‘Dancer Grows on Turf

The best thing that happened to True Dancer was discovering turf.

Unable to finish in the top three in five races on the main track, the 5-year-old First And Only gelding has blossomed on the grass for owner Bob Bone and trainer John Martin.

In 13 starts on turf, the Florida-bred has seven wins, three seconds and a third and he will try for another victory in today’s seventh race at Santa Anita, a $60,000 optional claimer at one mile.

The 7-2 second choice on the morning line, True Dancer will be seeking his second win of the meet.

On Jan. 16, he beat $80,000 claimers by three lengths as the 17-10 choice, running the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49 4/5 .

He was ridden by Gary Stevens that day and the Hall of Fame jockey is back aboard this afternoon.

The 5-2 favorite is Grafton, a 5-year-old Rahy gelding owned by a partnership and trained by Neil Drysdale. He has won two of five on the Santa Anita turf course and will be ridden by leading jockey Rene Douglas.

Romeo Plus, Sweet Stepper, Stanley Park, Recordado, Anglo Saxon, Ya Lajwaad and Trial by Jury round out the field.

Race of the day: Que Puntual, who made a successful U.S. debut for owner Earle Mack and trainer Angel Penna Jr. on Dec. 13 at Calder, will aim for her fourth win in seven starts in today’s eighth at Gulfstream Park.

Edgar Prado, who leads the jockey standings at Gulfstream, will ride the 5-year-old Contested Bid mare in the $37,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on the turf.

The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of more than $378,000.

One for the road: Best To Be King has his claiming price doubled after being claimed for $7,500 by owner-trainer Steve Asmussen and can win the ninth and final at Aqueduct today.

The 4-year-old Menifee colt will be ridden by Norberto Arroyo Jr. in a six-furlong conclusion to a pick six that has a carry-over of more than $424,000.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Vicar’s Belle and Groovy Crown in the first, Cream Donut Keith in the second, Summer Lea and Bless Her Heart in the third, Appealing Saint in the fourth, Ulterior Motives and Blue Boat in the fifth, So Long Birdie and Megabyte in the sixth, True Dancer in the seventh and Paris Next Year in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/77. Money: Previous day/meet total: $22.80/$398.80. Total money bet: $478.