Horse Racing Roundup : Zany Tactics’ Victory Earns Him an American Turf Record

Zany Tactics set an American record of 1:07 2/5 for six furlongs on the grass Saturday in winning the $79,850 Hollywood Turf Express Handicap by three-quarters of a length at Hollywood Park.

The 5-year-old gelding forced the early pace of Faro until the stretch, where he quickly responded to jockey Jack Kaenel to take the lead and hold off the closing bid of second-place finisher Bolder Than Bold.

River Drummer, who shared the previous record, was heavily favored at 6-5 odds but finished last in the field of five.

Zany Tactics broke the mark of 1:08 first set in 1983 by Out Of Hock at Belmont Park. River Drummer equaled that last June at Hollywood Park.

Zany Tactics, sent off at 7-2, returned $9.60, $4.60 and $3.20. Today, Aberuschka heads a field of seven fillies and mares in the $100,000 Dahlia Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Palace Music, given an energetic ride by Fernando Toro, swept past the pace-setting Barbery at mid-stretch and cruised to a 3 1/2-length victory over outsider Nugget Point in the $300,000 Grade II Handicap at Bay Meadows.

Both Palace Music and Nugget Point had to survive a claim of foul by jockey Russell Baze, who was aboard Swink--Palace Music’s entry mate. After reviewing the films, which showed some bumping between the entry, stewards dismissed both claims.

The bumping incident occurred on the far turn when Baze tried to guide his mount through a hole on the rail, and Palace Music got to the opening first.

Palace Music, who carried 123 pounds, ran the 1 1/8 miles on the turf in 1:50 and returned $6, $3.20 and $3. Nugget Point paid $7 and $4.80, and Barbery paid $5.40 to show.

The favorite, Al Mamoon, finished sixth in the field of 10.