OAK TREE : Jones’ Hearing Delayed Until Nov. 18-19

Trainer Gary Jones, scheduled for a hearing Wednesday before Oak Tree stewards involving a positive drug test on one of his horses, was given a continuance until Nov. 18-19 at Hollywood Park.

The continuance was requested by Donald Calabria, Jones’ attorney, so he could have time to conduct an independent investigation.

Capel, the 11-10 favorite in the fifth race Aug. 22 at Del Mar, tested positive for the prohibited drug Dezocine after finishing fifth. A complaint was filed by the California Horse Racing Board in late September. Truesdail Laboratories did the first test, and a split sample was then sent to Cornell, where it was confirmed positive.

“I’m still investigating the case,” Calabria said. “I know Gary didn’t do anything. I need time to find out how this occurred. I just got (the information regarding the case) last week, and it’s going to take time to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Gary has a lot of horses with a lot of big-time owners, and it doesn’t make any sense. We’re trying to turn up how this occurred.”

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A bill that would have allowed Hollywood Park to operate a card club was vetoed by Gov. Pete Wilson on Monday, meaning the track will need to find another party through a lease to operate and manage the club it plans to open at the track in January.

Assembly Bill 995 would have amended the California Gaming Registration Act to allow operation of a gaming club by a publicly held corporation like Hollywood Park. According to Hollywood Park CEO R.D. Hubbard, the track has been holding discussions with several parties regarding the lease and expects to complete an agreement in the near future.

Horse Racing Notes

Corey Black, the only jockey to have won with Jolypha in this country, will be back aboard when the 4-year-old filly goes against the boys in the $200,000 Goodwood Handicap on Sunday. Scheduled to be treated with Lasix for the first time in her next start, Jolypha worked five furlongs in 59 4/5 on Wednesday. Among those likely to oppose her in the Goodwood are Region, Pleasant Tango, Fanatic Boy and L’Express. . . . Entries will be taken today for the fourth California Cup. The nine races for California breds with purses totaling $1 million will be run Saturday. Best Pal will carry the top weight of 126 pounds in the day’s biggest race, the $250,000 Classic at 1 1/8 miles.