Horses to Watch: 3 to follow in this weekend's action
In this biweekly series, racing analyst Keeler Johnson will share promising horses from his handicapping watch list, reviewing runners who have recently caught his eye and previewing horses scheduled to run back in the near future.
Upcoming Entries
As Time Goes By
Fresh off a 9 1/4-length romp in the Santa Margarita (G2), As Time Goes By figures to be a popular play in Saturday’s second race at Santa Anita, the Santa Maria (G2, post time approximately 4:30 p.m. EDT).
Trained by Bob Baffert, As Time Goes By has always had the pedigree to be an elite racehorse. She’s a daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah out of the multiple Grade 1-winning mare Take Charge Lady, who previously foaled champion three-year-old Will Take Charge and Florida Derby (G1) winner Take Charge Indy. Champion two-year-old Take Charge Brandi and multiple Grade 1 winner Omaha Beach are among her other descendants.
As Time Goes By has tactical speed and may secure an easy lead against a small field in the Santa Maria. She’ll have to bring her A-game to defeat multiple Grade 1 winner Ce Ce, who recently returned from a layoff with an eye-catching allowance victory at Santa Anita. But a repeat of her Santa Margarita demolition will give As Time Goes By every opportunity to win the day.
Frank’s Rockette
With the exception of an 11th-place finish against males in the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), Frank’s Rockette hasn’t missed the exacta, winning seven races (including a trio of graded stakes) while placing second five times. Her talent, consistency, and durability can combine to land Frank’s Rockette a victory in Saturday’s fifth race at Churchill Downs, the Winning Colors (G3, post time 7:57 p.m. ET).
Sprinting six furlongs is right up Frank’s Rockette’s alley, and the daughter of Into Mischief enters off a big effort in the Carousel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, where she rallied after a bump at the start to finish second by less than a length. The winner was Edgeway, an up-and-coming sprinter who seems poised for a big season in 2021.
Frank’s Rockette normally sets or stalks the pace and should have little difficulty securing a perfect trip in Saturday’s compact field, giving her a tactical advantage over stretch-running Derby City Distaff (G1) runner-up Sconsin. Don’t forget, Frank’s Rockette boasts a 2-for-2 record over the Churchill Downs main track, including a blowout maiden win in 2019.
Going Global
Three starts in the U.S., three late-charging victories. The Irish-bred filly Going Global has been impressive since transferring to the U.S., rattling off wins in the Sweet Life (G3), China Doll Stakes, and Providencia (G3). In the latter race, Going Global overcame a troubled start and a wide trip to sprint home in approximately 34.8 and prevail by a neck.
Going Global will seek to keep her momentum going in Saturday’s seventh race at Santa Anita, the Honeymoon (G3, post time approximately 7:00 p.m. ET). Santa Anita’s leading jockey Flavien Prat retains the mount for high-percentage trainer Phil D’Amato, and Going Global has already defeated four of her six Honeymoon rivals. Another winning effort should be in the offing.
Which horses do you have your eyes on this week?