‘Wild Cat Might Be Wild Card

Although it is not part of the Sunshine Millions, the ninth race on today’s card at Santa Anita might be the best race of the day.

A $56,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs, the contest drew nine older horses and a case can be made for nearly all of them.

One of the contenders is Ministers Wild Cat. A 4-year-old son of Deputy Minister out of the brilliant mare Hollywood Wildcat, he has failed to live up to expectations.

Considered a Kentucky Derby prospect by some early last year, Ministers Wild Cat failed to win in four starts in graded stakes. His best efforts were seconds in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields and a runner-up finish -- in a field of four -- in the Affirmed Handicap at Hollywood Park.

Unraced since finishing last in his turf debut in the La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar on Aug. 16, Ministers Wild Cat will be trying a sprint for the first time since he broke his maiden at Santa Anita by 7 1/2 lengths on Jan. 11, 2003.

Others who have to be considered include Fonz’s, Smile N Wildcat, the consistent Highly Tempting, Casas Caballo and McCann’s Mojave, a 4-year-old Memo colt who is unbeaten in three starts but hasn’t raced since April 2 for trainer Leonard Dorfman.

Race of the day: Nine horses who have combined for 63 victories will get together in the $75,000 Paumonok Handicap at Aqueduct. Way To The Top, Crossing Point, Spooky Mulder and Peeping Tom all have 10 or more victories. The six-furlong Paumonok is being run for the 96th time.

One for the road: Medallist is a first-time starter by Touch Gold who looks primed to win at first asking in today’s fourth at Gulftream Park. Jose Santos will ride for trainer Allen Jerkens, who has a decent win rate with rookies. Medallist “breezed” six furlongs in 1:13 4/5 over the track earlier in the week.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Bertrando’s Model, It’s Stevie’s Time and Anima Mundi in the eighth, Ministers Wild Cat, Casas Caballo, Highly Tempting and McCann’s Mojave in the ninth and Relative Strength in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/65. Money: Previous day/meet total: $5.60/$349.80. Total money bet: $378.