Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale will be at Bay Meadows Saturday to saddle Arabic Song in the $125,000 Yerba Buena Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIIT). The Yerba Buena, for fillies and mares 3 and up, will be run at 1 1/8 miles on the Longden Turf Course.Drysdale is hoping Arabic Song gets a smoother trip Saturday than she had March 27 in the Santa Ana Handicap (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita.Arabic Song crossed the wire fourth in the Santa Ana after losing her momentum in midstretch when she was cut off by Megahertz, who swerved in sharply. Megahertz won the Santa Ana but was disqualified and placed last for causing interference, a ruling that moved Arabic Song up to third.
The 1 1/8-mile Santa Ana was Arabic Song's first start in more than seven months. Despite the trouble, she lost by four lengths. Arabic Song has four victories in 16 lifetime starts and has finished in the money in all but three of her races. Bred in Ireland, Arabic Song captured the Osunitas Handicap at Del Mar last August and then went to the sidelines for the remainder of the year. Arabic Song, who carries top weight of 117 pounds Satuday, has finished in the money in 13 of her 16 career starts and has earned $236,322. Jockey Brice Blanc has the call on Arabic Song, who drew the outside post in a field of six.Hooked on Niners and A B Noodle, who ran second and third, respectively, in the Brown Bess Handicap (gr. IIIT) Jan. 31, figure to be among the leading challengers.
125,000 Yerba Buena Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIIT), fillies and mares 3 & up, 1 1/8 mile on turf
Distance:About One And One Eighth Miles
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. A B Noodle (KY), 115, Joe M. Castro
2. Marwood (FL), 115, Ronald J. Warren, Jr.
3. Hooked On Niners (KY), 114, Russell A. Baze
4. Hippogator (KY), 116, Roberto M. Gonzalez
5. Sister Mary Hugh (KY), 109, Miguel A. Perez
6. Arabic Song (IRE), 117, Brice Blanc