Buddy Gil Tries to End Skid

More than a year has passed since Buddy Gil won the Santa Anita Derby, beating longshot Indian Express by a head and capping a run of three consecutive stakes wins during the 2002-03 winter-spring meet.

Since then, the Eastern Echo gelding hasn’t come close to winning a race.

He was sixth in the Kentucky Derby in his next appearance, and after being sidelined for several months, has returned to run ninth in the Malibu Stakes, 10th in the Strub and sixth in the Santa Anita Handicap.

Hoping to get out of his funk, the 4-year-old and jockey Alex Solis will try a non-graded race today at Santa Anita, a $65,000 optional claimer at one mile. The race is the third on a twilight card that begins at 3 p.m.

Completing the field are Royal Place, Crisantemo, Fly To The Wire and Touch The Wire.

Race of the day: Roar Emotion, who was blitzed by Sightseek in the Rampart Handicap at Gulfstream Park on March 14, will try to get back on track in today’s $100,000 Doubledogdare at Keeneland. The 1 1/16-mile race attracted 10 other fillies and mares, including La Canada Stakes winner Cat Fighter.

One for the road: Ruthless Babe should improve with a race under her belt in today’s 10th at Keeneland, a $50,000 maiden affair at 6 1/2 furlongs. The Grand Slam filly was the beaten choice in her debut at Gulfstream Park but has trained well locally for trainer Patrick Biancone. Shane Sellers has the mount.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Justwhatineeded and Crimson Delight in the sixth, Victory Song, Tangled Up In Blue and Sutter Street in the seventh, Tell No Tales in the eighth and Minister Blair, Street Theatre and Exaggerate This in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/241. Money: Previous day/meet total: $28/$1,301.20. Total money bet: $1,394.