Dynamic Range can improve on firmer turf

ARCADIA, Calif. - Blame wintertime rain for the two losses by Dynamic Range earlier at the Santa Anita meeting.

At least that's the perspective of trainer Julio Canani, who is anticipating a better performance from the 4-year-old Dynamic Range in the $150,000 San Luis Rey Handicap over 1 1/2 miles on turf here on Saturday.

Earlier this winter, Dynamic Range was fourth in the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes over a good turf course on Jan. 24 and seventh in the Grade 2 San Luis Obispo Handicap over 1 1/2 miles on turf as the 2-1 favorite on Feb. 21. Even though the course was firm, it had rained earlier in the day.

"The other day when it rained he couldn't get a hold of the turf," Canani said. "We're expecting a better race."

The only thing keeping Dynamic Range in the argument among the contenders for the San Luis Rey Handicap are his two wins last fall - an optional claimer over 1 1/2 miles on turf here on Nov. 8 and an optional claimer over 1 1/4 miles on turf at Hollywood Park on Dec. 19.

Dynamic Range will need to be at his best in the Grade 2 San Luis Rey, which has drawn a field of 10. The large field is a reflection on the lack of depth in the turf marathon division in California.

Bourbon Bay, who won the Grade 2 San Luis Obispo, is the 120-pound topweight in the San Luis Rey, which also drew Unusual Suspect and Sudden War, the second- and third-place finishers in the San Luis Obispo.

The Canani-trained Spring House, who won two stakes in the division last year, is based at a local farm and is expected to resume training this spring.