Santa Anita slowing down?

If the sand that was added to the main track at Santa Anita this past week was to slow down the track we haven't seen it yet. Track officials have said that the mixture was to be gradual as to not effect the horses and cause injury. A dramatic change in the track would do that. As of Sunday we are still seeing a speed favoring track, albeit times have been a bit slower. We know it will take time to get it right and it does seem to be heading in the right direction now.

We understand that with the Eclipse Awards now past us it's easy to dwell and focus on something else. But really, isn't it too early to start talking Kentucky Derby? Com'on folks, it's still January and already we are hearing people talking about who is going to win the 2011 Kentucky Derby. LOL Okay. Us, we insist on waiting for a few more preps, drills and such before making a decision on who is going to win a race that is run over a 1 and a quarter for 3-year-olds in four months.

Hard to believe but Santa Anita has had only two Pic 6 carryovers since opening day on December 26 with the second carryover occurring on Saturday, January 22 for over $104k.

We didn't really give him much of a chance to be honest with you but we sure did like the way Sqaure Eddie won on Friday, January 14. Having been away since December 2009, the Doug O'Neill trained 5-year-old won like he had raced three weeks ago under Joel Rosario and paid a nice $7 to his backers. He should be heard from again soon.

Tapizar, the talented 3-year-old colt from the Steve Asmussen barn took down the Grade III $100,000 Sham and is one such 3-year-old being talked about in regards to the 2011 Kentucky Derby. The son of Tapit did look good in his win and returned $4.20 to his supporters. Asmussen has said he'll remain in California to train for his next start and is being pointed towards the Santa Anita Derby.

California Nectar took down the Grade II $150,000 Santa Ynez for Doug O'Neill and was ridden nicely by Patrick Valenzuela at $8. The 3-year-old filly by Stormy Atlantic was winning for the third time in seven lifetimes starts.

A speed favoring course helped Indian Firewater hold off stablemate Tweebster in the Grade II $150,000 San Fernando and trainer Bob Baffert didn't care who's number came up as he trained both. The winner was ridden by Mike Smith and returned $13.

Heavily favored Eclipse Champion Blind Luck wasn't able to run down Always a Princess in the Grade II $150,000 El Encino and that had 'Luck's trainer Jerry Hollendorfer whining about taking her out of the state unless Santa Anita's track slows down. Boo hoo. What about Blind Lucks other loses, which took place back east? Is it possible she hasn't shown her 2010 form as of yet? 'Princess paid a nice $9.80 to her backers and is from the Bob Baffert barn. She was ridden perfectly by Rafael Bejarano.

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