Frankel’s Forecast Is for a Burning Sun

Trainer Bobby Frankel, who won the New Orleans Handicap a few weeks ago with Medaglia d’Oro, will try for another stakes win in Louisiana in today’s $500,000 Mervin Muniz Memorial Handicap at the Fair Grounds.

A Grade II at about 1 1/8 miles on the turf, the Muniz, whose name was changed from the Explosive Bid to honor the longtime racing secretary at the Fair Grounds who died last year, attracted 10 entrants, including the Frankel-trained Burning Sun.

Owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms, Burning Sun, a 5-year-old Danzig horse, impressed in his U.S. debut at Santa Anita on Feb. 29. Although he didn’t beat the strongest of fields, Burning Sun demonstrated a tremendous turn of foot in the final eighth of a mile, getting up to prevail by a half-length as the 9-10 favorite.

The 120-pound highweight in the Muniz is Mystery Giver, a 6-year-old Dynaformer gelding who has won 10 of 28 and earned over $770,000. Three of those victories have come over the Fair Grounds turf course. He will be ridden by Robby Albarado, the meet’s runaway leading jockey.

From the inside out, the rest of the field includes Silver Tree, who will be ridden by Jerry Bailey, Skate Away, Nothing To Lose, who is also trained by Frankel, Majestic Thief, Willard Straight, Herculated, Political Attack and Proud Man.

Race of the day: Friendly Michelle, who was third in the Las Virgenes behind A.P. Adventure and Hollywood Story, drops into a softer spot in today’s $75,000 Santa Paula Stakes at Santa Anita.

One for the road: Matsui adds the blinkers and gets away from Redskin Warrior as he returns to Laurel for today’s $40,000 Horatius at six furlongs. The 3-year-old Double Honor gelding should get a stalking trip from the outside for trainer Derek Ryan.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta keying Enduring Grace on top in the first with Miss Thirtyfour D, Crowded Room and Folk Art in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/188. Money: Previous day/meet total: $12.40/$995. Total money bet: $1,082.