Six days later than expected, multiple stakes winner Planetario begins his 2024 season in Saturday’s Grade 3 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita, a race that could be part of a busy February campaign. A successful outing in the $100,000 San Marcos Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf could lead to a flight next week to Saudi Arabia for the $2.5 million Red Sea Handicap at 1 7/8 miles in that country on Feb. 24. “That’s a big possibility,” trainer Richard Mandella said of a trip to the Middle East. The first objective is the San Marcos Stakes. “He’d have to run good, but I’m not saying he has to win,” Mandella said. “It might be a little short for him. Who knows? He’s feeling pretty fresh. “I need to see a good race and for him to come out of it really good.” The San Marcos was postponed from last Sunday because of a forecast of rain, which was accurate. Beginning Sunday afternoon, rain fell almost nonstop in the Los Angeles area for two days. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. The San Marcos was redrawn Wednesday and will have a field of six on Saturday. The reformed lineup does not include Prince Abama, who won the race in 2023 in his most recent start and was entered last Sunday. Trainer Phil D’Amato said Thursday that a disrupted training schedule caused by rain affected Prince Abama’s preparation. “After a long layoff, when your timing is not good, I’ve not had too much success,” he said. “I missed a breeze.” The San Marcos, one of three stakes on a 10-race program Saturday at Santa Anita, will be the first start for Planetario since a win in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles on Nov. 24 at Del Mar. In the San Marcos, Planetario will face Balladeer, Eastern Ocean, Irish Prophet, Missed the Cut, and Shortman, who were all entered last Sunday. The race scenario should help Planetario, even though the five-time stakes winner may be more effective at longer distances. Balladeer, winner of the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita in September, and Eastern Ocean, who was fifth in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita, should ensure a quick pace. Balladeer was ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Nov. 4 after setting the pace, and fourth in the Hollywood Turf Cup after holding an early lead. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Missed the Cut races as a closer and will be helped if a quick pace develops. Missed the Cut closed from last of six to finish second in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes. Last fall, Missed the Cut beat three rivals in the Grade 3 Tokyo City Cup at 1 1/2 miles on dirt on Oct. 1 at Santa Anita and was last of 12 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Earlier in his career, Missed the Cut won the $122,200 Golden Gates Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Royal Ascot in Britain. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.