Alozaina Tries to Stop Skid

After competing, and losing, in seven consecutive stakes on turf -- two of them Grade I races -- the Irish-bred filly Alozaina drops in class in today’s third at Santa Anita, a $56,000 allowance at one mile on the grass.

Owned by Arnold Zetcher and trained by Ron McAnally, Alozaina banked more than $164,000 last year even though she was winless. She has trained well since finishing fifth in the San Gorgonio Handicap on Jan. 11.

Alex Solis will ride the filly for the first time; she will break from the rail in the field of nine.

In one of the two other turf races on the card, Kappa King will make his first start since Aug. 24 for trainer Bobby Frankel. The 6-year-old Kingmambo horse won in his U.S. debut last spring at Hollywood Park after being sidelined for eight months. He will also be ridden by Solis.

Race of the day: Who Loves Aleyna, who was second to Habibti in the 2001 Del Mar Debutante, will make her first start since that Grade I in today’s second at Santa Anita. She figures to be favored in the field of five fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs.

Who’s hot: Nina’s Taxing. The 4-year-old Batonnier filly is trying for her fifth win in a row in today’s third at Golden Gate Fields. She is stepping up to the $12,500 level after being claimed for $8,000 by trainer Manuel Calvario.

Who’s not: Ron Spatz and Charles Harvatt. The two trainers are a combined two for 57 at Gulfstream Park.

Exotically speaking: A pick all singling Throwin Heat in the first, Who Loves Aleyna in the second and Alozaina in the third, The Castle and Magic Smoke in the fourth, Dancing Banner and Rebel Rage in the fifth, singling Better Place in the sixth, Kappa King and Lord Jim in the seventh and Culley and Speed To Speed in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/174. Money: Previous day/meet total: $17.80/$978.80. Total money bet: $1,062.