Texas Chili Tries to Get Hot

The six horses who will line up for the fourth race at Bay Meadows, a $12,500 claimer at six furlongs, are no strangers to the winner’s circle.

Danzhound, Marine Drive, At A Boy Luther, Texas Chili, Her First Maki and Northern Game have combined for 40 victories in 205 starts.

In terms of purse earnings, Texas Chili is the most accomplished member of the group. A 7-year-old gelded son of Roberto Grande owned and trained by Bill Morey Jr., the California-bred has made $259,185 and won eight of 25.

Not able to compete at the same level he once did, Texas Chili is dropping two notches today as he tries to win for the second time in three starts in 2005. He is a three-time winner at Bay Meadows.

At A Boy Luther, a 6-year-old Luthier Fever gelding, has won 10 of 45 and has gone four for 10 at Bay Meadows.

Race of the day: Pointe Birds, a wire-to-wire winner by five lengths Feb. 16, will try for his fifth win in 13 lifetime starts in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. Martin Pedroza will ride the 5-year-old Russian Courage gelding in the $52,000 optional claimer at one mile for owner Robert Moreno and trainer John Sadler. Pointe Birds is the 4-1 third choice on Jeff Tufts’ morning line in the field of seven. The 5-2 favorite is Greg’s Gold, who will be trying two turns for the first time since he finished eighth of nine against maidens on the Hollywood Park turf course in his debut June 16.

One for the road: Areek likes Gulfstream Park and can handle a wet track, so take her to win in her first start since Jan. 22 for trainer Mark Hennig in today’s eighth. Javier Castellano will ride the 4-year-old Deputy Minister filly for Shadwell Farm LLC in the $37,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Dixie Law in the first, Kfar Daniel, I’magambler and Generalist in the second and Freedom Class, Slew’s House and Lucky Leo in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/131. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13.60/$707.20. Total money bet: $924.