Mare Was a Heavenly Claim

When Heaven Came Down dropped to the $12,500 level less than three weeks after beating $25,000 foes June 29 at Hollywood Park, it appeared the 5-year-old Summing mare’s best days were behind her.

After she lost as the 3-10 favorite that day, beaten by three lengths by My Diamond, it seemed even more clear. But that has not been the case. Claimed that July afternoon by trainer Tim Pinfield for owner Ivan Baker, Heaven Came Down has won three of four races since and will be seeking another victory in today’s third race at Golden Gate Fields.

After humbling $16,000 claimers in her first race for Pinfield on Aug. 3 at Del Mar, the California-bred mare was sent north to beat $20,000 fillies and mares at Bay Meadows four weeks later. Then, after running second at Fairplex Park, she returned to Bay Meadows and won an allowance race as the 6-5 choice.

In a six-furlong race in which none of her five opponents looks capable of staying with her early, Heaven Came Down could find the winner’s circle under Russell Baze, who won nine races the first week of the Golden Gate meet to secure his usual place atop the jockey standings.

Completing the field are One Number Short, who has made her last three starts in Southern California, Most Of All, Gifted Daughter, Full Scream Ahead and Playdemrocks.

Race of the day: The best betting race on the card at Hollywood Park is the sixth, which brings together 10 3-year-olds going 11/16 miles. The 7-2 favorite is Our Man Red, who is stretching out again after having his win streak snapped at three when returned to a sprint last month. He also is reunited with Laffit Pincay Jr., who rode him to all three of those wins.

Who’s hot: Garrett Gomez. The jockey was the leading percentage rider through the first week at Hollywood Park, winning five of his 11 mounts. He is named on only one horse today -Happy Hero, a 15-1 shot in the sixth.

Who’s not: Rosy Flyer. The 5-year-old Mister Flyer mare is 0 for 26 and will be a longshot in today’s finale at Golden Gate Fields. She has managed to hit the board only four times, with two seconds and a pair of thirds.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using River Valley Lass and High Bolly in the third, Toast Of The Year and Stretch Velvet in the fourth and Dancing Afleet and Fly To The Lake in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/12. Money: Previous day/meet total: $6.60/$58.20. Total money bet: $102.