Uncle Denny Returns Today

Uncle Denny, who has won four of five starts, will run for the first time in seven months when he takes on four opponents in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. The $50,000 allowance for California-breds is the fifth leg of a pick six with a carry-over of more than $115,000.

Owned by Stan Fulton and trained by Rafael Becerra, Uncle Denny, a 3-year-old son of In Excess, hasn’t been seen since he won the El Camino Real Derby on March 12 at Bay Meadows.

Before then, he had won twice at Santa Anita and, via disqualification, at Hollywood Park. He scored his maiden win in his debut at Santa Anita a year ago, so is proven off the bench. Garrett Gomez will ride the bay for the first time.

The field also includes Ata Olympio, Proud Tower Too, Super Strut and Kool Suggestion.

Race of the day: Royal Moro, who has run his first 27 starts in California, will debut for owner Roddy Valente and trainer Bruce Levine in today’s third at Belmont Park. The 6-year-old gray gelding, who has won five times, will be ridden by Eibar Coa in the $50,000 claimer at six furlongs. Royal Moro was claimed for $40,000 by Valente on Aug. 18 at Del Mar.

One for the road: For Always won at first asking over a muddy track at Ellis Park and should do even better with a switch to the turf in today’s sixth at Keeneland. Corey Lanerie will ride the 2-year-old War Chant filly in the $52,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Straight Run in the fourth, El Nuki, Flying Fugitive, Royal Irish and Pepper Trail in the fifth and American All Star and Rush Country in the sixth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/32. Money: Previous day/meet total: $32.60/$183.60. Total money bet: $192.