HOLLYWOOD PARK : Sharman Closes for Win

Sharman closed with a rush to overtake 12-1 shot Geenger Man and win Wednesday’s $54,000 feature race at Hollywood Park by two lengths.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Sharman covered one mile on Hollywood Park’s turf course in 1:33 4/5 and paid $14.40, $7.40 and $4.

The victory was the third of four on the day for Nakatani and the fourth in 10 lifetime starts for Sharman, a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Blushing Groom.

The victory was worth $29,700, increasing Sharman’s career earnings to $136,765.

Geenger Man, ridden by Goncalino Almeida, crossed the finish line a half-length in front of fast-finishing Saltgrass and returned $10.20 and $4.80.

Saltgrass, the even-money favorite ridden by Gary Stevens, was one length ahead of State Performer at the wire and paid $2.40 to show.

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Notes

Early-bird wagering returns to Hollywood Park today and will be available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the finish-line bar area of the casino. . . . Kent Desormeaux and Pat Valenzuela were off their mounts Wednesday. Valenzuela was still bothered by soreness after sustaining a cut above his left eye in a post-parade mishap before Sunday’s second race. . . . Acorn winner Cat’s Cradle will remain in New York, trainer David Hofmans said, and is scheduled to make her next start in the $200,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park on June 9, the day before the Belmont Stakes.