Quasimodo Is Hoping for a Run on the Turf

Winless in three starts on dirt, Quasimodo has definitely found a home on turf since joining the barn of trainer Julio Canani.

Owned by Ernie Moody’s Mercedes Stable LLC, the 4-year-old son of A.P. Indy hopes to get another crack at the Santa Anita grass today in the seventh race.

The race may not stay on the lawn given all the rain that has fallen in recent days. The lone turf race on the Wednesday card was switched to the dirt.

No better than second once in his three races on the main track for former trainer Jason Orman, Quasimodo returned from a layoff of more than 11 months to break his maiden by nearly two lengths in his grass debut on Jan. 25.

Then, in his first race against winners on March 12, Quasimodo was even more impressive. He rallied from last in a field of eight to win by 2 1/2 lengths at one mile, which is the distance of today’s race.

Quasimodo, who will be ridden by Garrett Gomez, is the 2-1 morning line favorite for the $62,000 optional claimer. The 5-2 second choice and the horse to catch is Art Moderne.

Race of the day: Galloping Grocer, who ended an eight-race losing streak with a nose win as the 3-2 favorite in an allowance race Feb. 25, will try for his first victory over Aqueduct’s main track in the $60,000 Smart Coupon today.

Ramon Dominguez will ride the 4-year-old A.P. Jet gelding for a partnership and trainer Dominick Schettino in the one-mile race for New York-breds. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $205,721 after racing was canceled Wednesday because of bad weather.

One for the road: Plenilunio should be tough right back at the same level and will be seeking his third win in four starts this year in the third race at Gulfstream Park. Josue Arce will be aboard the 5-year-old Bucksplasher gelding for owner Sandra Rasmussen and trainer Harry Benson in the $10,000 starter allowance at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Quietly Go and Crept Out in the third, Miss Paso Robles and Lady’s Royal Slew in the fourth and Good Gold and Norway House in the fifth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/213. Money: (previous day/meet total): $17.80/$1,233.80. Total money bet: $1,242.