance to take this out. HIGH KING (11) returned from a spell two weeks ago when he was beaten 6 lengths into fourth over 1207m at this track. Has never missed the frame second up. Strips fitter and can feature. SHAPOVAL (6) is back from a spell of ten weeks. Was narrowly beaten at his only appearance when last in work at Del Mar (Turf) over 1609m. Has found the right race and is worth including.
Jockey: Tiago Pereira
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up. Finished off last campaign fourth of 8 at Del Mar November 9 over 1609m, 5 len behind Warm Sun And Brew with 55.5kg at $36.10. Previously first up; seventh of 9 at Del Mar August 3 over 1609m, 15 len behind Fix It Quick with 54.5kg at $67.30. May need this run.
Last Starts 66 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 09/11/2025 | 42 | MDN 3U | $91,603.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Ana A S Carmona | 55.5kg | 1:36.52 | 1-5-4 | 3 |
| 5.3L | $36.10 |
| 8/11 | 28/09/2025 | 36 | MDN 35 | $91,743.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Ana A S Carmona | 55.5kg | 1:34.34 | 4-5-8 | 3 |
| 4.1L | $41.00 |
| 9/11 | 23/08/2025 | 20 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1710m | FM | Ana A S Carmona | 55kg | 1:43.91 | 7-10-9 | 2 |
| 5.6L | $71.80 |
| 7/9 | 03/08/2025 | 63 | MDN 3U | $155,039.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | Fast | Ana A S Carmona | 54.5kg | 1:39.26 | 5-7-7 | 9 |
| 15.5L | $67.30 |
| 7/7 | 01/06/2025 | - | MDN 35 | $93,313.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | Ebifanio Garcia | 54.5kg | 1:10.71 | 7-7-7 | 1 |
| 25.1L | $52.30 |
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Only had one start last campaign raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 at Del Mar on November 9 over 1609m, 2.5 len behind Warm Sun And Brew carrying 55.5kg at $3.40. When resuming last campaign 2nd in a small field at Del Mar on November 10 2024 over 1609m, 1.75 len behind Dynodave carrying 54.5kg at $4.40. Expected to prove hard to beat.
Last Starts 66 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 09/11/2025 | 329 | MDN 3U | $91,603.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Umberto Rispoli | 55.5kg | 1:36.52 | 3-3-2 | 2 |
| 2.5L | $3.40 |
| 6/9 | 15/12/2024 | 35 | LR OPEN 2 | $154,083.00 | Los Alamitos | 1609m | Fast | Kazushi Kimura | 53kg | 1:38.46 | 7-7-6 | 6 |
| 4.8L | $9.90 |
| 2/5 | 10/11/2024 | - | MDN 2 | $82,192.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Kazushi Kimura | 54.5kg | 1:38.61 | 5-2-2 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $4.40 |
Jockey: Diego Herrera
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumes from a spell after only one run when 3rd of 9 at Del Mar on November 7 over 1609m, 1.4 len behind Highplainsdrifter carrying 55.5kg at $15.80. Should be right in the mix.
Last Starts 68 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 07/11/2025 | - | MDN CLM 3U | $50,382.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Diego A Herrera | 55.5kg | 1:36.53 | 8-5-3 | 3 |
| 1.4L | $15.80 |
Jockey: Abel Lezcano
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a three-and-a-half months break. Finished off last campaign third of 10 at this track October 5 over 1207m, 2 len behind Sir Percival carrying 55.5kg at $1.90. On debut second of 12 at this track May 17 over 1308m, a 0.3 lengths behind Titanic Thompson with 53.5kg at $17. Winning hope in a suitable contest.
Last Starts 101 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 05/10/2025 | 43 | MDN 35 | $91,743.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 55.5kg | 1:08.73 | 9-4-3 | 2 |
| 2.1L | $1.90 |
| 4/11 | 23/08/2025 | 22 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1710m | FM | Umberto Rispoli | 55kg | 1:43.91 | 5-2-4 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $1.80 |
| 2/10 | 01/08/2025 | 47 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 54.5kg | 1:35.77 | 5-2-2 | 3 |
| 5.3L | $3.70 |
| 5/9 | 15/06/2025 | 29 | MDN 35 | $93,313.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 54kg | 1:35.34 | 7-5-5 | 2 |
| 5.9L | $6.30 |
| 2/12 | 17/05/2025 | - | MDN 35 | $93,750.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1308m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 53.5kg | 1:17.94 | 11-8-2 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $17.00 |
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Four-year-old entire (Vronsky - Tizn't Caught) at the races for the first time. This looks a tricky race for him.
Jockey: Tyler Baze
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming. Only had one start last preparation 2nd of 9 at Del Mar on November 7 over 1609m, nose behind Highplainsdrifter with 55.5kg at $4.40. First up last campaign second last of 10 at Del Mar on August 1 over 1609m, 17 len behind Vodka Vodka carrying 54.5kg at $17.40. Has claims on best form.
Last Starts 68 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 07/11/2025 | 98 | MDN CLM 3U | $50,382.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Tyler Baze | 55.5kg | 1:36.53 | 2-1-2 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $4.40 |
| 9/10 | 01/08/2025 | 67 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Tyler Baze | 54.5kg | 1:35.77 | 8-9-9 | 7 |
| 17.9L | $17.40 |
| 6/12 | 26/05/2025 | 29 | MDN 35 | $93,750.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Tyler Baze | 53.5kg | 1:36.31 | 2-4-6 | 11 |
| 0.8L | $9.30 |
| 10/11 | 27/04/2025 | 42 | MDN 35 | $95,847.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | Good | Tyler Baze | 53.5kg | 1:37.32 | 1-10-10 | 7 |
| 29.6L | $6.70 |
| 2/8 | 16/03/2025 | 27 | MDN 3 | $104,334.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Tyler Baze | 55.5kg | 1:36.59 | 8-2-2 | 3 |
| 0.3L | $2.90 |
| 3/11 | 17/02/2025 | 30 | MDN 3 | $96,618.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Tyler Baze | 55.5kg | 1:36.57 | 5-2-3 | 4 |
| 2.3L | $10.40 |
Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation seventh of 11 at this track September 28 over 1609m, 4 len behind Mav Man with 55.5kg at $22. Previously first up; seventh of 11 at Del Mar August 2 over 1006m, 13 len behind Glorious Life carrying 54.5kg at $52.50. Not at this stage.
Last Starts 108 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/11 | 28/09/2025 | 36 | MDN 35 | $91,743.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Ricardo Gonzalez | 55.5kg | 1:34.34 | 7-9-7 | 10 |
| 4.0L | $22.00 |
| 5/11 | 23/08/2025 | 21 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1710m | FM | Ricardo Gonzalez | 55kg | 1:43.91 | 11-7-5 | 9 |
| 2.8L | $56.50 |
| 7/11 | 02/08/2025 | 166 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1006m | FM | Ricardo Gonzalez | 54.5kg | 0:56.37 | 11-10-7 | 6 |
| 13.6L | $52.50 |
| 8/11 | 17/02/2025 | 30 | MDN 3 | $96,618.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Tiago Josue Pereira | 55.5kg | 1:36.57 | 10-10-8 | 7 |
| 11.4L | $34.10 |
| 5/9 | 18/01/2025 | - | MDN 3 | $96,774.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | FM | Tyler Baze | 55.5kg | 1:09.03 | 6-6-5 | 8 |
| 6.6L | $30.10 |
Jockey: William Pyle
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Four-year-old gelding by Danzing Candy out of Cayton who has taken a long time to make it to the track. Might need the run.
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; only one run when got back early 6th of 10 at this track on October 5 over 1207m, 6 len behind Sir Percival with 55.5kg at $33.20. May need more time.
Last Starts 101 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 05/10/2025 | - | MDN 35 | $91,743.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | FM | Ricardo Gonzalez | 55.5kg | 1:08.73 | 10-9-6 | 1 |
| 6.0L | $33.20 |
Jockey: Mirco Demuro
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a ten weeks break. Finished off last preparation fifth of 8 at Del Mar November 9 over 1609m, 6 len behind Warm Sun And Brew with 55.5kg at $7.40. On debut second last of 8 at this track April 18 over 1207m, 15 len behind Flyover carrying 53.5kg at $30.90. Among the better chances.
Last Starts 66 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 09/11/2025 | 29 | MDN 3U | $91,603.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 55.5kg | 1:36.52 | 4-6-5 | 5 |
| 5.8L | $7.40 |
| 6/7 | 11/10/2025 | 13 | MDN 35 | $91,324.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 55.5kg | 1:34.91 | 1-7-6 | 7 |
| 3.5L | $20.00 |
| 3/11 | 28/09/2025 | 36 | MDN 35 | $91,743.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Abel Lezcano | 55.5kg | 1:34.34 | 8-6-3 | 2 |
| 0.8L | $22.30 |
| 7/11 | 23/08/2025 | 22 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1710m | FM | Edwin Maldonado | 55kg | 1:43.91 | 8-5-7 | 10 |
| 3.4L | $59.90 |
| 8/10 | 01/08/2025 | 33 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Kazushi Kimura | 54.5kg | 1:35.77 | 4-8-8 | 2 |
| 14.1L | $48.60 |
| 6/7 | 29/06/2025 | 34 | MDN 3U | $69,984.00 | Los Alamitos | 1609m | Fast | Kyle Frey | 53.5kg | 1:37.09 | 4-7-6 | 7 |
| 13.5L | $9.10 |
Jockey: Kyle Frey
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First-up after three months in a small field at this track on January 2 over 1207m, 6 len behind Infinitum with 56kg at $21.90. Previously second-up 3rd of 9 at Del Mar on August 28 over 1006m, 6 len behind Jack Fish with 56.5kg at $45. Even fitter and is an excellent winning chance.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 02/01/2026 | 89 | MDN 45 | $104,634.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | Kyle Frey | 56kg | 1:09.64 | 1-5-4 | 2 |
| 6.1L | $21.90 |
| 4/10 | 05/10/2025 | 38 | MDN 35 | $91,743.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | FM | Kyle Frey | 56kg | 1:08.73 | 1-5-4 | 10 |
| 5.4L | $8.30 |
| 3/9 | 28/08/2025 | 27 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1006m | FM | Kyle Frey | 56.5kg | 0:57.84 | 2-4-3 | 5 |
| 6.8L | $45.00 |
| 6/10 | 01/08/2025 | 67 | MDN 3U | $124,031.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Kyle Frey | 56.5kg | 1:35.77 | 7-5-6 | 10 |
| 12.8L | $27.10 |
| 7/12 | 26/05/2025 | 17 | MDN 35 | $93,750.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Jeremy Laprida | 57kg | 1:36.31 | 1-7-7 | 6 |
| 3.3L | $11.00 |
| 2/6 | 09/05/2025 | 21 | MDN 35 | $93,750.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Jeremy Laprida | 57kg | 1:36.91 | 1-2-2 | 1 |
| 0.3L | $12.00 |