
Equibase Earnings Leaders: Thorpedo Anna’s Impressive Return Vaults Her Into Top 15
Grade 1 laurels will be up for grabs Saturday in the B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Named for the Hall of Fame racemare Beholder, the race once again promises to provide an early insight as to the strength of the West Coast’s older female division.
1. Richi (2-1 morning-line odds): Stretches out to a mile after finishing third in the Santa Monica Stakes at seven furlongs. Speed figures are on the rise for trainer Bob Baffert and looms as a main threat.
JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
2. Hoosier Philly (8-1): Has been unable to regain the stellar form she enjoyed at 2. Was third in the Houston Ladies Classic Stakes Presented by PENN Women, a Grade 3 test, and faces a tough challenge here.
JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Tom Amoss
3. Cavalieri (9-5): Could be the next Distaff star in Baffert’s barn. Is 3-for-3 and won the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes in her last start. Speedy daughter of Nyquist should be a major player.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
4. Ultimate Authority (15-1): Comes off an optional-claiming win at this distance. Makes her third start after a layoff but faces a tough assignment here.
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: Tim Yakteen
5. Tarifa (3-1): Makes her 4-year-old debut for trainer Brad Cox but rarely turns in a bad effort. Should be right there at the finish if there’s no rust from the layoff.
JOCKEY: Mike Smith; TRAINER: Brad Cox
6. Alpha Bella (6-1): Was second to Cavalieri in the La Canada, losing by 1 1/2 lengths. Would get a boost if there’s a speed duel on the front end, but that may not happen in a small field.
JOCKEY: Hector Berrios; TRAINER: John Sadler
THE PICK: Cavalieri
LIVE LONGSHOT: Alpha Bella
TRIFECTA: 3-5-1