HOLLYWOOD PARK : Stevens Rides Luck to Another Victory

The way his luck is going, Gary Stevens should seriously consider buying some lottery tickets or heading to Las Vegas.

The day after riding Thunder Gulch to an upset victory in the Kentucky Derby, in a year that has included triumphs aboard Urgent Request in the Santa Anita Handicap and Larry The Legend in the Santa Anita Derby, Stevens returned to Hollywood Park with a flourish.

After missing his first mount because he was delayed in Louisville, he won with two of his final four, including a 1 3/4-length victory aboard 4-1 shot Angi Go in the $107,700 A Gleam Handicap.

In addition to continuing Stevens’ hot streak, Angi Go completed a big day for trainer David Hofmans. Earlier, Hofmans saddled the filly Cat’s Cradle, which Chris Antley rode to an easy victory in the $150,000 Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park.

Bred in Idaho by owner Kenneth Hartley, Angi Go remained unbeaten in five starts at seven furlongs. She completed the distance in 1:21 2/5 and has won half of her 28 lifetime starts.

“I really didn’t have to work that hard,” said Stevens, who also won the eighth race on Seahawk Gold, who finished in a dead heat with Journalism.

“I felt good on her. It’s been a great week. They had this mare right today and (assistant trainer) Grant (Hofmans) told me in the paddock she was doing better than she’s ever done.”

Desert Stormer finished a length in front of Dancing Mirage, then it was another four back to Top Rung, who was disqualified and placed fifth for interfering with 2-1 favorite Marina Park on the turn. Klassy Kim was last.

Horse Racing Notes

Pat Valenzuela took off his final three mounts after being injured in the post parade for the second race. Aboard longshot Chip It in the $32,000 maiden claimer, Valenzuela was cut above the left eye when the 3-year-old gelding reared up and his head struck Valenzuela’s head. No stitches were necessary for the gash, but Valenzuela, who had won a pair of races Saturday, took off the remainder of the day. . . . Paseana, who is winless in three starts this year, worked five furlongs in 59 4/5 Sunday morning.