Excess Temptations Returns

Excess Temptations, who has lost three in a row since winning his debut, will return to the turf today as he tries for his second victory in the seventh race at Santa Anita.

Owned by a partnership that includes breeder John Harris and Dodger pitcher Brad Penny and trained by Howard Zucker, the 3-year-old In Excess gelding will be trying two turns for the first time in the $45,000 allowance for California breds at one mile.

In his debut on June 16, Excess Temptations beat maidens by three-quarters of a length at 6-1, then lost three in a row on the dirt. In his last two defeats, he was beaten at odds-on. He finished fourth as part of an entry that was 3-10 on Aug. 15 at Del Mar, then finished second -- as part of an entry again -- at 9-10 on Oct. 9 in his first start at Santa Anita.

Patrick Valenzuela, who returned Wednesday after missing a week because of a foot injury, will ride the gelding for the first time in the field of nine.

Three of Excess Temptations’ opponents are coming off victories.

Race of the day: Beau Dare, who won the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies on Sept. 17 at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., will try for her third win in four starts in today’s $100,000 Jessamine at Keeneland. John McKee will ride the daughter of Military for David Watts Stable LLC and trainer Bob Holthus in the race at 1 1/16 miles on turf. She broke her maiden on the grass on Aug. 26 at Arlington Park.

One for the road: Karelian has the right style for the Keeneland turf course and can win in his comeback for trainer Rusty Arnold in today’s sixth. Robby Albarado will ride the 3-year-old Bertrando colt, who finished third in his lone grass start on Jan. 29 at Gulfstream Park, for the Green Lantern Stables LLC in the $52,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Pointe Birds and Lindero in the second, Marticus in the third and Dynawhite, Klamathfallsasleep and Wind Water in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 5/64. Money: (previous day/meet total): $21.40/$344.60. Total money bet: $380.