Double Cat Tries Dirt

Double Cat, who has the pedigree to be a special filly, has won three of four in a career that began more than a year ago. She’ll try to improve on that record when she breaks from the rail in today’s eighth at Belmont Park, a $50,000 allowance at one mile.

A 4-year-old daughter of Storm Cat out of the stakes-winning mare Hollywood Wildcat, Double Cat is owned and bred by Irving and Marjorie Cowan, who also raced Hollywood Wildcat, and trained by Neil Drysdale. Double Cat was beaten by Tamara Princess in her career debut at Hollywood Park on July 11, 2001, but hasn’t lost since.

Today’s race will be her first on dirt since her debut. Jerry Bailey has the mount.

Race of the day: Endless Summer, hampered by a slow start in his U.S. debut for trainer Bobby Frankel, tries again in today’s seventh, a $51,000 allowance at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Who’s hot: Trainer Steve Asmussen. He closed Lone Star Park’s meet with a flourish Sunday. He won seven of the day’s 14 races to finish with 95 victories, 12 more than Cole Norman. Asmussen is also the country’s leading trainer in terms of wins with 224 through Monday.

Who’s not: The field in today’s 10th at Solano. The 13 original entrants in the maiden race for Arabians are 0 for 96.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using It Was Meant To Be, Shuffling Kid, Crooked Key, Classic Brief, Road To Justice and Rainman’s Request in the fifth, singling Stole My Heart in the sixth, Endless Summer in the seventh and using T’s Cafe, Conquistador Lad and Runninwithscissors in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/162. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13.60/$916.80. Total money bet: $1,050.