Capitano Looks to Do More Than Keep Place

In his last start Feb. 12, Capitano ran second, which was nothing new for the 4-year-old son of Belong To Me.

A Pennsylvania bred owned by Mr. and Mrs. Vicken Meguerditchian and trained by Ray Bell, Capitano has been the runner-up in half of his 12 starts while winning only twice.

The friend of place bettors is back for another crack at his second victory since the beginning of 2004 in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. The $56,000 optional claimer at one mile drew eight other participants.

Purchased for $53,000 at the Keeneland September sale in 2002, Capitano broke into the game in a huge way. Dispatched at 109-1 on July 5, 2003, in his Hollywood Park bow, Capitano responded with a three-quarters of a length win over Attack Alert and eight others under jockey Tony Lovato.

Rene Douglas will ride the chestnut for the first time today. Capitano is the 9-2 third choice on the morning line.

Courtly Jazz, who has won two of three since coming to California and joining trainer Gary Mandella’s barn, is the 5-2 favorite.

Race of the day: Gygistar will make his first start since he failed as the favorite in the Charles H. Hadry on Nov. 20 at Pimlico in today’s ninth at Gulfstream Park.

John Velazquez will ride the 6-year-old Prospector’s Music gelding for owner-breeder Edward Evans and trainer Mark Hennig in the $46,000 optional claimer at one mile. Gygistar has earned two of his eight lifetime wins at Gulfstream and is one for two at today’s distance.

One for the road: Prize Rose can win right back for trainer Gary Contessa on the class jump in today’s ninth at Aqueduct. Rafael Bejarano, the leading jockey during Aqueduct’s inner track meet, which concludes Sunday, will ride the 5-year-old Helmsman mare for owner Maggi Moss in the $35,000 claimer for older fillies and mares at one mile. Prize Rose won by 2 1/4 lengths in her last start against $25,000 claimers Jan. 21.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Sunette and Kaydara in the first, Cat A Cold Eye, Three Elevens and Gaddingabout in the second and Hot Message and Iamatowertoo in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/134. Money: Previous day/meet total: $17.80/$725. Total money bet: $940.