Not Foreign to Victory

A winner of four of nine in France, Inesperado has improved his win percentage considerably since arriving in the United States.

Owned by 3 Plus U Stable and trained by Bobby Frankel, the 3-year-old son of Zayyani is perfect in three starts, all graded stakes. He’ll try to run his victory streak to four in today’s $150,000 Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita.

After beginning his California career with a nose victory over Regiment in the Cinema Breeders’ Cup Handicap on June 30 at Hollywood Park, Inesperado won twice at Del Mar. He rallied to win despite a very slow pace in a four-horse field in the La Jolla Handicap, then came from 10 lengths back to take the Del Mar Derby.

A loser only once in five tries at the Oak Tree Derby distance of 1 1/8 miles, Inesperado is the 9-5 favorite against eight others, including stablemate Royal Gem. A Royal Academy colt, he has won two of three on the turf but has been idle since finishing third in the Forerunner at Keeneland on April 17.

A race before the Oak Tree Derby, Grant Marty A Wish will try to remain unbeaten in four starts when she moves into allowance company for the first time. After breaking her maiden against $12,500 foes at Solano, the Beautiful Crown filly was claimed for that amount by trainer John Ivory for a partnership and she earned two easy victories -- and about five times her purchase price -- at Del Mar.

Race of the day: Big Score, a 2-year-old Grand Slam filly, will try for her fourth win in as many starts for trainer Steve Asmussen in today’s $150,000 Astarita at Belmont Park.

Who’s hot: Nick Canani. After failing to have a winner at Del Mar, the trainer won with three of his first six starters at Oak Tree, including Night Patrol, who took last weekend’s Oak Tree Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Who’s not: Rudy Rodriguez. The jockey, based in New York, is one for 68 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Sweet Olympio in the first, using Cease Span and Aetha in the second and Jimmy Z, Earl Of Danby, Cottage, Jekyll and Hyde and Hotel Hall in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/24. Money: Previous day/meet total: $35/$139.40. Total money bet: $156.