Cottage Looks to Stay Hot

Congaree is coming off an impressive victory in the Cigar Mile on Nov. 30 at Aqueduct but the 5-year-old son of Arazi isn’t the hottest horse in today’s $150,000 San Pasqual Handicap at Santa Anita.

The honor belongs to Cottage, one of nine others scheduled to run in the first prep for the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap on March 1. It is also the fifth leg of a pick six with a carryover of $97,864.

A 5-year-old bred in Argentina by Janis Whitham, owned by Farfellow Farms and trained by Bill Spawr, Cottage has won his last three after finishing eighth in his U.S. debut on the turf July 28 at Del Mar.

Second and third in Group 1 races in his native country, the son of Ibero will get tested for class in the San Pasqual, which is run at 1 1/16 miles.

Race of the day: California Cup Distaff winner Nicole’s Pursuit heads a field of eight California-bred fillies and mares going a mile on the turf in the $100,000-added Pro Or Con Handicap today.

Who’s hot: Russell Baze. The country’s leading rider in 2002 won the last four races on the card on Thursday at Golden Gate Fields.

Who’s not: Terry Doucet. The Louisiana-based trainer ended last year with one win from 56 starters.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Spend Spend Spend and Grand Visions in the first, singling Kalookan Star in the second and using Shalini, Calzada Kid, Nicole’s Pursuit and Top Of Our Game in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/18. Money: Previous day/meet total: $4.20/93.20. Total money bet: $138.