P Town John Gets Another Test

A winner of his last three at Del Mar and Fairplex Park, P Town John will try to keep his streak going in his Santa Anita debut today in the $75,000 Cavonnier at seven furlongs.

The Cavonnier, for 2-year-olds, is one of two stakes on the card for state breds. The $75,000 Cover Gal, also at seven furlongs, has a field of seven after Garden Whimsy and Coke’s Melody were scratched Tuesday morning.

Owned by Golden State Racing LLC and trained by Jeff Bonde, P Town John, a gelded son of Smokester, was fifth of eight in his bow on July 4 at Pleasanton but has been perfect since shipping south.

Purchased for $30,000 in May at Barretts, the dark bay beat $40,000 maidens on Aug. 4 at Del Mar, then won a starter allowance there 17 days later before winning the Beau Brummel at the county fair. Frank Alvarado will ride.

Bonde is also scheduled to start Winter Squall in the Cavonnier. A son of Unaccounted For, he was most recently third in the I’m Smokin Stakes on Sept. 8 at Del Mar. He will be ridden by Gary Stevens.

The filly to beat in the Cover Gal is House of Fortune, an impressive maiden winner for owner Arnold Zetcher and trainer Ron McAnally on Sept. 6 at Del Mar. She will break from the rail under jockey Alex Solis, who was aboard for her eight-length win.

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Race of the day: Sharp Miss, who has won seven of 16, will make her local debut and first start for trainer Lonnie Arterburn in the third at Santa Anita. The 3-year-old filly will be ridden by David Flores in the $62,500 claimer at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

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One for the road: Raffie’s Storm will appreciate a return to Belmont Park as she seeks her third lifetime win in the sixth. The 3-year-old Raffie’s Majesty filly has been first and second in her two local starts and could be a pick six single on a card that has a carry-over of $57,840.

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Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the fifth keying Slew Is King on top with George’s Stick and Nice Choice in the two hole and all in the third spot.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 7/7. Money: Previous day/meet total: $28.40/$28.40. Total money bet: $20.