River’s Prayer Seeks Third Win

River’s Prayer will drop into a much softer spot today when she takes on seven other California-breds in the $75,000 Cover Gal today at Santa Anita.

After competing in consecutive Grade I races at Del Mar and Belmont Park, the 2-year-old Devon Lane filly will remove the blinkers in search of the third victory of her career.

Owned by a partnership that includes trainer Paula Capestro, River’s Prayer won her first two starts without blinkers, including a 3 1/2 -length score in the Cinderella on June 4 at Hollywood Park. She will be ridden in the seven-furlong Cover Gal by Victor Espinoza.

Five of her opponents are coming off victories.

All Eyes On You won a starter allowance last month at Fairplex while Bless Idbyour Name, Sally Dancer, Malley Girl and Princess Kinzie are coming off maiden wins.

The field is completed by Noriska Number One, who is still a maiden, and Aloha Mangos Kitty, who was third in a minor stakes at Fairplex on Sept. 15.

Race of the day: Surf Cat, who hasn’t run since finishing sixth in the Pacific Classic on Aug. 21 at Del Mar, returns for co-owner and trainer Bruce Headley in today’s second at Santa Anita. Alex Solis will ride the 3-year-old Sir Cat colt against Texcess, Keep On Punching, Outta Here and Private War in the $54,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles. The five horses in the field are a combined six for 14 on the Santa Anita main track. Texcess will be making his first start since he finished fifth in the Will Rogers on May 28, and Private War hasn’t run since winning an allowance on Oct. 7, 2004.

One for the road: Wrench It has lost 32 of 33 but adds the blinkers and should improve significantly in his first start for high-percentage trainer Kent Molinaro in today’s seventh at Bay Meadows. Joey Castro will ride the 5-year-old gelding in the $21,000 starter allowance at 7 1/2 furlongs on turf. Molinaro claimed Wrench It for $25,000 on June 3 and comes back in a spot where he can’t be claimed.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Chips Are Down in the sixth; Temptation’s Call, Dragon King and Refusal in the seventh; and River’s Prayer and Bless Idbyour Name in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/28. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26.60/$151. Total money bet: $174.