Megahertz Knows the Way to Santa Barbara

Megahertz isn’t the first filly or mare to win the $200,000 Santa Barbara Handicap twice. Astra won for trainer Simon Bray in 2001 and in 2002 for Laura de Seroux.

No female has won the Santa Barbara, a Grade II at 1 1/4 miles on the turf, three consecutive years, and Megahertz will try to accomplish the feat today in the 57th running of the race at Santa Anita.

Owned by Michael Bello and trained by Bobby Frankel, who has won the Santa Barbara four times in 11 years, Megahertz will be favored against six opponents over a turf course she loves.

Since arriving from Europe, the diminutive English-bred has won seven of 11 in Arcadia and had one victory taken away on a disqualification in last year’s Santa Ana Handicap.

The mare Megahertz has to fear most is Moscow Burning. A California-bred daughter of Moscow Ballet, she has won three of five on the local grass and was second in her two defeats. Nadeszhda, Uraib, Ask For The Moon, Hoh Buzzard and Midwife complete the field.

Race of the day: Intercontinental, who hasn’t raced since winning the Matriarch, a Grade I Nov. 28 at Hollywood Park, is scheduled to make her return in today’s $200,000 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland. A Grade III at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, the Wiley attracted eight others -- River Belle, Jacqui’s Promise, Sister Star, Sister Swank, Delta Princess, Katdogawn, My Dear Lady and High Court. Intercontinental has won eight of 15 on grass.

One for the road: Auntie Inda Attic is the controlling speed in today’s eighth at Aqueduct. Jose Santos will ride the 4-year-old Suave Prospect filly in her second start for co-owner and trainer Steve Klesaris against four others in the $46,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Rojo Blanco and Ride And Shine in the third, Higher Cause in the fourth and Goodnews Bay, Hello Fame, Double Option, Legend Glory and Marbury in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/213. Money: Previous day/meet total: $6.60/$1,162.20. Total money bet: $1,418.