Autumn Days Tests Newest Turf Course

For the second time in a year, Santa Anita will unveil a new turf course when Oak Tree begins its 27-day meeting this afternoon.

The $2.3-million turf-course rebuilding project of 1995 was a flop. There was too much sand thrown and a lot of grass was pulled up, leading to more money being spent over the summer.

The course now resembles a pool table. The surface is Bermuda grass, a warm-weather turf that won’t grow longer than 1 1/2 inches. The new top layer has a higher silt-clay content and less sand.

Early reviews of the layout have been favorable, and judging by its looks, early speed and fast times should be the norm.

“It looks pretty good,” said trainer Charlie Whittingham. “My horse [Del Mar Derby winner Rainbow Blues] traveled well over the course and looked good doing it.”

There will be two races on the grass today, including the traditional opening-day feature, the $100,000 Autumn Days Handicap at about 6 1/2 furlongs.

One of the most consistent females in the country, Track Gal, will be heavily favored against 10 opponents in the Autumn Days as she goes for her 12th win in 17 races.

Trained by John Sadler, the 5-year-old Track Barron mare has won four of five since her poor showing in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Uncomfortable on the slick surface at Belmont Park, she finished 11th in a field of 13, 18 lengths behind upset winner Desert Stormer.

A trip to Toronto for another shot at the Breeders’ Cup is probable if all goes well today for Track Gal. She has continued to train well since her five-length win in the Rancho Bernardo on Aug. 10 at Del Mar.

Chris McCarron will again be aboard Track Gal, who will carry 125 pounds, the highest impost of her career.

The field also includes the Marty Jones-trained entry of course specialist Ski Dancer and Tricky Code, Dixie Pearl, Evil’s Pic, Convertida, Bouche Bee, Cat’s Cradle, Distinguish Forum, Klassy Kim and Tabled With Saros.

Several other races with Breeders’ Cup implications will be staged this weekend. Oak Tree will offer seven stakes races Saturday and Sunday. The Oak Leaf, Oak Tree Breeders’ Cup Mile and Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap will be run Saturday. Sunday’s program will include the Lady’s Secret, Oak Tree Turf Championship, the Norfolk and the Ancient Title Breeders’ Cup Handicap.

Horse Racing Notes

A new roof was installed on the grandstand, more than $300,000 was spent on Clockers’ Corner and more than $650,000 worth of improvement work was done on the backside, the first extensive renovation of the barn area since 1990. . . . Post time is 1 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Smart Strike, who won six of eight starts, has been retired after suffering a fracture in his left front leg while working at Woodbine Monday morning. Earlier this year, the 4-year-old Mr. Prospector colt won the Salvator Mile and the Philip H. Iselin Handicap at Monmouth Park.

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Oak Tree At a Glance

RACING DATES: 27 days, Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 2-Nov. 4; special Monday racing Oct. 14.

POST TIME: 1 p.m. Oct. 2-25; 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27-Nov. 4; earlier Oct. 26 (Breeders’ Cup simulcast) and 12 noon Nov. 2 (California Cup Day).

MAJOR DATES: Oct. 5 $200,000 Oak Leaf Stakes; Oct. 6 $300,000 Oak Tree Turf Championship; Nov. 2 $1.1-million California Cup Day; Nov. 3 $600,000 Yellow Ribbon.