‘Summer Tries a Mare Feat

If Dream Of Summer wins the $150,000 California Cup Matron today on the final day of the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita, the 6-year-old Siberian Summer mare will become the second female to win the 1 1/16 mile race twice. Belle’s Flag won in 1996 and 1998.

A victory would also push Dream Of Summer, who beat Yearly Report by a nose in last year’s Matron, past the $1-million mark in career earnings. The gray mare stands at $951,150 with nine victories from 16 starts.

Sixth of seven in the Beldame, a Grade I, on Oct. 1 at Belmont Park, Dream Of Summer will be ridden by Patrick Valenzuela. In the jockey’s only other collaboration with her, they teamed to win the Apple Blossom by a neck on April 9 at Oaklawn Park.

There are 10 other stakes for California breds. A pick six with a guaranteed $1-million pool will begin with the $125,000 Juvenile Fillies and conclude with the $50,000 Starter Handicap.

The day’s richest race, the $250,000 Classic, is also part of the pick six. Desert Boom, who has won five of nine in 2005, is the 2-1 morning line favorite in the 1 1/8 -mile event.

Race of the day: My Ro, who has won all three of her starts at Churchill Downs, will break from the rail in today’s $150,000 Chilukki Handicap. Mike Smith will ride the 5-year-old Dixieland Band mare for trainer Dale Romans in the Grade II at a mile.

One for the road: Em B. Aye looked good winning at Belmont Park on Oct. 19 and comes back in today’s ninth at Aqueduct. Jean Luc Samyn will ride the 4-year-old Royal Academy gelding for high-percentage trainer Michael Hushion in the $45,000 optional claimer at seven furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Dream Of Summer in the fourth, Time To Honor, Top This And That, Jasjonjake, Four Checker and Golden Bonus in the fifth and Sierra Sweetie, Malley Girl and Bless Idbyour Name in the sixth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/83. Money: (previous day/meet total): $18/$463.40. Total money bet: $528.