Notional More Than Hunch in San Rafael

J. Paul Reddam's Notional, a disappointing sixth in the Hollywood Futurity (gr. I) to conclude his 2-year-old campaign, returns in the $150,000 San Rafael (gr. II) for trainer Doug O'Neill Saturday at Santa Anita Park.             

The one-mile San Rafael for 3-year-olds, won last year by Brother Derek, lured a field of seven with Notional possessing a big edge in stakes experience. 

After breaking his maiden in his debut at Santa Anita last October in a swift 1:09 for six furlongs, Notional tired to third after leading in the stretch as the 6-5 choice in Hollywood Park’s Hollywood Prevue (gr. III) in November. The California-bred son of In Excess subsequently lost by 2 1/2 lengths to winner Stormello in the Hollywood Futurity Dec. 16. Regular rider Corey Nakatani returns.

Silent Soul, who finished fifth in the Hollywood Futurity with Garrett Gomez riding, switches to Richard Migliore Saturday.

Gomez shows up on Grapelli, an impressive maiden winner for trainer Todd Pletcher at Hollywood Park on Dec. 3 when covering 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.

$150,000 San Rafael Stakes (gr. II, Race 3, 1:32 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 Mile
PP. Horse, Jockey
1. Half Famous (CA), Michael P. Iammarino
2. Silent Soul (KY), Richard Migliore
3. Notional (CA), Corey S. Nakatani
4. Grapelli (KY), Garrett K. Gomez
5. Tenfold (KY), Victor Espinoza
6. Tap It Light (CA), David Cohen
7. Soldier (KY), Tyler Baze
Each assigned 116 pounds.