Trying to Follow a Pattern

If a recent pattern holds true, Domestic Dispute will win the $250,000 San Felipe Stakes this afternoon.

The Unbridled’s Song colt is trained by Bob Baffert and, since 1999, Baffert has won the Grade II every other year. Since Baffert failed with Puerto Banus in last year’s San Felipe, he is due in 2003. The trainer won with Prime Timber in 1999 and with Point Given in 2001. The race is the second leg of a pick six with a carry-over of $128,402.

With jockey David Flores opting for Atswhatimtalknabout, Jerry Bailey will ride Domestic Dispute for the first time. Atswhatimtalknabout, a lightly raced son of A.P. Indy, is making his stakes debut.

Rounding out the field are Man Among Men, who upset Florida Derby hero Empire Maker in the Sham Stakes on Feb. 7; likely pacesetter Siberland; the improving Buddy Gil; Ten Cents A Shine, who will be making his first start for trainer Wayne Lukas, and longshots Flirt With Fortune, Buckland Manor, Brancusi and Logician.

Race of the day: Colita heads a field of 11 in the $200,000 Gotham at Aqueduct.

Who’s hot: Snake Mountain. The 5-year-old A.P. Indy gelding will try for his fifth consecutive win in the $75,000 Stymie Handicap today at Aqueduct.

Who’s not: Contexte. The 6-year-old Septieme Ciel gelding is 0 for 27 since the beginning of 2002. He’s entered in today’s ninth at Golden Gate Fields.

Exotically speaking: A pick three with Jetinto Houston in the third, Flying Rudolph and Northern Crown in the fourth and Man Among Men, Siberland, Buddy Gil, Domestic Dispute and Atswhatimtalknabout in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/166. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15.60/$942. Total money bet: $1,012.