Making a ‘Tiger Reappear

Roar of the Tiger, a winner of two of three starts since coming to the U.S., will make his first appearance in nearly a year in today’s $60,000 Louisiana Handicap at the Fair Grounds.

Owned by the Estate of Dwight Sutherland and trained by Lynn Whiting, the 5-year-old Storm Cat horse hasn’t been out since winning an optional claimer by 2 1/2 lengths at the Fair Grounds last Jan. 11. Before that win, he had won over a sloppy track in New Orleans as the 13-10 favorite on Dec. 19, 2002.

Successful once in four races while running on the grass in Ireland, Roar of the Tiger has trained well and will be ridden by Larry Melancon.

The 1 1/16-mile Louisiana Handicap also attracted Tenpins, who has won nine of 16 for owner-breeder Joe Vitello and trainer Don Winfree. The 6-year-old Smart Strike horse will break from the rail under jockey Robby Albarado.

Kodema, Comic Truth, Fitzroyal, Seainsky, Spanish Empire and G.W.’s Skippie complete the field.

Race of the day: Commander’s Flag, last seen running third behind Tizbud and Kedington in the California Cup Classic on Nov. 8, heads a competitive field of 12 in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $156,198.

One for the road: Claimed for $80,000 on Oct. 8 at Santa Anita, Trompolino makes his first start for high-percentage trainer Michael Hushion in today’s eighth at Aqueduct. The 6-year-old gelding has done all of his winning on the main track and might be able to upset likely favorite Abreeze in the $54,000 optional claimer at a mile and 70 yards.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Hagerstown in the sixth, Infinite Faith, Commander’s Flag, Prized Gem and Hotel Hall in the seventh and Royal Obsession, Cosa Segura and Likely Prospect in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/19. Money: Previous day/meet total: $8.40/$97.80. Total money bet: $108.