He Can’t Be Denied, Except by Stewards

Since joining the Jeff Mullins barn this spring, Denied has been almost perfect.

A 5-year-old Bertrando gelding owned by Bluefield USA Inc., Denied has crossed the wire first in all five of his races on the turf for Mullins.

One of the victories was taken away at Del Mar on a controversial call by the stewards, who placed him second for alleged interference with Designed For Luck near the finish line.

Never worse than third in an 11-race career that began with trainer Bob Baffert, Denied will make his first graded stakes appearance on turf in today’s $150,000 San Gabriel Handicap at 1 1/8 miles.

A Grade II that will be run for the 57th time, the San Gabriel attracted eight others and is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $151,840.

The 8-5 morning line favorite in the main event is Redattore.

Owned by Luis Alfredo Taunay and trained by Richard Mandella, the 8-year-old Brazilian bred, who could be making his final start today, earned his 14th lifetime victory by winning the Citation Handicap last month at Hollywood Park.

A three-time winner over the local turf course, Redattore will break from the outside post and Alex Solis will ride.

Other contenders in the San Gabriel are the Bobby Frankel-trained duo of Blue Steller and Fateful Dream, and Continental Red.

Race of the day: Wildcat Shoes, who has won two of three starts for trainer Jinks Fires, will take on seven other 2-year-olds in the $60,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes at the Fair Grounds.

One for the road: Full Spectrum should improve the second time after a layoff for high-percentage trainer Tom Amoss in today’s eighth, a $36,000 optional claimer for fillies and mares at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf, at the Fair Grounds. The 4-year-old Broad Brush filly has been first or second in four of five starts on the Fair Grounds turf.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Blue Boat, Golden Dragon and Golden Arrow in the second, California Goal in the third, and Ice It Honey, Capeable Cat, Yogi’s, Sharpened Copy and Taylor’s Series in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/5. Money: Previous day/meet total: $9.60/$26.60. Total money bet: $36.