Santa Anita Tops a Big Day

Aside from the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby, there isn’t much happening in the thoroughbred racing world today.

Yeah, right. The reigning horse of the year makes her return at Oaklawn Park, Medaglia d’Oro makes his first appearance since winning the Strub, there are two other significant races for 3-year-olds -- the $500,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne and the $250,000 Aventura Stakes at Gulfstream Park -- and a quality group of 3-year-old fillies is at Keeneland.

Unraced since completing her banner 2002 campaign with a decisive win in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Azeri will try to defend her title against six other fillies and mares in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap.

Azeri’s main threats would appear to be Affluent and Take Charge Lady.

Three races later, Medaglia d’Oro, who won the Strub by seven lengths, will break from the rail against four opponents in the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap at 1 1/8 miles. Kudos, the defending champion, will break from the outside under jockey Alex Solis.

Race of the day: Handyman Bill will try for his third win in a row for trainer Mark Glatt in today’s seventh at Santa Anita, the second leg of a pick six that has a guaranteed pool of $1 million.

Who’s hot: Snake Mountain. The 5-year-old A.P. Indy gelding will be seeking his sixth consecutive win in today’s $200,000 Excelsior Breeders’ Cup Handicap today at Aqueduct.

Who’s not: Howard Scarberry. The trainer, who will start Took Out in the Apple Blossom, lost with his first 37 starters in 2003.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 6/212. Money: Previous day/meet total: $26/$1,186.80. Total money bet: $1,250.