Bayakoa Field Unimpressive

The seven fillies and mares entered in today’s $150,000 Bayakoa Handicap haven’t won many races in 2002.

Top Of Our Game, Secret Of Mecca, Netherland, Polaire, Cee’s Elegance, Angel Gift and Starrer have combined for six victories this year, and three of the seven ladies haven’t won since 2001.

Starrer, the likely favorite, is zero for five in 2002, with her last victory coming in the Bayakoa last year. If she repeats today, she’ll be the second filly or mare to do so. Manistique won the Grade II in both 1998 and ’99.

Owned by George Krikorian and now trained by John Shirreffs after beginning her career in the Dave Hofmans barn, Starrer, a 4-year-old daughter of Dynaformer, has been facing better competition lately than what will line up against her this afternoon.

Most recently, Starrer was fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, finishing behind probable horse of the year Azeri, likely 3-year-old filly champion Farda Amiga and multiple stakes winner Imperial Gesture. Patrick Valenzuela has the mount and the $35,000 yearling has earned two of her three wins at Hollywood Park.

Race of the day: Golden Arrow, who has been second in his last two on grass, will try to break through in the fifth, an optional claimer at one mile on turf. Victor Espinoza will ride the son of Rahy for trainer Neil Drysdale.

Who’s hot: Itsallintheheart. The 6-year-old gelding will try for his fifth win in a row in today’s fourth at Golden Gate Fields. Claimed for $10,000 by trainer and co-owner Jerry Hollendorfer on Aug. 24, Itsallintheheart has won while moving up the ladder and will be taking on $40,000 claimers today.

Who’s not: The field in today’s sixth at Golden Gate. The 11 original entrants are a combined 0 for 106.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the sixth keying Go Natalie Go on top with Milagra, Stormy Spirit and Forty Pureza in the two hole with all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/73. Money: Previous day/meet total: $24.60/$424.80. Total money bet: $494.