JEFF SIEGEL’S WEST COAST BLACK BOOK
(For the week of May 12-15)
KRISTO (May 14th, 9th race, SA) – Had to be rusty in his first start in 13 months but given the strength of the race this son of Distorted Humor ran much better than what was expected in his fourth place effort in what was an extremely hot, highly-rated first-level allowance sprint won by Glacken Too. Was asked from the gate to show speed and was always within range, continued as best he could in the drive and ran like a horse that was in dire need of effort. Might be most effective around two-turns but can sprint as well, so trainer John Sadler has some options. We’re expecting a huge run vs. similar competition next time out.
LUCKY BRYAN (May 14th, 3rd race, SA) – Made his first start since October in a tough spot and performed admirably when producing a willing finish to wind up third behind Arcature and Tristan’s Trilogy in the one-mile Singletary Stakes on grass. Settled off the pace, was asked for run entering the lane and finished with courage while appearing in dire need of the race. Should be fitter, sharper and stronger next time for trainer John Sadler. We’re expecting good things from this son of Lookin at Lucky this spring and summer.
SUGARATMIDNIGHT (May 13th, 6th race, SA) – Debuting sophomore gelding ran better than the line will show in this six furlong bottom-rung sprint and is an excellent candidate to produce a major forward move in his next start. The son of Dixie Chatter broke slowly from the rail, steadily moved into a mid-pack position midway, angled wide for the drive and was making up ground to the end in a nice effort for trainer Blake Heap. Should benefit considerably from the experience and with a better start next time seems more than capable of earning his diploma in a similarly soft spot. Has the style and pedigree to handle more ground if asked to do so.
WESTBROOK (May 14th, 6th race, SA) – Broke his maiden at first asking at Los Alamitos in good style but then bypassed the first allowance condition and headed straight to stakes company when contesting the Grade 3 Lazaro Barerra over seven furlongs. Was always within striking range while racing wide, moved close to pose a threat entering the lane, was unable to make much impact late but did as well as he could when winding up fourth, beaten less than four lengths. Under the circumstances, it was a solid performance by the son of Congrats, so next time when properly spotted, the Mike Puype-trained ridgeling should get back on the winning track.
ZICONIC (May 14th, 8th race, SA) – The light bulb appears to have gone on with this son of the legendary race mare Zenyatta and it now seems this long-winded sophomore colt may turn out to be at least useful and perhaps even more than that. In this deep and contentious maiden special weight route affair, the Tapit colt trailed midway, commenced his rally wide on the turn and kept coming in relentless fashion to wind up third, beaten less than two lengths, while earning by far his best speed figure. If he can continue to improve with maturity and experience, the John Shirreffs-trained 3-year-old won’t be a maiden much longer.
