Fantastic Spain Seeks Second for Drysdale
Fantastic Spain, a half brother to the multiple stakes winning mare Spain, has won three of his eight starts in a career that began in 2003.
Each of the victories has come with a different trainer. Richard Mandella had the son of Fantastic Fellow when he broke his maiden, Kristin Mulhall was his trainer when he won on June 12, 2004, at Hollywood Park, and he was in Neil Drysdale’s barn when he returned from another layoff to win an optional claimer at Santa Anita on Feb. 1.
The 6-year-old, who is owned by a partnership, will try to win a second race for Drysdale when he makes his second start in a graded stakes in the $150,000 San Luis Obispo Handicap today at Santa Anita.
Third in the Grade III Stanford Breeders’ Cup Handicap last March 19 at Bay Meadows, Fantastic Spain will stretch to 1 1/2 miles for the first time in his career in the San Luis Obispo, a Grade II. Worse than third only once in his career, Fantastic Spain will be ridden by Corey Nakatani, who is looking for his first win in the race.
The 122-pound high weight in the San Luis Obispo is King’s Drama, part of a three-horse, Gary Tanaka-owned entry that includes Atlando and Aubonne. The entry is the 4-5 betting favorite on Jeff Tufts’ morning line.
The winner of the Sword Dancer, a Grade I, last Aug. 13 at Saratoga for trainer Bobby Frankel, King’s Drama will be ridden by Patrick Valenzuela. Frankel and Valenzuela teamed to win the race a year ago with License To Run.
Race of the day: Daytime Promise, who has won two of three, will seek her third win in four starts over Aqueduct’s inner track against six other 3-year-old fillies in the $65,000, 1 1/16 -mile Busher. Norberto Arroyo Jr. will ride the daughter of Five Star Day for owners Harry Patten and Darlene Bilinski and leading trainer Gary Contessa.
One for the road: Roman Trumpet figures to improve with a trainer change to Ian Wilkes, who has been hot at Gulfstream Park, and can earn her first win in her second career start in the ninth. Eddie Castro will ride the 3-year-old Grand Slam filly in the $32,000 maiden contest at six furlongs.
Exotically speaking: A pick three using Palikari Mou and Mesa Magic in the first, Quintons Relaunch in the second and Bluesthestandard, Tenth Street and Intelligent Male in the third.
Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/131. Money: (previous day/meet total): $21.40/$812.20. Total money bet: $774.