Seven in Line for the Big ‘Cap to Race Today

Today’s $150,000 San Pasqual Handicap at Santa Anita is the first major prep for the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap on March 4.

For well over a decade, success in the San Pasqual, a Grade II at 1 1/16 miles, has not led to Big ‘Cap glory.

The last horse to win both races was Farma Way in 1991. The son of Marfa completed the parlay for Quarter B Farm, trainer Wayne Lukas and jockey Gary Stevens.

Seven older horses being considered for the Big ‘Cap are scheduled to run in the San Pasqual, and two from the barn of Richard Mandella, who won the San Pasqual a year ago with Congrats.

The Hall of Fame trainer will send out Spellbinder, who finished third at nearly 19-1 in last month’s Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park, and Turnbolt against Bully Hayes, Melanyhasthepapers, Buckland Manor, High Limit and Sam Forli, who is owned in part by hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.

Earlier in the day, Sweet Fourty and Sabatini, who finished third in last month’s Hollywood Starlet, head a field of seven 3-year-old fillies in the $100,000 Santa Ysabel, a Grade III at 1 1/16 miles.

Race of the day: In Summation, a nose away from being unbeaten in six starts, will make his 3-year-old debut under new rider Jerry Bailey in the $125,000 Aventura, one of three stakes on the Gulfstream Park card.

The two other stakes are the $100,000 Hal’s Hope for older horses at 1 1/8 miles and the $100,000 Mr. Prospector Handicap at six furlongs, which will bring out 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide.

One for the road: Outer Marker ran third in his first start on the turf and should improve in his second after a layoff for trainer Jonathan Sheppard in today’s 10th at Gulfstream. Jeremy Rose will ride the 5-year-old Broad Brush horse in the $33,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on the grass.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Special Favor, Memo Lady and Spy Aly in the first, Caddymaster and Summer Survivor in the second and Sabatini and Itty Bitty Pretty in the third.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 5/22. Money: (previous day/meet total): $26/$137. Total money bet: $152.