Mr. Wolverine Looks to Stretch String of Solid Performances

In three starts for a partnership that includes Fast Lane Farms, Mr. Wolverine has not failed to fire.

The 4-year-old Last Lion gelding won his debut at 10-1 on May 26 at Hollywood Park, then about a month later finished third, beaten by one length, then nearly took the $113,000 Crystal Water Handicap in his first start of 2006.

Dismissed at 62-1 in that one-mile turf race for California breds, Mr. Wolverine was beaten by a nose by Super Strut while finishing a nose in front of pacesetter Uncle Denny.

Mr. Wolverine, trained by Jorge Gutierrez, will be a much, much shorter price when he takes on seven other state-breds in the seventh race at Santa Anita today. The $58,000 allowance is scheduled for one mile on the turf and is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $127,708.

David Cohen, who has been the rider in all three of Mr. Wolverine’s starts, has the call again this afternoon against Spectacular Bay, Karn, Brego, Master Heat, Buck Tuddy Buck, Cabo’s Dawn and Fly Forrest Fly.

Master Heat -- trained by Barry Abrams, who also is a part owner -- will be seeking his second victory in six races on the Santa Anita grass.

The 5-year-old Unusual Heat gelding won by 1 1/4 lengths at 21-1 on April 2, 2005. Apprentice and longshot specialist Saul Arias will be aboard.

Race of the day: Up An Octave, who was beaten by a neck as the 13-10 favorite in the Palm Beach Handicap on March 12 at Gulfstream Park, will make his Keeneland debut in the $100,000 Forerunner today. John Velazquez will ride the 3-year-old Brahms colt for Vinery Stables and trainer Todd Pletcher in the 1 1/8 -mile turf affair.

One for the road: Abbagione has run well in two races over the Aqueduct turf course and can fire in her first of 2006 in the ninth race today. Cornelio Velasquez will ride the 4-year-old Alphabet Soup filly for Mitre Box Stable and trainer Richard Schosberg in the $44,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using El Banco in the first, Noble Masterpiece in the second, Fletchers Cove and Lady Kamala in the third, Nasty Mood in the fourth, Florida Keys and Tsigane in the fifth, Smile N Wildcat and Point Of Flight in the sixth, Mr. Wolverine in the seventh and Lemaire and Speedwayslew in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/236. Money: (previous day/meet total): $8.60/$1,343. Total money bet: $1,418.