Baffert Tries to Win Yet Another Norfolk

Trainer Bob Baffert will try to win the $200,000 Norfolk Stakes for the fifth time since 1997 when he sends out Bob And John in the Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

Owned by Stonerside Stable, Bob And John, a 2-year-old Seeking The Gold colt, was fourth in his sprint debut but improved significantly when tried around two turns. Against eight opponents, the dark bay won by 11 1/2 lengths going a mile at Del Mar on Sept. 5.

Victor Espinoza will ride Bob And John, who can join Souvenir Copy, Flame Thrower, Kafwain and Roman Ruler as a Baffert-trained winner of the Norfolk.

There are two other graded stakes on the card today at Santa Anita. Fourty Niners Son, who was a troubled third in the Arlington Million in August, heads a field of eight in the $250,000 Clement L. Hirsch at 1 1/4 miles on the turf, and Island Fashion will try for a repeat in the $250,000 Lady’s Secret Breeders’ Cup Handicap at 1 1/16 miles.

Trained by Neil Drysdale for owner-breeder Tom Baxter, Fourty Niners Son has not been worse than third in six starts in 2005, winning three times and earning $309,000.

Island Fashion, who beat Miss Loren by half a length to win the Lady’s Secret, a Grade II, a year ago, will be seeking her fourth win in seven starts on the Santa Anita main track.

Race of the day: Getting ready for a start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Oct. 29, Artie Schiller will look for his fifth win in seven races on the Belmont Park turf course when he takes on nine opponents in the $250,000 Kelso Breeders’ Cup Handicap today in Elmont, N.Y. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of more than $520,000.

One for the road: Astra’s Sister makes her first start since Nov. 19 and first for high-percentage trainer Kent Molinaro and can remain unbeaten at Bay Meadows in today’s seventh. Mario Cisneros will ride the 4-year-old Candi’s Gold filly, who is three for three over the track, in the $12,500 claimer at six furlongs. Molinaro has won with 16 of 42 starters in 2005.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Zim’s Blur, Tiz Royalty and Latest Joke in the fifth; Bob And John in the sixth; and Island Fashion, Hollywood Story and Star Parade in the seventh.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/10. Money: Previous day/meet total: $19.80/$53.40. Total money bet: $70.