Got Koko Has a Chance to Turn a Double Play

Three weeks after winning the La Brea Stakes a year ago, Affluent won the El Encino, becoming the first filly to win the first two legs of the La Canada Series since Akinemod 12 years earlier.

Got Koko hopes to complete the same parlay today when she takes on eight other 4-year-old fillies in the $150,000 El Encino Stakes, a Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

A 17-1 shot when she flew late to win the seven-furlong La Brea going away, Got Koko could be favored today as she aims for her fifth win in nine career starts for trainer Bruce Headley, who co-owns the daughter of Signal Tap with Paul Leung.

Although some may view Got Koko, a Texas-bred, as a late-running sprinter, she has won twice at the El Encino distance.

She won an optional claimer at Hollywood Park last spring, then won the restricted Torrey Pines Stakes at Del Mar as an 8-1 shot.

Her opponents today include two fillies -- Bella Bellucci and Ms Louisett -- who finished behind her in the La Brea; Ile De France, who earned her first legitimate win in an allowance race last month at Hollywood Park; Glia, who will be making her California debut for trainer Bobby Frankel, and Churchill Downs Distaff Handicap runner-up Bare Necessities.

Owned by Flaxman Holdings, Ltd., Glia won twice in six starts on the turf in France, then won the Pebbles Handicap at Belmont Park in the fall in her first start on the main track.

The $114,000 race was moved from the turf to the dirt due to rain.

The El Encino field is completed by longshot Ponche De Leona; Adoration, who is returning to the dirt after finishing ninth in a field of 12 in the Monrovia Handicap, and Theresa’s Year.

Race of the day: Snowfire, who was second in the 1000 Guineas, a Group I at Newmarket in England, will make her U.S. debut for trainer Neil Drysdale in today’s second at Santa Anita. Kent Desormeaux will ride the 4-year-old Machiavellian filly in the $52,000 allowance at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Who’s hot: Steve Asmussen. The nation’s leader in training wins in 2002 leads the trainer standings at the Fair Grounds and is winning at a 27% rate.

Who’s not: Sam David Jr. The trainer was one for his first 38 at the Fair Grounds.

Exotically speaking: An exacta box in the ninth using Extra Beat, Vronsky and Pacific Colony.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/53. Money: Previous day/meet total: $9.40/$303. Total money bet: $324.