Will ‘Moon Be on the Rise?

A lot more attention will be paid to Declan’s Moon in his 3-year-old debut than for the start of his 2-year-old season last summer at Del Mar.

The Maryland-bred gelding was dismissed at 14-1 when he raced six other juveniles in the 5 1/2 -furlong contest. The son of Malibu Moon won by five lengths over Currency Trader.

Afterward, Declan’s Moon won three graded stakes and starts 2005 as the 2-year-old champion and the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

Declan’s Moon will be odds-on to remain unbeaten in today’s $200,000 Santa Catalina, a Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

The Santa Catalina is one of four stakes on a card that includes the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap. Singletary, the upset winner of the Breeders’ Cup Mile last October, will make his first start of the year in the $300,000 Kilroe Mile on the turf, and 11 3-year-olds are scheduled to go 6 1/2 furlongs on the grass in the $100,000 Baldwin Stakes.

Race of the day: High Fly, who has won three of four races, will make his first start for trainer Nick Zito in today’s $300,000 Fountain Of Youth at Gulfstream Park. The Gulfstream card also includes the $150,000 Swale, a seven-furlong race; the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap, a Grade II for older horses at 1 3/16 miles, and the $150,000 Bonnie Miss, a Grade II for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles.

One for the road: June The Tiger ran huge in his career debut last June at Belmont Park and should fire another big shot in today’s fifth at Gulfstream Park. John Velazquez will ride the 3-year-old Tiger Ridge colt in the $33,000 allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Marenostrum, Power Boy and Crocker Road in the eighth, Leroidesanimaux, Singletary, Musical Chimes and Cajun Beat in the ninth, Saint Liam in the 10th and Saxony, Lady Libertine and Danclare in the 11th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/125. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10.40/$680.80. Total money bet: $868.