Californians Move East

A day before the Kentucky Oaks and two days before the Kentucky Derby, the best races in America today will be run at Churchill Downs.

California-based trainers and jockeys will be represented in the $100,000 Mamzelle at five furlongs on the turf and Cashier’s Dream, a double-stakes winner as a 2-year-old, will make her first start of the year in the $100,000 La Troienne, a Grade III, at seven furlongs.

Penny Marie, who finished third in the Mamzelle last year, is back for another shot in 2002 for trainer Bob Hess Jr. Second in the Las Cienegas Handicap at Santa Anita less than four weeks ago, Penny Marie will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux, who has been aboard for the majority of her seven lifetime victories.

Also in the field are Fair Apache, who is trained by Chris Paasch and will be ridden by Alex Solis, and Dyna’s Club, who is trained by Ron Ellis and will be ridden by Chris McCarron.

A Michigan-bred owned by Bill Heiligbrodt and Barry Irwin and Jeff Siegel’s Team Valor, Cashier’s Dream won the Debutante last summer at Churchill Downs, then dominated six rivals when winning the Spinaway, a Grade I, at Saratoga last Aug. 31.

The field also includes Drippingindiamonds, the Bob Baffert-trained Shameful and You’llbeinmyheart.

Race of the day: Pali Princess will try for her third consecutive victory and fourth in her last five starts for trainer Craig Dollase as she makes her turf debut in today’s fifth at Hollywood Park.

Who’s hot: Wesley Ward. The trainer ranks fourth at Bay Meadows, having won with 10 of his first 28 starters.

Who’s not: Richard Destasio. The trainer, who is based at Aqueduct, has won with only two of 46 starters in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Pali Princess, Anima Mundi, Lil Miss Hollywood and Obispo Kid in the fifth, Sophisticatedbluff, Believe In Magic and Fair Bianca in the sixth, Irguns Angel and Harvest Girl in the seventh and singling Go For Greed in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/15. Money: Previous day/meet total: $34.40/$79.80. Total money bet: $102.