It’s Usually a Long Time Between Wins for Her

After losing her first nine starts, La Chola finally posted her first victory, beating $25,000 claimers on Feb. 6, 2005.

Ten losses later, the daughter of Ole’ won again. She whipped a starter allowance field by 5 1/4 lengths early last month.

Given La Chola’s history, another victory today would seem unlikely as she faces a tougher field in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. The 5-year-old mare is one of seven California-bred fillies and mares set to go in the mile-long $55,000 optional claimer.

Owned by a partnership and trained by Ron Ellis, La Chola has worked three times since that victory Feb. 2 -- all at Hollywood Park. She went half a mile in 49 1/5 on Feb. 16, the same distance in 48 1/5 eight days later and her latest drill was four furlongs in a bullet 47 2/5 six days ago.

Jose Valdivia Jr., who has been aboard for her last two races, has the mount again today.

The race also features the return of Dancing Edie, who hasn’t been out since she was eased in the Gazelle, a Grade I, Sept. 10 at Belmont Park. Owned by a partnership that includes J. Paul Reddam and Fast Lane Farms, the 4-year-old Moscow Ballet filly will be looking for her first victory on dirt.

Completing the field will be Sky Reality, Vallinda, Dance Of The Year, who was claimed for $25,000 by trainer Jack Carava out of a win Feb. 9; Ol’ Razzle Dazzle and Pacific Ocean Song.

Race of the day: Gold Like U, who has always been a fan of Aqueduct’s inner track, will make her first start since May 20 in the seventh today in New York. Ramon Dominguez will ride the 5-year-old Gold Token mare, who has won four of eight on the inner track, for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. in the $49,000 optional claimer at six furlongs.

One for the road: Melodious dominated maidens in her first as a 3-year-old and looks as if she can come right back against winners in her first since being claimed by trainer Mike Mitchell. The daughter of Yes It’s True gets a new rider in John Velazquez in the $60,000 claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs at Gulfstream Park.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Dee Dee’s Princess and Jagged Heart in the fourth, Valley’s Passion in the fifth and Neutrality, Denaell and Me Reyna in the sixth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/160. Money: (previous day/meet total): $22/$966. Total money bet: $912.