New Test for Sweet Stepper

Sweet Stepper, who was claimed for $62,500 by trainer John Sadler for C R K Stable last fall, will try for his third win in four starts in today’s second race at Santa Anita.

A 6-year-old gelded son of Candy Stripes, Sweet Stepper will break from the outside post in the field of seven in the $80,000 claimer at one mile on turf. This means he doesn’t figure to get as easy a trip as he did in his last win Feb. 3.

That day, he had the rail in a field of nine, was able to get clear immediately and went on to score by 1 1/2 lengths. It was his ninth win in 32 lifetime starts. Kent Desormeaux, who was aboard for the latest victory, has the mount again today.

Later on the card, Silver Past, a 4-year-old gray son of Silver Charm, will be looking for his third victory of the meet when he takes on eight others in the fifth, a $16,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $111,302.

Trained by Pete Eurton for owners Alesia and Bran Jam Stable, Silver Past, who was claimed for $32,000 on Aug. 29 at Del Mar, has been worse than second only once in five starts for his current connections.

Race of the day: Forestier, a narrow loser as the 3-5 favorite Feb. 13 at Gulfstream Park, will make her debut at Aqueduct in today’s eighth. Richard Migliore will ride the 4-year-old daughter of Forestry in the $45,000 allowance at six furlongs.

One for the road: Roses Are Blue drops into an easier spot for his second career start in today’s fourth at Gulfstream Park, so look for a much improved try from the son of Allen’s Prospect. Edgar Prado will ride the Florida-bred back for owners Mace and Samantha Siegel’s Jay Em Ess Stable and trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. in the $45,000 maiden claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Token Wild One, Olden Flyer and Weekend At Larry’s in the first, Gold Ruckus, Sweet Stepper and Devil Badgett in the second and Family Guy in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/123. Money: Previous day/meet total: $0/$660.40. Total money bet: $836.