Hot Property, Even in Defeat

For the first time in her life, Xtra Heat has lost two races in succession.

The 3-year-old Dixieland Heat filly has hardly lost any luster, though, considering how well she ran in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Belmont Park and the Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial at Laurel.

Racing males in the Grade I events, she was beaten by half a length running second to Squirtle Squirt in the Breeders’ Cup, then won the pace battle but lost the race in the DeFrancis, finishing third behind stretch runners Delaware Township and Early Flyer.

Owned by a partnership that includes trainer John Salzman, Xtra Heat will be heavily favored to win for the 18th time in her 23 starts when she races seven opponents in the $75,000 Garland of Roses Handicap at Aqueduct.

Jockey Harry Vega, who rode the filly for the first time in the DeFrancis, has the return call on Xtra Heat, who is perfect in two starts on Aqueduct’s inner dirt course.

Another filly who has done even more winning than Xtra Heat--against far inferior competition--will also be in action this afternoon.

A week after she humbled her own gender on the turf, Hallowed Dreams will try for her 26th victory in 28 starts when she races the boys in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint at six furlongs.

Co-owned and trained by Lloyd Romero, the 4-year-old daughter of Malagra will try for her seventh win in as many tries at the New Orleans Fair Grounds. She is 12 for 14 at six furlongs.

Race of the day: Although it was weakened by the scratches of Misanello and Disguys Dalimit, today’s fifth at Hollywood Park is an interesting sprint for older claimers running for a $40,000 tag. Sing Because and Waki American are both Hollywood Park specialists, A Touch Of Grey and Black Mercury are threats from behind and the other five runners are certainly capable of contending.

Who’s hot: Russell Baze. The rider surpassed 400 victories for 2001 when he won on 6-1 shot Golden Peace in Thursday’s third race at Golden Gate Fields. It was the ninth time in his career that Baze has had at least 400 wins in a year.

Who’s not: Triplaymate. The 2-year-old Synastry filly, who will run in today’s sixth at Golden Gate, has yet to finish better than fifth in six starts and her average margin of defeat has been nearly 17 lengths.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the fifth at Hollywood Park keying Sing Because on top of Waki American, A Touch Of Grey and Black Mercury in the two and three spots.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/52. Money (previous day/meet): $31.80/$289.60. Total money bet: $394.