He Has a Claim to Fame
One of Southern California’s more popular claiming horses will make his first start of the year in today’s sixth race at Santa Anita.
Copelan’s Eagle, who turned 12 on New Year’s Day, will run his 68th race in the six-furlong dash for $10,000 claimers, shooting for his 15th victory.
Owned by a partnership that includes Lemalu Stable and trained by A.C. Avila, the gelded son of Copelan, who was bred in California by Farrell Jones and began his career racing for Richard Mandella, is the 3-1 second choice in a field of 10. Twelve were entered, but Sarigor and Town Gambler were scratched Thursday.
Winless in 13 starts in 2000, Copelan’s Eagle found his second wind last year. The bay won three times and was second six times in 13 races. In his final five races as an 11-year-old, he won twice and was second three times, losing by a neck to Big Team Spirit when last seen in Arcadia on Nov. 4.
Omar Berrio, his longtime jockey, will be aboard today. In 36 starts at the Arcadia track, Copelan’s Eagle has won nine times and finished in the top three 23 times.
The 5-2 favorite is J. Cash, a 5-year-old gelded son of Present Value who is taking a steep drop in class for trainer Bob Hess Jr. Claimed for $32,000 July 27 at Del Mar, he won his first race for his new outfit, but has been well beaten in two subsequent starts. He hasn’t run since Nov. 23.
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Race of the day: Seven competitive sprinters will run in the third at six furlongs. Misanello, who was overmatched in the El Conejo, is the 5-2 favorite as he goes for his third win in five starts since being claimed by Barry Abrams.
Who’s hot: Is It True Mex? A winner of three of 24 on the main track, the 6-year-old gelding has found a home on the turf. He is five for five on grass and will shoot for a sixth consecutive win in today’s opener at 41/2 furlongs at Golden Gate Fields.
Who’s not: Lodi Renegade. Beaten by 26 lengths running against $8,000 maiden fillies in her last start, the daughter of Banquet Table steps up to the $25,000 level looking for her 12th loss in today’s fourth at Golden Gate.
Exotically speaking: A pick four using Follow My Heineken and Lunar Surprise in the fifth, Copelan’s Eagle and Jim’s Relaunch in the sixth, Eye Pea Oh and Pacing The Cage in the seventh and Campaign Andover, Shesmyhucklebery and Gamblin Town in the eighth.
Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/34. Money: Previous day/meet total: $34/$234.60. Total money bet: $206.