Dolly Wells Tries to Close the Deal

The only people happy with Dolly Wells in the last nine months or so are show bettors.

A 5-year-old Poliglote mare owned by Marsha Naify and trained by Laura de Seroux, Dolly Wells has finished second or third in her last six starts after running fifth in her U.S. debut April 16.

Winless since she won a minor stakes in Chile in August 2003, the Argentine-bred mare will shoot for her fourth victory in today’s second at Santa Anita. Victor Espinoza, who has been aboard for her two most recent losses, has the mount again in the $52,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Two of Dolly Wells’ five opponents are coming off wins. Princess Sequoia, a 4-year-old Cherokee Run filly trained by Ron Ellis for owner B. Wayne Hughes, beat maidens by five lengths Jan. 5. Redmeansgo, a 4-year-old daughter of Red Ransom, won a $40,000 claimer by four lengths Jan. 17. Trained by Rafael Becerra, Redmeansgo has won three of four since being claimed for $32,000 on July 5 at Hollywood Park.

Race of the day: Tara’s Touch, who was second in her U.S. debut at the New Orleans Fair Grounds on Jan. 15, after having won seven of 15 in South Africa, will stretch out to 1 1/16 miles on the Gulfstream Park turf course in today’s eighth. Jerry Bailey will ride the 6-year-old mare for Margeaux Farms and Team Valor and trainer Niall O’Callaghan in the $46,000 allowance. Vespers, Jacqui’s Promise, Feisty Bull and Noisette are among the other contenders.

One for the road: Golden Blaise should be tough for trainer Richard Stoklosa in today’s seventh at Aqueduct after winning by nearly six lengths from an outside post Feb. 6. The 5-year-old Goldminers Gold gelding has the rail today and will be ridden by Aaron Gryder in the $46,000 allowance for older New York-breds at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Polyfirst, Quatrain and The Usual in the fifth, Haven House in the sixth, Dr. Ramos, Drake’s Victory and Fra Diavolo in the seventh, and Summer Jersey, Taps For Liberty and Shoot For Gold in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/123. Money: Previous day/meet total: $17.20/$660.40. Total money bet: $820.