Sunset Place Aptly Named

Horse players who like to bet to place have had a friend in Sunset Place.

A chestnut son of Gilded Time bred and owned by Janis Whitham and trained by Ron McAnally, Sunset Place has won twice in nine lifetime starts but has run second six times.

Idle since finishing -- what else -- second in an optional claimer at Hollywood Park on June 21, 2003, the 5-year-old returns in today’s seventh, a $59,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar.

This will be Sunset Place’s first appearance at the seaside since he broke his maiden by two lengths on Aug. 31, 2002.

Against seven opponents, Sunset Place will be ridden for the first time by Tyler Baze against a field that includes Indian Country, who has won two in a row for owners Hal and Patti Earnhardt and trainer Bob Baffert; Fairly Crafty, a California bred who has won two in a row for owner-breeder Richard O’Neill and trainer Doug Peterson; and the returning Grand Appointment, who will be running for the first time for trainer Jeff Mullins.

Race of the day: Venturi, a winner of two of three in Ireland, will make her U.S. debut for owner Ed Gann and trainer Bobby Frankel in today’s $100,000 Lake George at Saratoga.

A 3-year-old Danehill Dancer filly, Venturi will be ridden by Edgar Prado in the Grade III at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Other contenders include Fortunate Damsel, La Reina, Delta Sensation and Lucifer’s Stone.

One for the road: Frisco Slew could prove tough to catch in her second start for trainer Greg Gilchrist in today’s sixth at Santa Rosa. The Slewdledo filly was fourth in her bow behind winner Yerevan Star, who returned to win a stakes, and runner-up Strut Your Stuff, an easy maiden winner last week at Del Mar. Chance Rollins will ride in the $28,000 maiden contest at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Sweet Frippery, Royal Teresa, Thermostatic and Kissing Girl in the sixth, Sunset Place and Grand Appointment in the seventh, and Hurricane Route in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/23. Money: Previous day/meet total: $8.20/$129.60. Total money bet: $190.