O’Neill Up for Training Title

With 15 days left in the Santa Anita winter-spring meet, Doug O’Neill is in a position to win his second consecutive training title.

He is not going to match the record 54 victories he had a year ago but O’Neill has won 36 races through the first 70 days, putting him three ahead of Bob Baffert and six ahead of Bobby Frankel.

O’Neill, who has started more horses than either Baffert or Frankel, is the only one of the three who has runners today. He is scheduled to start class dropper Newyearresolution in the second and recent maiden winner Heirloom’s Rose in the fourth.

A 5-year-old Arch mare, Newyearresolution will be looking for her first win in six starts for O’Neill after being claimed for $20,000 on Nov. 2. This six furlong race against $12,500 claimers will be the easiest chance yet for the dark bay mare, who has won two of 20. She will break from the rail and will be ridden for the first time by Aaron Gryder.

Heirloom Rose, a 4-year-old daughter of Bertrando, overcame trouble to win at 3-5 March 24 and will be trying turf for the first time today in the $28,000 starter allowance contest at one mile.

She might be more of a threat if the race is switched to the dirt, a possibility given Tuesday’s rain and the possibility of more today.

Race of the day: Cassette Case will bid for her third consecutive victory as she debuts for a new barn in the eighth race today at Aqueduct after a claim. Chuck Lopez will ride the 4-year-old Mighty Magee filly for trainer Frank Russo, who claimed her for $20,000 for Eagle View Farm out of her latest win March 3.

The $46,000 optional claimer at one mile is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $205,721.

One for the road: The Shaughran steps up after finishing a troubled second in his debut March 18 and can win from off the pace in the fourth at Gulfstream Park.

The 3-year-old Lion Hearted colt will be ridden by C.D. Dooley in the $32,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Danzhound in the sixth, Arousing, Ever So Nice and Proudest Moment in the seventh and Springstreetballet, Brite Countess, Nasty Mood and Mmmm Chocolate in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/209. Money: (previous day/meet total): $15.20/$1,216. Total money bet: $1,226.