This Snowflake Is Hot

When Snowflake arrived in the United States late last year, the Irish-bred filly was a maiden with 11 losses.

One of the defeats, however, came in a Group I. She was second in the Nassau Stakes on Aug. 4 at Goodwood in England, beaten 11/2 lengths by Lailani at 25-1. Lailani later came to this country, won a Grade I at Belmont Park, then was the beaten favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

Three races into her U.S. career, Snowflake is no longer a maiden. She hasn’t lost since joining the Ron McAnally barn.

Owned by Robert and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable, the 4-year-old Caerleon filly will seek her fourth consecutive victory in today’s seventh at Hollywood Park. An optional claimer at 11/16 miles on the turf, the $58,000 race is part of a pick six that has a carryover of $102,812.

Snowflake made her American debut Feb. 10, winning a sprint down the Santa Anita hillside by 21/2 lengths. She returned in March to win an allowance at a mile by a neck at 17-10, then overcame trouble to win at a mile as the 7-10 favorite.

Race of the day: Thunderello, a 3-year-old son of Montbrook, will make his first start this year in today’s seventh at Belmont Park. In his two races in 2001, Thunderello was a close second to Mayakovsky, then broke his maiden by 141/4 lengths Sept. 1 at Saratoga.

Who’s hot: Steve Specht. The trainer has won with eight of 22 starters at Bay Meadows.

Who’s not: The field in today’s 10th at Churchill Downs. The 13 original entrants are a combined 0 for 47.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Heavenly Reign and Discover Me in the first, singling Continental Miss in the second and using Topaz Jewel, the entry of Star Nine-Elite Nine, Alpine Singer, America’s Princess and Legend In Disguise.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/26. Money: Previous day/meet total: $4.80/$137.40. Total money bet: $190.