SANTA ANITA : More Horses, Fewer Stars in Big ‘Cap

Not too long ago, the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap was shaping up as the best race in the early portion of 1995.

The 1 1/4-mile Grade I event was to feature the California debut of Holy Bull, whose expected challengers included Wekiva Springs, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Concern, Preakness and Belmont Stakes hero Tabasco Cat and the veteran Best Pal.

Now, two days before the 58th Big ‘Cap, Best Pal is the only one of those stars who will run. Holy Bull has been retired, Wekiva Springs and Tabasco Cat are out of action and Concern is preparing for his first start of the year in Sunday’s $200,000 New Orleans Handicap at the Fair Grounds.

The absence of the others has left a field that won’t go down in history as one of the finest in Santa Anita Handicap history. Early in the week, it looked as if only six horses would start, but the uncertain weather conditions have prompted others to consider running.

The Golden Eagle Farm entry of Best Pal and Dramatic Gold, Dare And Go, Nancys French Fry, Urgent Request and Johann Quatz have been set to go for some time, but they could be joined by as many as four others.

Trainer Paco Gonzalez worried on Sunday that he wouldn’t be able to run Del Mar Dennis if the gelding didn’t get to work on a fast track. The skies cleared the past three days and Del Mar Dennis was able to work a half-mile in 47 2/5 Wednesday morning on a good main track.

Numerous, from the Charlie Whittingham barn, is scheduled to be entered this morning and his connections are hoping for a sloppy track. The 4-year-old, whose main claim to fame is a victory in the 1993 Derby Trial on a sloppy surface, was beaten as the 7-5 favorite in an allowance sprint a week ago.

The other possibilities are Puzar, who is the 7-5 favorite in an allowance race on today’s card, and College Town, the winner of Sunday’s Arcadia Handicap.

If Puzar does start in the Big ‘Cap, he will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux. Goncalino Almeida will be aboard Numerous and Laffit Pincay has a return engagement on College Town. Chris Antley will ride Del Mar Dennis.

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Queens Court Queen, who has blossomed at age 6 with victories in the San Gorgonio, Santa Maria and Santa Margarita in succession, injured her left front ankle when winning the latter on Feb. 26.

“It’s just a little filling in her ankle,” trainer Ron McAnally said. “I just spoke with (owner) Mr. (Alex) Campbell and he’s sending one of his vets from Kentucky to scan her and see if there is any problem.”

Horse Racing Notes

Stoller, ridden by Pat Valenzuela and trained by Lewis Cenicola, held off Regal Rowdy to win the $79,950 San Marino Handicap on Wednesday at Santa Anita.