Field of Eight in Cascapedia

After running in three consecutive Grade I races around two turns, Tali’sluckybusride is dropping in class and shortening up in her comeback today at Santa Anita.

A $23,000 purchase more than two years ago by owners Ron and Susie Anson, the 3-year-old Delineator filly makes her first start since Feb. 10 in the $75,000-added Cascapedia Stakes at six furlongs.

Trained by Alfredo Marquez, Tali’sluckybusride, who finished third in the Hollywood Starlet and Las Virgenes after winning the Oak Leaf, is the co-third choice at 4-1 in the Cascapedia, which drew seven other fillies and mares.

The 5-2 morning line favorite in the race is Madame Pietra, who has three seconds and a victory in her last four starts for trainer Howard Zucker.

Completing the field in the Cascapedia are Rollette, Imperatriz Rafaela, Shameful, Brisquette, Refine and Harvest Girl.

Race of the day: River Bridge will try to bounce back for trainer Darrell Vienna in the third at Oak Tree, a $50,000 claimer for fillies and mares at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Who’s hot: Jack Carava. Oak Tree’s leading trainer swept the final three races on Wednesday’s card. With four days left in the meet, Carava has 12 victories, four more than Bob Baffert.

Who’s not: Robert O’Connor. With 10 months of the year almost complete, the Kentucky-based trainer is winless in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta keying Kalookan Star on top in the eighth with Heza Houston, Lakeside Trail and Smokindowntheroad in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/63. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26.80/$352.20. Total money bet: $390.