Frankel Has Eye on the Prize

Trainer Bobby Frankel has only once won the $150,000 San Marcos Stakes, which will be run for the 53rd time today at Santa Anita. Public Purse, who was ridden by Alex Solis, scored for Juddmonte Farms in 2000.

The Hall of Fame trainer will have two chances to double his total in the Grade II when he sends out License To Run and Epicentre in the 1 1/4 -mile turf race.

License To Run, a Brazilian-bred son of Exile King, is the 9-5 favorite on Jeff Tufts’ morning line on the strength of his close, third-place finish in his U.S. debut in the Hollywood Turf Cup last month at Hollywood Park.

A winner of four of eight in his native land, License To Run was beaten a neck by Pellegrino in the Turf Cup, which is a Grade I, on Dec. 4. Garrett Gomez, who was aboard the dark bay that day, has the mount again this afternoon.

Epicentre will be making his first start since he finished eighth in the Manhattan Handicap on the Belmont Stakes undercard on June 5. Rene Douglas will ride the 6-year-old Kris S. horse, who has won two of four at the San Marcos distance.

Race of the day: Storm’s Darling, who has won her last three by a combined 23 1/4 lengths, will try to keep her streak alive for owner Arthur Vogel and trainer Bobby Barnett in the $60,000 Truly Bound Handicap at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Eddie Martin Jr. will ride the 4-year-old Storm Boot filly against five opponents in the 1 1/16 -mile race.

One for the road: Flight Ready adds Lasix in his first start for trainer Steve Asmussen after catching off tracks in his first two starts for former trainer Christophe Clement. The 3-year-old More Than Ready colt may also appreciate a shorter trip in the $41,000 maiden affair for New York-breds at six furlongs. The race is the third on the Aqueduct card.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Lord Macho in the first, all in the second and Two Times Won and R Fast Lady in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/53. Money: Previous day/meet total: $4.80/$290. Total money bet: $340.