HOLLYWOOD PARK : Slew Of Damascus Shows Strong Kick

Slew Of Damascus owed trainer Craig Roberts a victory in the $108,300 Native Diver Handicap on Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Feeling especially frisky while being saddled for the 1 1/8-mile race, the 5-year-old Slewacide gelding hauled off and kicked Roberts, leaving the trainer with a grapefruit-sized reminder on his right thigh.

After nailing his trainer, the 3-1 second choice went out and stuck it to his six Native Diver rivals, winning by three lengths in 1:47 2/5.

Leading every step of the way under Corey Nakatani, Slew Of Damascus made it three consecutive victories and eight in 14 starts this year for owners George Harbeston, Edris Losh and Vic Naccarato.

“(The kick) was very uncharacteristic of him,” said Roberts, who is based in Northern California. “He’s usually calm. I figured he would either run very well or very badly. He didn’t turn a hair, he was just really on his toes and feeling good.

“He’s an easy horse to train and ride as far as strategy is concerned. The longer his strategy of going to the front continues, the better it is for us. Anybody would be a fool to challenge us for the lead because it takes too much out of their horse. And if they leave us alone, it works out perfectly for us.”

Lottery Winner, the 4-1 third choice, was closest to the winner throughout fractions of 23 3/5, 47 1/5, 1:11 and 1:35 2/5 and saved the place by three-quarters of a length over L’Express. Casual Lies, the 9-5 favorite, was another neck back in fourth.

Gary Boulanger, who rode Casual Lies, thinks the 4-year-old will improve off Saturday’s effort.

“The more racing he gets, the tighter he’s going to get,” Boulanger said. “I just don’t think he’s race fit right now. When horses like Slew Of Damascus get an easy three-quarters, they’re awful tough to catch.”

Horse Racing Notes

Pacific Squall, who disappointed as the 2-5 favorite in her last start on the turf, is the 5-2 favorite in the $100,000 Silver Belles Handicap today. The 4-year-old Storm Bird filly won the Hollywood Oaks in her only other race on the Hollywood Park main track. The rest of the field is Re Toss, Golden Klair, Prying, Cargo, Sacramentada, Thirst For Peace and Senate Appointee, who has won eight in a row. . . . Jahafil suffered an undisclosed leg injury while working for the Hollywood Turf Cup next Sunday and is out of the race.