SAN FELIPE STAKES: GRIFFIN QUIET ON COBALT BLUE.

Byline: KEVIN MODESTI

Staff Writer

ARCADIA -- Merv Griffin touted his new Kentucky Derby dream Saturday in what was, for the entertainer, unusual fashion.

Merv did it relatively quietly.

Upstaged on a coast-to-coast busy afternoon of 3-year-old races by Street Sense's comeback victory in Florida and Curlin's smasher in Arkansas, the lightly raced colt Cobalt Blue won the $250,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita to give Griffin a contender for the May5 Derby.

Another big test looms for Cobalt Blue, in either the April14 Arkansas Derby or April 7 Illinois Derby, before the owner can book Louisville hotel rooms for his entourage. Maybe that's why, in the Santa Anita winner's circle, Griffin sounded as if he was trying to contain his anticipation. Or maybe he learned a lesson last year when Stevie Wonderboy got hurt and never reached Churchill Downs.

"It's alive again," Griffin said of the Derby dream. "But I don't want to talk too much about it. I think I talked too much before Stevie Wonderboy."

Understand, quiet is a relative concept for Griffin, the 81-year- old talk-show host, game-show entrepreneur and all-around center of attention.

He explained that Dennis O'Neill, brother and assistant of Cobalt Blue trainer Doug O'Neill, has "forbidden me" to sing "My Old Kentucky Home." He said "New York, New York" is permitted.

"How about, 'Chicago, Chicago ...'?" Griffin said, turning to Dennis O'Neill and breaking into song.

Recently, Griffin said if everything went well in the San Felipe, Cobalt Blue would have his final Kentucky Derby prep in the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne. Dennis O'Neill pointed out to him Saturday that the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park has a $1million purse -- twice as nice.

"Oh, then we're going there," Griffin said before pivoting back toward reporters and deadpanning: "But I'm not in this for the money."

Everything went very well in the San Felipe for Cobalt Blue ($6.40) and jockey Victor Espinoza as they led virtually the whole 11/16 miles to beat 6-5 favorite Air Commander by two lengths in a five-horse field.

For the Florida-bred son of Golden Missile, bought by Griffin for $325,000 at a 2-year-olds auction, this was the first start beyond a 6-furlong sprint, the first stakes-level victory, and the third win in four tries.

Cobalt Blue was out from August to February because of a hind-end injury. Now, suddenly, he belongs on the O'Neill barn's troupe of Derby prospects with Great Hunter, Notional and Liquidity (O'Neill's horse for the April 7 Santa Anita Derby).

"He's a powerhouse, a powerhouse of a racehorse," Griffin said. "Today he's Cobalt Green. You know, he was born on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12, and his first big win as a 3-year-old came on Valentine's Day. Today is St. Patrick's Day, and Derby Day is Cinco de Mayo. He's a holiday horse."

The San Felipe was one of Saturday's three races of interest to Triple Crown handicappers.

At Tampa Bay Downs, 2-year-old champion Street Sense ($4.40) overcame his many doubters and a late start to his 3-year-old season to nose out Any Given Saturday in the $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby. Street Sense and jockey Calvin Borel clocked 1:43.11 to break the 11/16-mile track record.

At Oaklawn, Curlin ($7.40) made only his second start but romped again in a 5(bul)-length victory over Officer Rocket. Robby Albarado rode for trainer Steve Asmussen.

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Photo:

Cobalt Blue, right, with Victora Espinoza aboard, finishes first in the $250,000 San Felipe Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita.

Edna T. Simpson/Daily News