A Rematch Made in Heaven

If the showdown between Tates Creek and Voodoo Dancer in today’s $200,000 Las Palmas Handicap at Santa Anita is even half as good as their last one, racing fans are in for quite a treat.

The fillies to beat in the Grade II, one of two stakes on the closing day card, last got together in the Diana Handicap, also a Grade II, on July 27 at Saratoga. In an extremely tight finish, Tates Creek, a 7-2 shot, prevailed by a nose over Voodoo Dancer.

Since then, Tates Creek, who began her career in California, has won two of three, including a Grade III at Belmont, while Voodoo Dancer won the Palomar at Del Mar before finishing second to Golden Apples in the Yellow Ribbon here last month.

Today’s 1 1/8-mile turf race attracted eight others, but Surya and longshot Polaire are expected to be scratched. Noches De Rosa, I’m The Business, Desiraes My Candy, Tout Charmant, Crazy Ensign and Magic Mission round out the field.

About an hour earlier, course specialist El Cielo will make his first start since Jan. 26 against Eddie Read Handicap winner Sarafan and eight others in the $100,000 Morvich Handicap at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Race of the day: Century City, who won four of eight in Europe and once finished second to the brilliant Rock Of Gibraltar, heads the field in the $100,000 Bay Meadows Derby, the closing day feature.

Who’s hot: Is It True Mex. The gelding won for the 10th time in 15 starts on the turf on Oct. 26 and will make his graded stakes debut in the Morvich Handicap.

Who’s not: Liane Davis. The Illinois-based trainer is two for 47 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: Pick three singling J. Cash in the second, Gratis, Sir Bertrando and Mr. Powerful in the third and Irish Nip, Cat Flight, Rafid and Ice Prince in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/72. Money: Previous day/meet total: $37.80/$421.80. Total money bet: $442.