Drysdale Doubles His Chances

Neil Drysdale will have two chances to win today’s main event at Santa Anita.

The hall of fame trainer will send out contenders Haka Girl and Etamine in the $42,000 allowance at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the grass.

Owned by Anthony Speelman, Haka Girl, a 3-year-old daughter of former Breeders’ Cup Mile winner War Chant, has a win and two second-place finishes in four starts on grass.

This will be only the second time she has gone less than a mile. Her last effort in a sprint -- 5 1/2 furlongs on the Hollywood Park turf course July 1 -- resulted in a head loss to She’s A Jewel.

Patrick Valenzuela, who has ridden Haka Girl in her last two outings, has the call again today. Victor Espinoza will ride Etamine.

Etamine, a 3-year-old daughter of Gone West, has a win and a second in three races for owner Henry Pabst. In her most recent appearance, she was second, beaten by a neck by Do Da Princess on Aug. 25 at Del Mar.

Race of the day: War Marshall, who beat $35,000 claimers by 14 lengths Sept. 16, will try for a repeat in a much tougher spot in today’s eighth at Belmont Park. Apprentice Channing Hill will ride the 4-year-old A.P. Indy colt for owner Joseph Allen and trainer Allen Jerkens in the $46,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles. Apprentice, Harbor Master, Deputy Indy, Mr. Malaprop and Monopoly Pricing complete the field.

One for the road: Armed ‘n Crafty drops in class after being claimed by trainer Rene Amescua and can win over a track he loves in today’s seventh at Fresno. The 7-year-old Prospect Bay gelding, two for two over the surface, will be ridden by Jorge Ayarza in the $2,500 claimer at one mile. Today is the first of 11 days of racing at the Fresno Fair.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Kat Kald Kalamazoo in the fifth; Opening Act and Talaris in the sixth; Gathering Storm, Haka Girl and Etamine in the seventh; and Ieka Miner, Brite N Pleasing, Limited Creole and Foxy Bench in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/13. Money: Previous day/meet total: $20/$73.40. Total money bet: $88.