It’s a Day for 3-Year-Olds

Although all of the five entrants have done nothing more than win a maiden race, there will be a lot of interest in today’s second at Santa Anita, a $56,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

The race is for 3-year-olds, and at this time of year, that age group is where the eyes of racing are focused.

Whether any of the participants in the second half of the early double are Santa Anita or Kentucky Derby timber will be determined today; the likely favorite is Atswhatimtalknabout.

A $900,000 purchase a year ago by trainer Ron Ellis for owner B. Wayne Hughes, the A.P. Indy colt made an auspicious debut on Jan. 4. Far back for most of the six furlongs after breaking slowly, he used a powerful late surge to get up and win by a half-length as the 3-2 favorite.

Stretched out to a mile three weeks later, he was third, 2 1/2 lengths behind Apalachian Thunder. He worked six furlongs in 1:11 2/5 11 days ago.

Nation Wide News, who finished half a length in front of Atswhatimtalknabout in his first race around two turns, is on the rail. He has speed for trainer Dave Hofmans but figures to be challenged early by recent maiden winners During and Buckland Manor.

Race of the day: Sumitas, who hasn’t won since Oct. 26, 2001, is the 117-pound highweight in the $75,000 San Marino Handicap at 1 1/4 miles on the turf.

Who’s hot: Chad Schvaneveldt. The jockey is fourth in the standings at Golden Gate Fields and only perennial leader Russell Baze is winning at a higher percentage than Schvaneveldt’s 19% clip.

Who’s not: Eduardo Nunez. The jockey lost with 90 of his first 93 mounts at Gulfstream Park.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Kolob and Comstock King in the third, Dig For It and Hotel Hall in the fourth and Requete, Weed Runner and Hataab in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/107. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15/$632.40. Total money bet: $702.