Da Stoops Trying to Regain Momentum

After big wins in his first two starts of the Santa Anita winter-spring meet, Da Stoops laid an egg on March 4.

The California-bred son of Distorted Humor was a distant third as the 2-5 favorite in the Baldwin Stakes after dominating in the California Breeders’ Champion and the Sunshine Millions Dash.

Owned by a partnership and trained by Bob Baffert, the 3-year-old will try to rebound this afternoon in the $83,000 San Pedro, an ungraded race at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Victor Espinoza, who has been aboard for two of Da Stoops’ three victories, will again ride the dark bay, who has been worse than third only once in his nine-race career.

Drawn immediately outside Da Stoops is Arson Squad, who blew away maidens as the 7-10 favorite in his second career outing on Feb. 11. Owned by Mace and Samantha Siegel’s Jay Em Ess Stable and trained by Bruce Headley, Arson Squad will be ridden by Alex Solis.

Completing the field are Popsa Yankee, who beat $80,000 maiden claimers by 6 3/4 lengths on March 15; Within Reason, who won the Sunny Slopes over this track as a 2-year-old last Oct. 22; The Pharaoh, who finished second in the Baldwin in his last start; and Record, who is cutting back in distance after running in consecutive routes and is also trained by Baffert.

Race of the day: Laptop Computer, who won his last start at Gulfstream Park by nearly five lengths, will make his first start at Keeneland in the $100,000 Lafayette today.

Rafael Bejarano will ride the 3-year-old Notebook colt for Klaravich Stables Inc., and trainer Rick Violette Jr. in the six-furlong race that drew five others -- Beacon Shine, Likely, Final Copy, Sharp Attack and Skeleton Crew.

One for the road: Speedy Cajun had some trouble when second in her debut on March 15 and can win first after a claim in the sixth race today at Golden Gate Fields.

David Lopez will ride the 3-year-old Synastry filly in the $32,000 maiden affair at six furlongs. Speedy Cajun will debut for trainer Art Sherman, who claimed her for $25,000 for owner Bob Bone on March 15.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Overton Cruiser and Solid Gold Bar in the second, Geronimo, Pure As Gold and He’s The Rage in the third and Threeatonce in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/221. Money: (previous day/meet total): $16.80/$1,263.80. Total money bet: $1,296.