I Ain’t Bluffing a Winner in Hawthorne at Hollywood Park

I Ain’t Bluffing did exactly what she was supposed to do in the $106,200 Hawthorne Handicap Sunday at Hollywood Park, but the challenge will be much greater when she returns in the $250,000 Milady Breeders’ Cup Handicap on May 30.

Among her opponents that day will be Exotic Wood and no runner she defeated in the Hawthorne comes close to that multiple Grade I winning mare.

Making her first start since the La Canada Stakes on Feb. 8 at Santa Anita, I Ain’t Bluffing, the 3-10 favorite ridden by Chris McCarron, stalked the pace set by 7-2 second choice Fun In Excess most of the way, then took command late to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:41 2/5 for the 1 1/16 miles.

“I was originally pointing her for to the Apple Blossom [which was run last month at Oaklawn Park],” said trainer Ron Ellis. “It just didn’t work itself out. She got a little tired in her work before the race, so I decided to wait another three weeks to make sure she was real fit.”

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Jockey Kent Desormeaux added a little extra to what had already been an unforgettable weekend Sunday in New York.

The day after Real Quiet provided him with his first win in the Kentucky Derby, Desormeaux combined with 5-2 favorite Wild Rush to win the $200,000 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct. The 4-year-old Wild Again colt beat 4-1 shot Banker’s Gold by a neck in 1:21 for the seven furlongs.

Meanwhile, in Illinois, Gary Stevens, who finished third on favored Indian Charlie in the Derby, won aboard Glitter Woman in the $300,000 Sixty Sails Handicap at Sportsman’s Park.