Is He King of the Turf?

Even though trainer Bobby Frankel has scratched two multiple stakes winners from today’s $150,000 American Handicap at Hollywood Park, he is starting the morning-line favorite in the Grade II.

Kappa King, a 5-year-old son of Kingmambo, will be the stable’s lone representative as it seeks yet another stakes victory in the 1 1/8-mile turf race. Super Quercus, who won in a softer spot Sunday, and Thady Quill were scratched Wednesday morning.

Owned by Oak Cliff Stable, Kappa King won an allowance race in his U.S. debut May 26. It was his fourth win in nine starts and he won more easily than the half-length margin of victory would indicate. He will be seeking his first graded stakes victory under jockey Kent Desormeaux.

Native Desert, the 5-2 second choice, is the most accomplished member of the field. The 9-year-old gelding, who has won two in a row for trainer Juan Garcia and owner Miguel Rubio, has taken 21 of 65 in his career, banked nearly $1.75 million and has won six times on the Hollywood Park turf course.

A couple of other stakes being run around the country have a California feel to them. Jockey David Flores will be at Belmont Park to ride Janet for owner Jed Cohen and trainer Darrell Vienna in the $250,000 New York Handicap, and Garrett Gomez and Jose Valdivia Jr. will be at Churchill Downs to ride Morluc and Touch of the Blues, respectively, in the $250,000 Firecracker Handicap.

Race of the day: Prized Friend, who has won four in a row for Golden Eagle Farm and trainer Chuck Jenda, will try to keep the streak going in Hollywood Park’s fifth.

Who’s hot: The field in today’s $150,000 Tom Fool Handicap at Belmont Park. The six runners, topped by Affirmed Success and Left Bank, have combined to win 48 of 105 starts and earn well over $5 million.

Who’s not: Shug McGaughey. The trainer began the week at Belmont Park with three victories from 42 starters.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Surprise Halo, Luna Joe and Taormina in the seventh, using Shezasummerbreeze and Chastity Belle in the eighth, singling Kappa King in the ninth and using Biker’s Sis and Larkwood in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/133. Money: Previous day/meet total: $0/$756.40. Total money bet: $874.