Lukas Tries Again to Win With Distinction

Trainer Wayne Lukas has only two victories at the Santa Anita winter-spring meet, but the Hall of Famer has made them count.

Both were stakes victories, in the El Conejo with With Distinction on Jan. 2, then with Dance Daily, who was coupled with favored Folklore, in the Santa Ynez five days ago.

With Distinction, who, like Dance Daily and Folklore, is owned by Bob and Beverly Lewis, will try for a second consecutive win today against six opponents in the $150,000 Palos Verdes Handicap, a Grade II at six furlongs.

The 9-5 favorite on Jeff Tufts’ morning line is Attila’s Storm. Trained by Richard Schosberg for a partnership, the 4-year-old Forest Wildcat colt has earned all four of his wins at the Palos Verdes distance. He will be ridden by Patrick Valenzuela.

Besides Jet West, who has won his last three starts over a fast track, the field also includes Stalking Tiger, Papa To Kinzie, Major Success and Gray Black N White.

Race of the day: Chinese Dragon will be seeking his seventh win in nine starts on turf when he takes on seven others in the $200,000 Fair Grounds Breeders’ Cup Handicap today at Louisiana Downs. Kent Desormeaux will ride the 4-year-old Stravinsky colt in the Grade III at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Crafty Player has won his last three and can handle a jump in class in today’s seventh at Aqueduct. Alan Garcia will ride the 5-year-old Crafty Prospector horse for Mat Stables and trainer Patricia Farro in the $45,000 allowance at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Wickersham, Golden Via and Virginia City in the first, Abbi’s Choice, Irish Honor and Gone Cattin in the second and Latent Heat in the third.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/48. Money: (previous day/meet total): $21.60/$316.80. Total money bet: $322.