Magnificent Val Finds California to Her Liking

Before coming to California, Magnificent Val won two of 22 races in New York.

Obviously, coming out West has agreed with the 5-year-old Pioneering mare.

Since joining the barn of Jeff Mullins, who is in the battle for leading trainer entering the final 32 days of the Santa Anita meet, Magnificent Val has won each of her three races -- all over turf.

The chestnut, who was claimed by owner Richard Englander for $50,000 on Sept. 11 at Belmont Park, won going 1 1/16 miles at Hollywood Park on Dec. 17, then won going 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on Jan. 8. She won the $50,000 Glendale Handicap at Turf Paradise -- which is run at 1 1/16 miles -- by 4 1/4 lengths on Feb. 14.

At Santa Anita today, Magnificent Val will run a shorter distance over the about 6 1/2-furlong downhill turf course in the seventh race, a $56,000 optional claimer that attracted six others females.

Gary Stevens, who was aboard for the mare’s two Southern California victories, is back on this afternoon, and they will break from the outside post.

The lineup is completed by Sharpbill, Roundtree, Talk Me Again, Almiddina, Lacrystal Classic and Notting Hill.

Race of the day: Vanguardia, who was impressive in winning her U.S. debut for trainer Angel Penna Jr. on Feb. 5 at Gulfstream Park, will be going for her fifth victory in eight career races in today’s ninth, a $40,000 optional claimer at about 1 1/16 miles over turf. John Velazquez will ride the 6-year-old Roy mare.

One for the road: Ceasar’s Fate makes his first start for trainer Steve Asmussen after being claimed and should improve dramatically in today’s 10th, a $10,000 claimer for Lousiana-breds at six furlongs, at the Fair Grounds. Robby Albarado will ride the 4-year-old gelding.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Big Future, Beautiful Balance and Coded Message in the third, Cee Mister B in the fourth and Intimately, Laville, Yingyingying and Taygete in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/152. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26.60/$810.80. Total money bet: $872.