The Santa Anita main track was quicker Saturday than the day before (at least in sprints), and speed continues to dominate – 7 of the 11 dirt races (all distances) have been won by the pacesetter.

Mongolian Groom earned a 110 Beyer Figure upsetting odds-on McKinzie (108) in the Grade 1 Awesome Again. Propelled by the speed-conducive surface, Mongolian Groom led throughout, a mile and one-eighth in 1:49.27. Higher Power (99) lost his chance when he stumbled at the start. He finished third.

Donna Veloce earned a 91 Beyer scoring a flashy debut victory in the fourth race. The 2-year-old filly won by nine and one-quarter lengths in 1:16.22. Atlhough the surface favored her front-running style, this Simon Callaghan-trained daughter of Uncle Mo is a good one.

Cleopatra’s Strike earned a 97 Beyer winning the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship, a mile and one-quarter on turf in 1:58.22. Runner-up Acclimate ran super in defeat, missing by a length after setting a blistering pace (1:09.75 six furlongs). Third-place finisher United wasted a perfect trip; he finished third while starting for the first time since mid-July. This handicapper’s top choice Grecian Fire did not fire at all.

Mirth earned a 94 Beyer stealing the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes for fillies and mares. She set the pace, slowed it down, and won in 1:58.47. Beau Recall, the favorite, ran a sub-23 final quarter-mile finishing a creditable second. Paved was dead on the board at 9-2, and ran accordingly. She finished last.

First post Sunday is 12:30.