It could be Black Mamba’s time

Black Mamba will get some class relief today when she takes on eight other fillies and mares in the $150,000 Buena Vista Handicap at Santa Anita. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $1,269,223.

After facing Precious Kitten, Nashoba’s Key, Naissance Royale and Citronnade in her last four stakes appearances, the 5-year-old New Zealand-bred mare will face no such talent in the Buena Vista, a Grade II at one mile on the turf.

Owned by Doubledown Stables Inc. and trained by John Sadler, Black Mamba has been second or third to the aforementioned females and will be favored to get that elusive graded stakes victory this afternoon.

Tyler Baze, who has been aboard for all five of her starts in the U.S., has the call again as she looks for her first win since she won an allowance last Aug. 5 at Del Mar in her first race in this country.

Drawn directly inside of Black Mamba is Trick’s Pic, who won the Tuzla at today’s distance in her first start for trainer Doug O’Neill on Jan. 19. A 5-year-old Favorite Trick mare owned by breeder Joseph Lacombe, Trick’s Pic will be looking for her fourth win in 12 starts on grass and will be ridden by Victor Espinoza.

The field also includes Alexandra Rose, who is stretching out for trainer Neil Drysdale after winning the Monrovia Handicap at about 6 1/2 furlongs on New Year’s Day. Winless in six races at the Buena Vista distance, the 6-year-old Caesour mare will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano.

Race of the day: Bustin Stones, a New York product unbeaten in four starts, will make his first appearance outside of his home state and first in a graded stakes in the $300,000 General George Handicap today at Laurel. Ramon Dominguez will ride the 4-year-old City Zip colt for owner-breeder Roddy Valente and trainer Bruce Levine in the Grade II at seven furlongs.

One for the road: Corrupt has won over the turf at the Fair Grounds and could fire off the bench for a new barn in the ninth race today. Shaun Bridgmohan will ride the 4-year-old Belong To Me colt, who has won three of five overall on grass, for owners Team Block and W.S. Farish and trainer Neil Howard in the $42,000 optional claimer at about 1 1/16 miles on turf.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using South African Baby in the first; Rateau, Furioso Star and Medzendeekron in the second; Silk Thunder and Masterful Miss in the third; and Familiar Stranger, Paul’s Hope and Spot The Diplomat in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/73. Money:(previous day/meet total: $17.80/$488.60. Total money bet: $560.

bob.mieszerski@latimes.com