Nunatall Tries to Win West

Although it is only a $70,000 optional claimer, the seventh race at Santa Anita today is almost like a stakes.

In fact, Nunatall, the 3-1 favorite on Jeff Tufts’ morning line, was last seen running in the Garden City Breeders’ Cup Handicap, a Grade 1, at Belmont Park on Sept. 8. The 4-year-old Night Shift filly is one of several contenders in the one-mile turf contest.

Owned by Ed Gann and trained by Bobby Frankel, Nunatall has won twice in seven starts since arriving from France, but those victories came in New York. She is winless in four starts in California. She will be ridden for the first time this afternoon by Patrick Valenzuela.

Another French import, Adalgisa, will be trying for her fourth win in five races for Julio Canani, who trains the Spinning World filly for a partnership that includes Bob Beck.

Race of the day: Fourteen fillies and mares were entered in the $40,000-added Just A Little Kiss Handicap, the closing day feature at Calder Race Course in Florida.

Who’s hot: Bob Hess Jr. After blanking at Hollywood Park, the trainer won with three of his first five starters at Santa Anita.

Who’s not: Bob Hess Sr. The trainer was only three for 41 at Golden Gate Fields.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Lunarco in the sixth, using Nunatall, Garden In The Rain, Bush Triumph and Adalgisa in the seventh and Jaklin’s Last Kin, Pool Music and Ben Saw San in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/15. Money: Previous day/meet total: $25.40/$76. Total money bet: $106.