Small Field for Big Race
With Habibti and You absent, the first local stakes of 2002 for 3-year-old fillies did not attract much of a field.
Only four are scheduled to go in the $100,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes and Bella Bella Bella will be the prohibitive favorite.
Purchased privately by Barry Irwin and Jeff Siegel’s Team Valor after her maiden win on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita, Bella Bella Bella won in her initial start for her new connections and in her first for trainer Jenine Sahadi last month at Hollywood Park.
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The Santa Ysabel will be run as the third race, so it will not be part of a pick six that has a $166,344.72 carryover after Saturday’s parade of longshot winners at Santa Anita.
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Race of the day: The sixth race, for 3-year-old maiden fillies, has seven first-time starters.
Who’s hot: Forest Heiress. The 3-year-old Forest Wildcat filly is four for five in her career and aims for her fourth stakes win in today’s $100,000 Old Hat at Gulfstream Park.
Who’s not: Ledbetter Heights and Smart In Art. Between them, the two geldings are a combined 0 for 27 since the beginning of 2000. They’ll try to end their losing streaks in today’s second at Golden Gate Fields.
Exotically speaking: Exacta boxes in the fourth keying C D Cruzer with Constraint, Armed ‘N Crafty, Lift Off and Pacific Song.
Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/25. Money: Previous day/meet total: $4.20/$169.00. Total money bet: $156.