Lobo Looks for Repeat

Fresh off a stunning win with Pico Central in Sunday’s San Carlos Handicap, trainer Paulo Lobo will go for another victory with Quero Quero in today’s third race at Santa Anita.

Owned by Old Friends Inc., Quero Quero, a 4-year-old daughter of Royal Academy, will be making her first start since finishing fourth in the Audrey Skirball on Nov. 23 at Hollywood Park. She is one of eight fillies and mares entered in this afternoon’s $56,000 optional claimer at one mile on the turf.

Worse than third once in six career outings, Quero Quero earned her biggest victory in the Honeymoon Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park on June 7. The 3-1 second choice on Jeff Tufts’ morning line, Quero Quero will be ridden by Victor Espinoza.

The 5-2 favorite is Jolie Rafaela, who will be trying for her first win in her third start in this country after winning two of eight in South America. The 5-year-old Trempolino mare will be ridden by Alex Solis.

Shezsospiritual, Sea Jewel, Janayen, Throw Me Roses, Blond Dancer and Kabylia complete the field.

Race of the day: Champion Ri, who won his last start by seven lengths for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., will try for a repeat in today’s eighth, a $45,000 allowance at six furlongs, at Aqueduct. This is the second day the main track has been open at Aqueduct after the inner track meet concluded Sunday.

One for the road: Nickel Bred debuts in a soft spot for trainer William White, who wins his fair share with rookies, in today’s second at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old is by sprint sire Good and Tough and could score at first asking under jockey Cornelio Velasquez in the $32,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Jolie Rafaela, Quero Quero and Kabylia in the third, Aloha Pirate in the fourth and Remonte, Feature Story, French Rebel, Sheikh Fever and Mr Siphon in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/164. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16/$864.20. Total money bet: $944.