Golden Klair Is Choice to Win El Encino Stakes

Golden Klair, who upset Pacific Squall and other older opponents in the Silver Belles Handicap last month at Hollywood Park, is the 3-1 favorite in today’s $110,500 El Encino Stakes at Santa Anita.

Never worse than third in her four American starts, Golden Klair earned her first U.S. victory by a half-length at 11-1 in the Silver Belles. Chris McCarron will again ride the daughter of Damister for trainer Darrell Vienna.

Stalcreek, who beat Golden Klair by a length in the Linda Vista Handicap over this track on Nov. 13, is the 7-2 second choice. She faded to fifth in the Dahlia Handicap on closing day of the Hollywood Park fall meeting, unable to handle a yielding turf course. With Eddie Delahoussaye serving the final day of his five-day suspension, Gary Stevens will ride Stalcreek.

The rest of the entrants for the 1 1/16-mile El Encino include Mamselle Bebette, Island Orchid, Vinista, Sensational Eyes, Alyshena, Tricky Princess and Supah Gem.

*

Rockamundo continued to prove his victory in last year’s Arkansas Derby was a fluke by finishing last in his California debut Friday at Santa Anita.

A 108-1 shot when he defeated Kissin Kris and eight others in the Arkansas Derby, Rockamundo has beaten 10 horses in five starts since.

Bossanova, the 5-2 second choice Friday, won the $50,000 allowance race, beating favored Tinners Way by nearly three lengths in 1:34 1/5 for the mile.