Kewen Tough on This Turf

Kewen returns to his favorite place to run when he shows up in this afternoon’s seventh race at Santa Anita.

Away from Arcadia, the 6-year-old Formal Gold gelding has one victory in 17 starts.

Put him on the local turf course, however, and Kewen is a .500 hitter. The Virginia-bred has won two of four on the Santa Anita grass and has been second and third in his two defeats.

Idle since a one-length victory at nearly 11-1 here on Nov. 4, Kewen will try for back-to-back victories in the $52,000 optional claimer at about 6 1/2 furlongs.

Martin Pedroza, who rode the gelding to his latest victory, has the call again for owners David and Holly Wilson and trainer Vladimir Cerin, who claimed Kewen for his current owners for $40,000 on Sept. 28.

The field of eight includes four others who have won on the Santa Anita turf course. Head Of The House is one for four, Richebourg is one for two, Golden Arrow has won two of 12 and Holdthehelm is one for 13.

Art Moderne, who hasn’t been out since winning his U.S. debut by one length last Aug. 6 at Del Mar, Wild Wadi and Billy’s Echo complete the cast.

Race of the day: Kansas City Boy, who was on the Triple Crown trail early last year, will make his first start since finishing last in the Illinois Derby on April 9 and his first for trainer Mark Hennig in the ninth today at Gulfstream Park. Jerry Bailey will ride the 4-year-old Boston Harbor colt in the $33,000 allowance at one mile. The race also marks the return of Monarch Lane, who hasn’t run since finishing second to Greeley’s Galaxy in the Illinois Derby.

One for the road: Mid Town rejoins the barn of trainer Ben Perkins Jr. and shows up in a claimer for the first time in today’s eighth at Aqueduct. The 3-year-old Delaware Chief colt, who finished second to eventual Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner-up Henny Hughes in a maiden race last summer at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., will be ridden by Julian Pimentel in the $45,000 optional claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Singalong in the fifth, Euphoria, Prolly and Treasure Colony in the sixth, Kewen, Richebourg and Golden Arrow in the seventh and Clipper Spirit, Nasty Note and Abundant Gifts in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/29. Money: (previous day/meet total): $27.20/$179.20. Total money bet: $204.