Kerlan Gets Out of Gate

Although it took longer than it was supposed to, the $75,000-added Robert K. Kerlan Memorial Handicap will be run for the sixth time this afternoon at Hollywood Park.

The 5 1/2-furlong turf race, renamed in 1997 to honor the late orthopedic surgeon, was postponed twice because of lack of entries and it didn’t exactly draw a large field today.

Six horses were entered and there will be only five betting interests because Tavasco and Rocky Bar, owned by Triple AAA Ranch, will race coupled.

Trainer Bobby Frankel, who has amassed 19 stakes victories this year, is scheduled to send out likely favorite Blu Air Force and longshot Igman.

Blu Air Force, a 5-year-old Irish-bred owned by the Wildenstein Stable, beat Swept Overboard in an allowance race on this course at this distance more than a year ago in his U.S. debut. The Kerlan will be his first start since he was third to Swept Overboard and Speak In Passing in the Hollywood Turf Express on Nov. 23.

Trainer Kory Owens has the entry of Tavasco and Rocky Bar while the field is completed by Astonished and Gallant.

Race of the day: Adminniestrator, First Titanium and Irish Warrior head a small, but quality, field in Hollywood Park’s second, a $58,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Who’s hot: The Hollywood Park trainer’s race. Leaders Frankel and Vladimir Cerin have 13 victories apiece; eight other trainers are within five wins of the top.

Who’s not: Jose Silva. The trainer has lost with his first 20 starters at Hollywood Park.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the fifth, keying Rehabilitated on top with Mandan, Farmas Dream, Para Usted and Jillings in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/107. Money: Previous day/meet total: $31.80/$628.20. Total money bet: $690.