In this biweekly series, racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson highlights promising horses from his handicapping watch list. This week's report reviews recent performances and previews upcoming races for several contenders who are showing significant potential. Notable performances include impressive victories by Rodriguez, Barnes, and Richi, as well as strong efforts by Romanesque and Eagles Flight.

Rising Stars at Santa Anita

Santa Anita has been a hotbed of activity for up-and-coming talent. Trainer Bob Baffert’s stable continues to produce promising young horses, with Rodriguez and Barnes leading the charge. Both have demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance, setting the stage for what could be stellar futures. Meanwhile, Richi, a multiple Group 1 winner in Chile, made her mark in the United States with a commanding victory in the Las Flores Stakes.

Rodriguez, a son of the 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, showed remarkable improvement in his second start. After finishing second in his debut sprint, he dominated a one-mile maiden special weight race, winning by seven lengths. His performance was particularly noteworthy as it surpassed even seasoned performers like Mirahmadi. Similarly, Barnes impressed in his stakes debut, pulling away to win by 5.5 lengths in the San Vicente (G2). These performances suggest that both horses are on track to become graded stakes contenders. Richi, despite being new to the U.S., showcased her international pedigree by defeating a top-tier competitor in Pleasant, finishing in a sharp time of 1:09.05. Her versatility and resilience make her a horse to watch in the coming season.

Potential Contenders from Gulfstream Park and Oaklawn

The Gulfstream Park and Oaklawn tracks also produced some standout performances. Guns Loaded and Kale’s Angel displayed grit and determination, though their paths were not without challenges. Guns Loaded secured a narrow victory in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, while Kale’s Angel fought gamely despite unfavorable conditions in the Smarty Jones Stakes.

Guns Loaded, after an impressive maiden win at Churchill Downs, maintained his momentum at Gulfstream Park. He set early fractions before holding off a late challenge to win by a neck. The runner-up finished a comfortable distance ahead of the rest, indicating that Guns Loaded is ready for bigger challenges. At Oaklawn, Kale’s Angel faced a tough stretch in the Smarty Jones Stakes, where he was stretched out three furlongs beyond his usual distance. Despite this, he battled hard to finish just a neck behind second place. Shortening the distance should help him regain his form. Additionally, Bishops Bay, although finishing second, showed promise in his comeback effort at Oaklawn, setting quick fractions and battling tenaciously until the end. Silent Law, however, struggled and was dropped from the watch list after two consecutive defeats. Overall, these performances highlight the depth and diversity of talent emerging in 2025.