It’s Shaping Up as the Mudder of All Battles

Dream on, those of you who were hoping to see a turf race today at Santa Anita. The $150,000 San Gorgonio Handicap, a Grade II scheduled for 1 1/8 miles on the grass, was moved to the main track Friday when the forecast rain hit.

Surprisingly, there was only one early scratch -- Ask For The Moon -- after the switch, but more are expected before post time for the San Gorgonio, which is the first leg of a pick six with a carry-over of $71,422.

Megahertz, who would have been favored on turf, remained in the race as of Friday, but she has never run on the dirt.

Horses to beat on dirt would appear to be Fencelineneighbor and Drought Breaker. The former ended a seven-race losing streak with a decisive win against softer competition at Golden Gate Fields on Dec. 20 and was beaten by only a head in the La Canada at today’s distance in her last start on the Santa Anita main track Feb. 14.

Drought Breaker, a 4-year-old Steinlen filly, has won four of 10 on dirt and has been worse than second only once in five starts since being claimed for $40,000 by trainer Bill Spawr on May 2.

The card also features the $150,000 San Pasqual Handicap, a Grade II at 1 1/16 miles. Lundy’s Liability, who won the Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap in his only other start in Arcadia last fall, and Total Impact, 2004 Hollywood Gold Cup winner, top the field.

Race of the day: Commentator, unbeaten in five starts for owner Tracy Farmer and trainer Nick Zito, seeks his first graded stakes victory in the $100,000 Hal’s Hope Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

One for the road: Holy Ground won impressively in his Calder debut Nov. 27 and can come right back against winners in today’s fifth at Gulfstream.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Mysto’s in the sixth, Ride And Shine, Roi Charmant, Only The Best and Red Warrior in the seventh, Lundy’s Liability, Total Impact and Formal Attire in the eighth and Crowning Victory and Only One Way in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/28. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13/$150.60. Total money bet: $170.