Afternoon Deelites at Santa Anita Sunday

The horse many think is the nation’s top 3-year-old will make his 1995 debut Sunday at Santa Anita.

Afternoon Deelites, who along with Timber Country is a future book favorite for the Kentucky Derby, will run in the $100,000 San Vicente Breeders’ Cup Stakes at seven furlongs.

After breaking his maiden in his debut Oct. 23, the 3-year-old Private Terms colt turned in two breathtaking victories at Hollywood Park to complete his 2-year-old campaign. He won the Hollywood Prevue by three lengths and came back five weeks later to take the Hollywood Futurity by 6 1/2 lengths.

“I haven’t drilled him real tight, and I don’t know that he’s up to the race of his life, but I think he’s good enough to do what he’s got to do,” said trainer Richard Mandella.

Only four others were entered against owner Burt Bacharach’s West Virginia-bred: Hollywood Juvenile winner Mr Purple, Del Mar Futurity winner On Target and long shots Fandarel Dancer and A.J. Jett.

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Hollywood Wildcat made a successful return to the races Friday at Santa Anita, easily winning the $65,500 Little Brianne in her first start since the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

The 7-10 favorite, the 5-year-old Kris S. mare was third early in the compact field of five, then drew away in the stretch to win by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:21 3/5.