Folklore Looks to Live Up to Her Reputation

Two days after the soon-to-be 2-year-old champion male Stevie Wonderboy was beaten in his 2006 debut, the soon-to-be 3-year-old filly queen will try to avoid the same fate in the $150,000 Santa Ynez Stakes today at Santa Anita.

Folklore, who all but clinched divisional honors with victories in the Matron and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last fall at Belmont Park, will be heavily favored to win her third in a row against five opponents in the Grade II at seven furlongs.

Trained by Wayne Lukas for owner-breeders Bob and Beverly Lewis, Folklore, a daughter of two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow, has won four of seven. She has been second in her three losses. In two previous tries at today’s distance, she was second in the Spinaway at Saratoga, then won the aforementioned Matron by 14 lengths. Edgar Prado will ride.

Her competition includes entrymate Dance Daily, Trick’s Pic, My Little Monkey, Tallulah Lula and Lake Como.

Trick’s Pic is the only member of the Santa Ynez cast coming off a win. The Favorite Trick filly won an optional claimer by 5 1/4 lengths in her California debut on Dec. 28. Tony Farina has the mount for owner-breeder Joseph Lacombe and trainer Patrick Biancone.

Race of the day: Master Command, who has won two in a row for trainer Todd Pletcher, will make his first start at Gulfstream Park since March 27 in today’s ninth. John Velazquez, who rode the 4-year-old A.P. Indy colt to his recent wins at Belmont and Aqueduct, has the call for owners Aaron and Marie Jones in the $35,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles.

One for the road: Seattle Lake debuts for trainer Mike Hushion, who is winning at a 24% rate so far this year after winning with 26% of his runners in 2005, and the 7-year-old Salt Lake mare is put in a spot where she can’t be claimed after being taken for $60,000 out of a win on Nov. 25 at Hawthorne. Seattle Lake, who has won 15 of 40 starts, can win the $60,000 Dixie Flag from just off the pace under jockey Ramon Dominguez.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Chestnut Affair in the second; Deputy Doc Renzi, Cee’s The Point and Runs In The Family in the third; and Papillon Rouge, Lady’s Champagne and Greenhill Hail in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/42. Money: (previous day/meet total): $22/$281. Total money bet: $272.