Fighting Falcon the Favorite

There is no chance trainer Bobby Frankel will win today’s Steinlen Handicap after taking the race in 2000 with Senure.

Auction House and Blu Air Force, the two horses he had entered in the 11/16 mile turf race, were scratched Saturday morning, leaving a field of eight.

Fighting Falcon, away since finishing fourth in the Fourstardave at Saratoga on Aug. 25, is the 5-2 favorite on Russ Hudak’s morning line. A 5-year-old son of Manila owned by Dion Recachina and Bully Livitsanos, Fighting Falcon will have his third trainer as he makes his 19th start. Simon Bray has taken over for Wally Dollase, who replaced Dave Hofmans.

In five previous starts over the Hollywood Park turf, Fighting Falcon has been in the top three in four races. His one win came in the 1999 Cinema Handicap when he beat Eagleton by a length.

Among the other seven horses, only Madraar, an import from Dubai who hasn’t raced since April 14, and Winning Fever, who is0 for 18 since the beginning of last year, can be thrown out with any confidence.

Kudos has been first or second in all five of his races on the Hollywood Park lawn; Purely Cozzene is two for two at the distance on turf; Agol Lack should improve off his latest finish, which came after more than a year on the sidelines; Penamacor will enjoy the shorter distance after faltering in the 10-furlong Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Handicap, and Lonesome Dude is better than his race in the Oak Tree Breeders’ Cup Mile would indicate.

Race of the day: The fifth is a contentious turf sprint for older fillies and mares running for a $62,500 tag. Lady Cadet, Proud Tammie, Flying Stuka, Cleopatra and Wild Tickle have won at least once over the course at the distance--51/2 furlongs--and Cocoa Beach is a sharp filly who will be trying turf for the first time.

Who’s hot: Alex Solis. The jockey won three times Friday night, scoring with 5-1 shot Misanello, 9-2 outsider Miramar Gold and favored Clef Note.

Who’s not: Pouring Down Rain. The 8-year-old gelding, who will run against $4,000 foes in today’s ninth and final at Golden Gate Fields, is 0 for 28 since the beginning of 2000.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Western Dawn and Riband in the second, Glorious Linda and Swiss Miss in the third and Our Kissin Kate and Chaster in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/6. Money: Previous day/meet total: $14.80/$28.60. Total money bet: $68.