SANTA ANITA : Star Of Cozzene to Go for Fifth in Row

Seven horses were entered in the $134,000 El Rincon Handicap today at Santa Anita, but the one-mile turf race figures to be a match between Val Des Bois and Star Of Cozzene.

Star Of Cozzene, who has been resting since his fourth consecutive victory, in the San Marcos Handicap on Jan. 23, will be trying to make it consecutive successful Saturdays for trainer Mark Hennig. A week ago, Hennig, who turns 28 today, won the Santa Anita Derby with Personal Hope.

After a nondescript campaign in France, Star Of Cozzene returned to the United States and ran ninth in the Arlington Million, then was given some time off, returning Nov. 19 at Hollywood Park. He won that day, then scored three more victories, one in the San Gabriel Handicap on New Year’s Day.

If he comes out of today’s race in good shape, Star Of Cozzene will return in the Early Times Turf Classic April 30 at Churchill Downs, a race that is also expected to attract Hollywood Derby winner Paradise Creek and Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Lure. The Classic is part of a series that includes races at Pimlico on May 14 and Belmont Park on June 6.

“He’s doing super,” Hennig said. “He got a little breather and he’s coming back strong. He’s trained well and is ready to roll.”

In his first start of the year, Val Des Bois was the victim of one of the most controversial disqualifications in recent memory. The 7-year-old Bellypha horse won by 3 1/2 lengths, but was dropped back to third for interference in mid-stretch.

Pat Valenzuela will replace Corey Nakatani on Val Des Bois for trainer Bobby Frankel. He is the 8-5 second morning-line choice--Star Of Cozzene is 6-5--and will carry 118 pounds, four less than the favorite.

Horse Racing Notes

Offshore Pirate, a $32,000 claim by trainer Darrell Vienna, is the 5-2 morning-line favorite for the $250,000 California Derby at Golden Gate Fields. David Flores will again ride the Pirate’s Bounty colt. Others entered, in post position order: Denmars Dream, Tacit Wine, Der Rosenkavalier, Elkhart, Fort Rollins, Star Of The Eagle, Nostalgically, Jazz’n Hot, Twenty Is Plenty and Monogamous.