Return of Splendid Blended
Splendid Blended, who hasn’t raced since being injured after winning the 2005 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park, is making her return today for a new trainer in a different state.
The 4-year-old Unbridled’s Song filly, who previously was trained by Neil Drysdale, is now in the care of Bill Mott and she is among 11 scheduled to go 6 1/2 furlongs in the $100,000 Hurricane Bertie at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla.
Having recovered from the leg injury that triggered her retirement last summer, Splendid Blended will be running shorter than a mile for the first time in her career in the Hurricane Bertie, a Grade III stakes.
A winner of four of six and worse than third only once, Splendid Blended will be ridden by Edgar Prado. The race is the final leg of the Magna Five, a $2-minimum wager that requires a bettor to select the winner of races in California, Maryland and Florida.
The other races in the Magna Five are a $28,000 allowance for older horses at one mile at Laurel, a $35,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Gulfstream, a $25,000 claimer at seven furlongs at Santa Anita and a $20,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs at Golden Gate Fields.
In addition to the Magna Five, there is also a pick six carry-over at Santa Anita of $119,785.
Race of the day: Bluegrass Cat, who ended 2005 with three consecutive wins for trainer Todd Pletcher, will make his 3-year-old debut in the $75,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. A prep for the Tampa Bay Derby on March 18, the Davis, which is run at 1 1/16 miles, drew 11 others.
One for the road: Ghost Actor should get a lot of pace to chase in the eighth race at Golden Gate Fields and can be along in time for his eighth career win in the $34,000 optional claimer at one mile. Chad Schvaneveldt will ride the 5-year-old Theatrical gelding for owner-breeders Sid and Jenny Craig and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Ghost Actor has won four of seven starts at Golden Gate.
Exotically speaking: A pick three using Prolly and Emerald Sunrise in the first, Sam’s Ace in the second and Mr. Sekiguchi Rising Rate and Judgment Day in the third.
Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/111. Money: (previous day/meet total): $12.40/$696.20. Total money bet: $664.