Shoemaker-Whittingham Act Is Hollywood Hit

The Kentucky Derby-winning team of jockey Bill Shoemaker and trainer Charlie Whittingham struck again Sunday as Mazaad raced to a half-length victory in the $69,700 Spotlight Stakes for 3 year olds at Hollywood Park.

La Koumia, a French-bred filly, scored a head victory in the co-featured Somethingroyal Handicap for her first American win.

In the Spotlight Stakes, Shoemaker, who eight days ago won the Kentucky Derby at age 54 on the Whittingham-trained Ferdinand, allowed the Irish-bred Mazaad to lag in last place in the 1 1-16-mile race until the stretch. There he closed on the outside to hold off the late bid of Autobot, ridden by Fernando Toro.

In addition to the Derby, the team of Shoemaker and Whittingham combined May 4 to capture the $150,000 John Henry Handicap with Palace Music. The Spotlight victory was Shoemaker’s 8,540th career win and his 944th stakes victory, both records.

Mazaad was making his first American start after winning three of five races in England. He was clocked in 1:41 4-5, and as the favorite paid $9.20, $5.20 and $4.40. Autobot paid $10.40 and $7.20 and Roman Magestraite paid $5.20. The winner is owned by Sheik Mohammad Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates.

La Koumia had started twice before in the United States, finishing third in stakes races last fall, but was off for five months before making her return.

Jockey Ray Sabille allowed the winner to lag in last place until the turn for home, where she came to the outside and outran Sauna for the win.

Frau Altiva was third in the field of six.

La Koumia was sent off the favorite to pay $3.80, $2.80 and $2.60. Sauna, an Australian mare ridden by Chris McCarron, paid $4.00 and $3.00, while Frau Altiva returned $4.00.