Closing Act Is San Juan

Although it is a Grade I, the San Juan Capistrano Handicap, the longest race of the Santa Anita winter-spring meet at about 1 3/4 miles, hasn’t had many, if any, top fields in recent years.

The marathon that has produced some of the greatest moments in the track’s history -- the late John Longden’s final victory in his last ride aboard George Royal in 1966, Bill Shoemaker’s front-running masterpiece aboard Olden Times in 1962 and the late Charlie Whittingham’s five consecutive victories between 1983-87 -- has lost much of its appeal.

There is nothing about the 64th San Juan on the final program of the 85-day meet that will restore any of the shine.

The field of nine doesn’t include a single Grade I winner and the highweight will carry only 117 pounds.

Champion Lodge, an Irish-bred, is the highweight based upon his victory in last month’s San Luis Rey Handicap over a yielding surface he obviously relished.

Other prime contenders include Nazirali, Delta Form and Adminniestrator.

Race of the day: Lacie Girl, a winner of six of eight for co-owner and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, will make her first start on the turf in today’s $60,000 Woodside Handicap at five furlongs at Bay Meadows.

Who’s hot: Brent Sumja. The trainer won with seven of his first 21 starters at Bay Meadows.

Who’s not: Macario Rodriguez. The jockey lost with 34 of his first 35 mounts at Bay Meadows.

Exotically speaking: An exacta box in the fifth using Solitario, Thundermann and Vacamonte.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/244. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26.80/$1,367.80. Total money bet: $1,446.