Kostroma Is Favored in Beverly Hills ‘Cap

Kostroma, who surged to victory in the Wilshire Handicap last month, is the 6-5 morning-line favorite for today’s $322,000 Beverly Hills Handicap at Hollywood Park.

Four lengths behind Danzante with about a quarter of a mile to go, Kostroma ran the final five-sixteenths in less than 28 seconds to win by a nose on May 10.

Trained by Gary Jones and ridden by Kent Desormeaux, the 6-year-old Caerleon mare will carry 124 pounds today and she will be facing tougher competition.

Kostroma’s main threats are expected to be Martessa and Flawlessly.

Martessa won seven of 10 starts in Europe and was a two-length winner in her American debut May 29. A 4-year-old filly, she showed good acceleration and has returned to train well for Ron McAnally. Eddie Delahoussaye will again ride the 5-2 second choice.

In her last start, Flawlessly defeated Kostroma in the Matriarch Dec. 1 at Hollywood Park, but hasn’t run since because of injury. The 4-year-old Affirmed filly has six victories and a second in seven turf starts and is perfect in two local tries. She is 3-1 on the morning line and Chris McCarron will ride for trainer Charlie Whittingham.

Jerry Bailey, who won the Hollywood Gold Cup with longshot Sultry Song, will try for another upset in the 1 1/8-mile Beverly Hills on Lady Blessington. The other two entrants are Alcando, who won the race last year at 28-1, and Indian Chris.