El Asesor Triumphs in Seabiscuit Stakes

El Asesor, winning his second race in five days, captured the $100,000 Seabiscuit Stakes Tuesday as Hollywood Park closed its fall season.

Ridden by Pat Valenzuela, El Asesor finished 1 3/4 lengths in front of Foscarini, with Palestiglio finishing third.

The local racing scene shifts to Santa Anita Thursday for the start of an 89-day meeting that runs through April 21.

Chris McCarron, while not riding the last two days at Hollywood Park, still won the riding title at the track for the 10th time in the last 11 meetings.

McCarron finished with 34 wins. Corey Black was the leading apprentice rider for the season with 17 wins. Mel Stute won the training title with 15 wins.

Hollywood Park averaged 21,129 fans and $4.5 million in handle per day. Last year, when the track benefitted from being the host for the Breeders’ Cup, the averages were 22,751 and $4.6 million. Compared to 1983 figures, this season’s wagering was up 9% and attendance was down 12%.

Twelve 3-year-olds are entered for Santa Anita’s opening stake, the seven-furlong, $100,000 Malibu. High weights at 123 pounds apiece are Banner Bob, Another Reef and Pancho Villa. The rest of the field includes Swancey Boy, Carload, Mischiefinmind, Lucky N Green, Encolure, First Norman, Cracksman, Right Con and Nostalgia’s Star.