Rocky Plains Turns It Around

Rocky Plains, a 3-year-old Trail City colt, was a maiden when Santa Anita’s winter-spring season began on Dec. 26.

With a victory today, the California-bred could earn claimer-of-the-meet honors.

A loser of his first five races as a 2-year-old, Rocky Plains can pick up his fourth win since Jan. 8 when he takes on six others in today’s fourth, a $20,000 claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs, at Santa Anita.

Owned by Curt and Lila Lanning and trained by Ed Moger Jr. for most of last year, Rocky Plains won twice for trainer Steve Knapp and will be trying for his second win for current conditioner Ted H. West today.

After missing by a head to Rave Party in a $32,000 claimer on April 2, Rocky Plains is dropping to his lowest level since Jan. 25 against Ice Lemon And Rum, Crown Fever, Fortune Catcher, Five Wild Cats, Agro and Star Tel. Javier Santiago, who rode the colt for the first time 12 days ago, retains the mount.

Later on the card, Light Jig, who was impressive winning her U.S. debut for Juddmonte Farms and trainer Bobby Frankel, will face six opponents in the seventh, a $56,000 allowance at one mile on the turf.

Race of the day: Minister Eric, who is still being aimed for the Kentucky Derby, will try for his first win since Aug. 24 in today’s seventh, a $54,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles, at Keeneland. Alex Solis will ride the Old Trieste colt for owner Gerald Ford’s Diamond A Racing Corp. and trainer Richard Mandella.

One for the road: Richie’s Future, a 3-year-old Personal Flag colt, debuts in a weak field for trainer Bruce Levine in today’s sixth, a $41,000 New York-bred maiden race at six furlongs, at Aqueduct. Aaron Gryder will ride the $22,000 purchase.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Atten Hut, Kissin Ty and General Fox in the fifth, Roman Governor, Lessur and Archie’s Dream in the sixth, Light Jig in the seventh and Harbor Princess, Queen Sheba, Avalanche Bay and Baja Dancer in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/233. Money: Previous day/meet total: $17.60/$1,261.20. Total money bet: $1,362.