Ticker Tape Might Lead Parade

Ticker Tape, who beat Mambo Slew for the first time in three meetings in the China Doll on March 18, will try to even the score when the two 3-year-old fillies get together again in today’s $100,000 Providencia Stakes at one mile on the turf at Santa Anita. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $578,231.

Trained by Jim Cassidy for a partnership that includes Jim Ford, Ticker Tape, a daughter of British sire Royal Applause, finished second to Mambo Slew in the Miesque in her U.S. debut Nov. 28 and in the Blue Norther here Jan. 14 before winning the China Doll by three-quarters of a length. Kent Desormeaux will again ride Ticker Tape, who has won three of 10 and has been worse than third only twice.

Owned by Frank Manganaro and trained by Patrick Biancone, Mambo Slew had won three in a row on the grass before the loss last month.

Mike Smith will be aboard.

Race of the day: Fantastic Spain, a half-brother to the multiple-stakes-winning mare Spain, will make his first start since an impressive debut victory June 14 at Hollywood Park, in today’s fifth, a $52,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, at Santa Anita.

One for the road: The Midnight Skier debuts for trainer Bob Klesaris after a claim in today’s fifth, a $30,000 claimer for 3-year-olds at a mile and 70 yards at Gulfstream Park.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Tizakitty in the sixth, Aetha, Latronica and Imgunabeinpictures in the seventh, Ticker Tape, Mambo Slew and Amorama in the eighth and Redmeansgo, Missed Connection and Hidden Image in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/231. Money: Previous day/meet total: $25.20/$1,243.60. Total money bet: $1,342.