Twelve set for San Fernando

ACTION THIS DAY (Kris S.) and MINISTER ERIC (Old Trieste), the 1-2 finishers

in the 2003 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita, are among the 12 horses

entered for Saturday's $200,000 San Fernando Breeders' Cup S. (G2), the second

leg of the three-race Strub series for foals of 2001. Both colts will run

uncoupled for trainer Richard Mandella in the 1 1/8-mile contest.

Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner CASTLEDALE (Ire) (Peintre Celebre), who is

unraced since an unplaced finish in last year's Kentucky Derby (G1), will return

to the races in the San Fernando. Jose Valdivia Jr. rides the Jeff Mullins

trainee. Another contender is Grade 3 hero

MASS MEDIA (Touch Gold), who will

have the services of the recently reinstated Pat Valenzuela.

From the rail with riders and imposts, the contestants are EL DON (Cee's

Tizzy), Gary Stevens, 116; Mass Media, 118; INDIAN COUNTRY (Indian Charlie),

Casey Fusilier, 116; Action This Day, David Flores, 116; Minister Eric, Rene

Douglas, 116; SKIPASLEW (Skip Away), Kent Desormeaux, 116; Castledale, 120;

SINISTER G (Matty G), Tyler Baze, 120; HARVARD AVENUE (You and I), Garrett

Gomez, 116; MY CREED (Beau Genius), Jon Court, 118; IMPERIALISM (Langfuhr),

Victor Espinoza, 120; and PERFECT MOON (Malibu Moon), Mike Smith, 118.

Earlier on the Santa Anita program, five sophomores are expected to go in

the one-mile San Rafael S. (G2). Top contenders include the unbeaten

KIRKENDAHL

(Menifee), who will be making his stakes bow, and recent allowance winner CHIPS

ARE DOWN (Distorted Humor).

Delta Jackpot S. winner Texcess (In Excess [Ire]), who had been assigned the

highweight of 121 pounds, was entered in the San Rafael and drew post 5.

However, trainer Paul Aguirre and has decided instead to send the bay to

Saturday's $100,000 Golden Gate Derby at 1 1/16 miles.

"He traveled last time (to Delta Downs) and it's early in the year so I don't

think he really needs a tough race for any particular reason," Aguirre said.

"Why not pick an easy spot?"

The rest of the runners in the San Rafael field will only have to tote 115

pounds each. In post order, with jockeys, they are Kirkendahl, Desormeaux;

SPANISH CHESTNUT (Horse Chestnut [SAf]), Stevens; Chips are Down, Douglas; DOVER

DERE (Cherokee Run), Court; and ICED OUT (Comic Strip), Baze.

Also set for Saturday is the $75,000

Hill Rise S. for three-year-olds on the

turf. Stakes hero VEILED SPEED (Runaway Groom) will carry top weight of 122

pounds against nine rivals in the mile test.