Contenders Might Surface

Whether some local 3-year-olds are contenders for the Santa Anita Derby could be determined in today’s sixth race, a $52,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

Trainer Bob Baffert will send out two, Coldntight and Courageous Act.

Owned by Mike Pegram, who campaigned 1998 Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet, Coldntight will be making his first start since he finished eighth, beaten by almost 31 lengths, in the Norfolk Stakes onOct. 5.

A son of Touch Gold, Coldntight has trained well, is the speed of the field and drew well on the rail. David Flores has the mount.

Courageous Act is an Exploit colt owned and bred by Bob and Beverly Lewis, who won the Kentucky Derby with Silver Charm in 1997 and with Charismatic two years later.

The dark bay has yet to cross the wire first in his six starts. He picked up his lone victory on a disqualification on Nov. 2.

Most comfortable around two turns, he worked in 1:11 flat six days ago and keeps the services of leading rider Alex Solis.

Race of the day: Epicentre, who hasn’t raced since he was disqualified from a victory in the Hollywood Turf Cup on Nov. 22, is among nine older horses set to go 1 1/8 miles on the grass in today’s seventh, a $60,000 optional claimer, at Santa Anita.

One for the road: Casper Peterson looked good routing maidens in his first start after a long layoff and could come right back in today’s seventh at Aqueduct, a $43,000 allowance for New York-breds at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Courageous Act and Gem Of A Day in the sixth, Epicentre, Royal Gem and Hannibal Lad in the seventh and Place To Hide and Charlies Good Girl in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/122. Money: Previous day/meet total: $9/$667.40. Total money bet: $704.