HOLLYWOOD PARK : Mahaska Will Try Grass on Opening Day

Mahaska, a Washington-bred filly who won three stakes at as many race tracks this summer, will be tested on grass for the first time Wednesday in the $60,000 Allez France Handicap, opening day feature of Hollywood Park’s Fall Holiday Meeting of Champions.

The Allez France, a 1 1/16-mile stake on the turf for 3-year-old fillies, is the headliner on the first of 37 racing dates this fall at Hollywood Park. First post is 1 p.m.

The meet concludes Dec. 24.

After winning three successive sprint stakes, Mahaska attempted her first route in the recent Linda Vista Handicap at Oak Tree. She led most of the way before fading to third in the 1 1/16-mile stake.

Regular rider Gary Boulanger will be aboard for trainer Michael Puhich in the Allez France.

Golden Eagle Farm’s Annual Reunion may be favored in the event. She was beaten by a head by Materco in the Honeymoon Stakes at the same distance on the Hollywood Park grass last June.

Annual Reunion will be co-high weight at 117 pounds with Mahaska in the field of 10. Chris McCarron will be aboard for trainer Gary Jones.

English-bred Invitation Waltz will make her U.S. debut in the Allez France. She was victorious in three of five turf races overseas.

Gary Stevens will be in the irons for trainer Bruce Jackson.

Hollywood Park will race Wednesdays through Sundays during its 10th annual fall meeting plus two Mondays (Nov. 12, Veterans Day, and Dec. 24, closing day).