Frankel Tries Santa Ana Again

Trainer Bobby Frankel has won the $150,000 Santa Ana Handicap five times since 1992.

Disqualified out of a sixth victory last year when Megahertz was cited for interference in the stretch and placed last, Frankel will be back with her and Barancella today in the Grade II at 1 1/8 miles on the Santa Anita turf. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $139,626.

Owned by Michael Bello, Megahertz, a 5-year-old, British-bred mare, has won 10 of 28 and banked almost $1.5 million. Even with the disqualification, she has won six of 10 locally, including back-to-back victories in the Santa Barbara Handicap.

Barancella, a 4-year-old, French-bred filly owned by Gary Tanaka, will be making her first start since she finished second to Ticker Tape in the Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Oct. 16 at Keeneland. She will be looking for her first win since she made her debut with a two-length victory in a restricted stakes at Saint-Cloud in France on March 28, 2004.

The field is completed by Valentine Dancer, Stupendous Miss, defending champion Katdogawn, Belle Ange and Hoh Buzzard, who will race coupled with Barancella because both are owned by Tanaka.

Race of the day: Molto Vita, who has won seven of 19, will make her first start at Gulfstream Park against five other fillies and mares in today’s $100,000 Hurricane Bertie, a Grade III at 6 1/2 furlongs. Jerry Bailey will ride Molto Vita for trainer Dallas Stewart.

One for the road: Marina Light has won two in a row at Gulfstream Park for owner Steven Fish and trainer Bonnie Kassen and can continue her streak as she steps up in class to the $50,000 claiming level in today’s fifth. Jose Santos, aboard for both of the victories, remains in the saddle in the race at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Areyoutalkintome in the third, Holiday Fun, Kissthestargoodby and Rick J in the fourth, Jill’s Sky and Unusual Spring in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/154. Money: Previous day/meet total: $34.80/$819.40. Total money bet: $1,064.