Happy Ticket in a New State

Happy Ticket, who has won 12 of 17 and has been worse than second only once, will make her first start in California in the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap today at Del Mar.

Owned by breeder Stewart Madison and trained by Andy Leggio Jr., the 5-year-old Anet mare will face five others in the Hirsch, a Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

A victory today will make Happy Ticket, who will be ridden by apprentice Julien Leparoux, the richest Louisiana bred in history. She has already banked $1,176,838.

The trip to new surroundings shouldn’t faze the classy mare. Happy Ticket has earned her wins at six tracks -- Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, and the Fair Grounds in Louisiana, Saratoga, Arlington Park and Churchill Downs -- and has also hit the board at Calder, Belmont Park and Oaklawn Park.

Hollywood Story, who rallied from off the pace to win the Vanity Handicap on July 2, should get quick fractions to help her late run again in the Hirsch.

Completing the field are Maryfield, Healthy Addiction, who was second in the Vanity, Star Parade, who was scratched at the gate in the Vanity, and Somethinaboutlaura.

Race of the day: Artie Schiller will try to go three for three on the Saratoga turf course when he meets four rivals in the $150,000 Fourstardave Handicap today. Garrett Gomez will ride the 5-year-old El Prado horse, who has won 10 of 21 overall, for Mrs. Thomas Walsh and Timber Bay Farm and trainer Jimmy Jerkens in the Grade II at 1 1/16 miles. Diamond Green, Remarkable News, Noble Causeway and Ashkal Way will provide the opposition.

One for the road: Ounce That Counts gets blinkers and Lasix for his second start and big improvement is expected in the ninth at Arlington Park. Francisco Torres will ride the 3-year-old Richter Scale gelding for owner Nancy Vanier and trainer Brian Williamson in the $30,000 maiden race for Illinois breds at seven furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Crowned Dancer in the first, Udriga, Kleven’s Verbatim and Court Seeker in the second and Tug o’War, Big Joe Hill and Prince Otis in the third.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/51. Money: (previous day/meet total): $26/$283.20. Total money bet: $274.