These Three Could Surf on the Turf

The three horses that will probably benefit most if the $125,000 Sensational Star Handicap remains on the turf today at Santa Anita are Shadow Of Illinois, Summer Service and Seminole Native.

The trio of California-breds are the only ones in the field with more than one win at the Sensational Star distance of about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside course.

Shadow Of Illinois, a 6-year-old Illinois Storm gelding, has won two of eight on the layout, including a victory at 7-1 in the 2005 San Simeon Handicap, a Grade III. Patrick Valenzuela will ride and the dark bay comes off a huge effort. He was beaten by a nose at 18-1 in the Impressive Luck in his first race in about three months on Jan. 25.

Summer Service, a 6-year-old gelded son of Siberian Summer, is back in California after spending more than a year in New York, New Jersey and Florida. A winner of 10 of 24 lifetime, he has two wins in three tries on this course. Alex Solis will ride.

Seminole Native has won both of his races down the hill, albeit against lesser opposition than what he will be seeing this afternoon. He will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux and will be coupled in the wagering with Jack’s Wild.

Race of the day: Miss Shop, who got her first victory with a 7 1/2 -length win in her turf debut Nov. 24 at Aqueduct, will make her first start as a 3-year-old in the $60,000 Gaily Gaily today at Gulfstream Park. Cornelio Velasquez will ride the daughter of Deputy Minister for owner-breeder Hobeau Farm and trainer Allen Jerkens in the 1 1/16 -mile race that drew nine others.

One for the road: Stratton goes route to sprint and should get a contested pace to chase in the seventh race today at Aqueduct. Alan Garcia will ride the 4-year-old daughter of Mt. Livermore for Royal Oaks Thoroughbreds and trainer Scott Everett in the $45,000 allowance at six furlongs. She has been first, second or third in five of six starts at today’s distance.

Exotically speaking: Late daily doubles using Winning Tactics in the eighth to Bonus Pay Day, Tombstone and Bull Moose in the ninth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 5/116. Money: (previous day/meet total): $25.60/$721.80. Total money bet: $684.