Congaree on Hot Streak

Arguably the top older horse in the country, Congaree will be a short price to win his third in a row in today’s $250,000 San Antonio Handicap at Santa Anita.

The final prep for the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap on March 1, the San Antonio, a Grade II at 1 1/8 miles, also attracted Fleetstreet Dancer, Piensa Sonando, Cottage, defending Big ‘Cap champ Milwaukee Brew and Pleasantly Perfect.

Owned by Robert and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable and trained by Bob Baffert, Congaree, a 5-year-old son of Arazi, has been extremely impressive in his last two races.

After an ill-fated turf debut in the Oak Tree Breeders’ Cup Mile -- he finished seventh at 9-10 -- Congaree returned to the dirt in the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. A 9-2 shot, he blitzed a quality field by 5 1/2 lengths and completed the distance in a rapid 1:33.

Then, in his first start of the new year, the chestnut, who finished third in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 2001, dominated his eight foes in the San Pasqual, winning by six lengths at 4-5.

He will probably be a shorter price today and holds a distinct pace advantage.

Race of the day: Weatherman and General Jack, a couple of fast-working first-time starters, are among 11 maidens scheduled to go seven furlongs in today’s sixth at Santa Anita.

Who’s hot: Disguys Dalimit. The 8-year-old gelding will try to run his win streak to five in today’s fifth at Santa Anita. Now owned by Salah Mudarris and trained by Ahmad Salih, Disguys Dalimit has 12 wins in his career and six have come in Arcadia.

Who’s not: Alex Paskeicz and William Cox. The trainers, who are based in Northern California, are a combined 0 for 45 at Golden Gate Fields.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Casual Thunder in the third, using Underpinning, Lake Ray and Blue Seti in the fourth and Rapidough, Alfurune, Disguys Dalimit and Hezacatseye in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/80. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11/$481. Total money bet: $496.