Weight Too High, So Precisionist to Skip Native Diver

Precisionist won’t be running in Saturday’s $100,000 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park because his owner believes the assigned weight is too high.

“Let the guys who made up the weights run,” owner Fred Hooper said.

Precisionist was assigned 127 pounds by Hollywood Park’s three-man handicapping committee, three pounds more than Skywalker and Super Diamond, who also are not running.

Precisionist won’t run again until next year, when he’s a 6-year-old. Likely spots before the $1-million Santa Anita Handicap March 8 are the San Pasqual Handicap Feb. 1 or the San Antonio Handicap Feb. 22.

Nostalgia’s Star, with 118 pounds, is now the high weight in the eight-horse Native Diver, which also includes Hopeful Word, Epidaurus, Honor Medal, Important Business, Fortunate Dancer, Late Request and Sharp Romance.

In another development at Hollywood Park Thursday, trainer Mel Stute said that he would supplement his 2-year-old filly, Brave Raj, for $50,000 in Sunday’s $1-million Hollywood Futurity.