Two Trying to Make Grade

Two horses who were also-rans in the last two runnings of the Kentucky Derby will race today at Santa Anita.

Easy Grades, who was 13th in the 2002 Derby after a so-so second in the Santa Anita Derby, and Thunder Blitz, who was fourth behind Monarchos, Invisible Ink and Congaree at Churchill Downs the year before, are the ones to beat in the $61,000 optional claimer at one mile.

Owned by the Desperado Stables Inc. and trained by Ted H. West, Easy Grades will be racing with blinkers for the first time in search of his third lifetime victory. Julie Krone rides him for the second time.

Unraced since finishing second in an allowance race at Belmont Park last June 26, Thunder Blitz will be making his first start for trainer Bobby Frankel this afternoon. The 5-year-old Holy Bull horse, who is owned by Frank Stronach, will also be adding blinkers.

Race of the day: Chamrousse, who won last year’s Black Eyed Susan at Pimlico and placed in four other graded stakes, will make her first start of 2003 in today’s eighth at Gulfstream Park. Jerry Bailey will ride the Peaks and Valleys filly for trainer Niall O’Callaghan.

Who’s hot: Trainers named Bill Morey. The father-son team has combined for 39 victories at Golden Gate Fields.

Who’s not: The field in today’s ninth at Aqueduct. The 10 New York-bred maiden fillies are a combined zero for 51.

Exotically speaking: A pick four singling Papier Mache in the fifth, using Atouratoura, Bold Rhythm, Supervelous and Banish The Thought in the sixth, Easy Grades and Thunder Blitz in the seventh and Clever Miss Caper, Pammy N’Cammi, Irish Slew and Perfect Woman in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/118. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11/$689.20. Total money bet: $786.