Frank Olivares Rides Longshot Rufjan to Upset Victory in Hollypark Feature

Longshot Rufjan, ridden by Frank Olivares, rallied through the stretch to win Wednesday’s $30,000 feature race by a head at Hollywood Park.

Rai Den, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, finished second a half-length in front of Centenary, with Laffit Pincay aboard.

The odds-on favorite, Arctic Blast, ridden by Fernando Toro, never threatened and finished sixth in a field of seven horses, 3 years old and up.

Rufjan covered the 1 1/16 miles over a firm turf course in 1:40 2/5 and earned $16,500 for the victory.

Sent off the third-longest shot in the field, Rufjan paid $24.40, $8.80 and $5.20. Rai Den returned $7.20 and $6.40 and Centenary paid $4.80 to show.

Carrying 120 pounds, Rufjan raced close up before beginning his bid entering the stretch. The longshot continued to gain ground through the final furlong and was up in the final yards.

Rai Den, carrying 118, prompted the pace most of the way and just missed. Centenary, carrying 118, moved to the lead on the far turn and weakened slightly in the final furlong.