He’ll Try to Go Out in Style

There is no doubt who the sentimental favorite will be in the sixth All-Star Jockey Championship tonight at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Chris McCarron, who announced his retirement a week ago and who will ride for the final time Sunday at Hollywood Park, is among 12 jockeys who will compete in the four-race championship.

The sixth-winningest rider in history with 7,137 victories, McCarron could begin the competition with a victory. He will ride Prized Amberpro, the likely favorite, in the fourth, a six-furlong starter allowance for 4-year-olds and up. His other mounts are longshot Clever Brick in the fifth, a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf for $25,000 claimers; Flying Castelli in the seventh, a $37,000 allowance at one mile, and Yoto Speakes in the eighth, a $55,000 starter allowance at five furlongs on the turf.

Besides McCarron, the other local jockeys riding tonight are Laffit Pincay Jr., Victor Espinoza, Mike Smith, David Flores and Alex Solis. The remaining jockeys are Robby Albarado, Russell Baze, Jorge Chavez, Corey Lanerie, Edgar Prado and John Velasquez.

Patrick Valenzuela, Hollywood Park’s leading jockey, will be a busy man this evening. He is named on horses in seven of the eight races at Hollywood Park.

Apprentice Kevin Krigger is scheduled to ride all eight races.

Race of the day: The best wagering race at Hollywood Park is the seventh, a 6 1/2-furlong allowance for California-breds. The $48,000 contest for 3-year-olds and up attracted last-out winners Treasured Note and Right Angle and eight others.

Who’s hot: Paul Atkinson. The jockey has opened the Stockton meet by winning with six of his first 21 mounts.

Who’s not: Howard Tesher. The trainer, based in New York, is two for 51 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Madeitothemoon and Black Bart in the second, More Deelites and Emerald Monique in the third and Giotto and Blue Warrior in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/113. Money: Previous day/meet total: $18.20/$662.80. Total money bet: $722.