Binya Tries Keeneland Turf

Successful in her first two races in the U.S. at Gulfstream Park, Binya will try to keep her streak going over a different turf course today at Keeneland.

A 5-year-old Royal Solo mare trained by Kiaran McLaughlin for owner Joe Allen, Binya heads a field of 10 in the $100,000 Bewitch, a Grade III at 1 1/2 miles.

Bred in Germany, Binya won three of nine in her homeland and France before she was sent to this country late last year. She won an allowance race by 3 1/4 lengths in her first Gulfstream start Jan. 16, then returned six weeks later to take the Very One by 2 1/4 lengths. John Velazquez will ride the chestnut.

The field for the Bewitch also includes Ocean Silk. The 4-year-old Dynaformer filly has been a disappointment so far in this country. She has failed to win in three starts for trainer Patrick Byrne and was eighth as the 2-1 favorite in the Orchid Handicap in her last race at Gulfstream on March 21.

Other contenders include Juliette, a California shipper for trainer Bobby Frankel who will be ridden by Jerry Bailey; Meridiana and Lady Liberty.

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Race of the day: Dell Place, who went two for two last year after joining the Mike Mitchell barn, makes his first start since Oct. 9 in today’s fifth, a $58,000 optional claimer at one mile on the turf at Hollywood Park. The race is the first leg of the initial pick four of Hollywood Park’s spring-summer meet.

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One for the road: Snowdrops makes her first start since Dec. 20 for trainer Christophe Clement and returns to a turf course she enjoys in today’s sixth, a $62,000 allowance at one mile, at Keeneland. Edgar Prado will ride the 4-year-old Gulch filly, who won an allowance over the layout at 6-1 just over a year ago.

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Exotically speaking: A pick four using Speed Of Light and Dell Place in the fifth, Skippadoo and Excessed in the sixth, Hosco and Tunder Ponche in the seventh and Magnolia Mae, Garland Of Love and Modern Design in the eighth.

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Winners (Final for Santa Anita): Previous day/meet total: 6/253. Money: Previous day/meet total: $41.80/$1,377.80. Total money bet: $1,452.