Drysdale Is Loading Up in La Zanzara Handicap

Trainer Neil Drysdale will send out two of the three mares in the $75,000 La Zanzara Handicap today at Santa Anita that have at least one victory at the race distance -- 1 1/4 miles on turf. The La Zanzara is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $113,625.

Drysdale, who is having a solid meet in Arcadia, is scheduled to run Aubonne, who won twice at 10 furlongs in Europe, and Stage Shy, who is two of three at the distance with one of the victories coming over the Santa Anita turf course.

The Theatrical mare won by two lengths in her U.S. debut in an optional claimer on Jan. 29, 2004.

Halo Ola, Barancella, Eternal Melody and Reality Show round out the field for the La Zanzara, which is named for the winner of the 1975 San Juan Capistrano.

Halo Ola, an Argentine-bred daughter of Southern Halo owned by Liers Corp. and trained by Luis Seglin, is the other horse in the field with a victory at this distance.

She won a Group I in her native country on Dec. 8, 2004. Winless in eight starts in this country, Halo Ola will break from the rail and will be ridden by David Cohen.

Barancella, who was a troubled third in a Woodbine stakes in her last attempt at 1 1/4 miles, will be coupled in the wagering with Aubonne because Gary Tanaka owns both.

Race of the day: Fairly Crafty, who won a $62,500 claimer by 3 3/4 lengths in his last start on Dec. 10 at Hollywood Park, will make his New York debut for owner Roddy Valente and trainer Bruce Levine in the seventh today at Aqueduct.

Mike Luzzi will ride the 6-year-old Crafty Prospector horse -- who has five victories in 28 starts -- in the $47,000 allowance at six furlongs.

One for the road: Irish Majesty will try to bounce back after jumping the rail in the stretch when favored on Nov. 11 at Churchill Downs and he fits off his race two back and can win from behind in this afternoon’s sixth at Gulfstream Park. Mark Guidry will ride the 3-year-old Arch colt for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Dale Romans in the $32,000 maiden affair at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Seastate in the third, Lahuna, Tioga Junction, Eliminator and Boston Direct in the fourth and Anearlyfil, Pearls ‘n’ Satin and Sumthinbad in the fifth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/63. Money: (previous day/meet total): $12.20/$398. Total money bet: $390.