Al Mamoon Atones for His Flop in Breeders’ Cup, Wins Citation

Al Mamoon, which finished a disappointing fifth in the recent Breeders’ Cup Mile, came back with an impressive victory in Saturday’s $195,700 Citation Handicap on the turf at Hollywood Park.

Al Mamoon finished 3 1/2 lengths in front of Silveyville, with Louis LeGrand winding up fifth.

Al Mamoon, who had been blocked much of the way in the Breeders’ Cup race Nov. 1 at Santa Anita, this time was boxed in behind horses early in the stretch. But he finally drew clear near the rail, passed Silveyville, and went on to win going away.

Ridden by Gary Stevens and carrying high weight of 122 pounds, Al Mamoon was clocked in 1:48 for the 1 1/8-mile grass event.

Will Dancer finished third, 2 1/2 lengths behind Silveyville.

The wagering favorite of the crowd of 22,205, Al Mamoon paid $3.60, $2.80 and $2.40. Silveyville, ridden by Rafael Meza, returned $5.60 and $3.80. The show playoff on Will Dancer, ridden by Fernando Toro, was $3.40.