Field of Eight in Santa Lucia

In the last six years, trainers Ron McAnally and John Shirreffs have combined to win four Santa Lucia handicaps.

McAnally won the restricted race with Printemps last year and Victory Stripes in 1999. Shirreffs had back-to-back victories with Borodislew (1996) and Radu Cool (1997).

Both trainers are back for this afternoon’s 24th running of the Santa Lucia.

Kalatiara, an Australian-bred who will be making her first start on the dirt, is McAnally’s representative. Shirreffs will send out Cashmina, a Cherokee Run filly who has won two of three.

Owned by Robert and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable, Kalatiara will break from the rail in the field of eight and she figures to show speed under leading rider Alex Solis.

She has won eight of 16 on the grass, including a Group II victory in her native country.

Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss, Cashmina was a troubled third in her sprint debut Dec. 12 at Hollywood Park, broke her maiden at the same six-furlong distance as the 11-10 favorite, then stretched out to the Santa Lucia distance (11/16 miles) and won by 31/2 lengths.

A $325,000 purchase at Keeneland in September 1999, Cashmina will again be ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye.

Race of the day: Golden Gate Fields ends its meet today and the main event is an interesting sprint, the $55,000 Emeryville Stakes. Among the 3-year-old fillies who will run six furlongs are Fertile, Rich Musique and Yourfinalanswer.

Who’s hot: Frank Alvarado and Jason Lumpkins. The two jockeys combined to win seven of the eight races Friday at Golden Gate.

Who’s not: Kevin Mangold. The apprentice jockey is winless at the Santa Anita meet and doesn’t figure to end his drought today when he rides longshots Shanes Treasure in the third and Lotta Pay in the seventh.

Exotically speaking: An exacta box in the fourth using Manly Valentine, Buzzword and Cellular Call.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/191. Money: Previous day/meet Total: $11.80/$1,126. Total money bet: $1,184.