Test for Theresa’s Year

Primarily a sprinter, Theresa’s Pleasure had a significant route victory while racing for owner Lester Smith and trainer Bob Baffert. The daughter of Greenwood Star won the inaugural California Cup Juvenile in 1990 at Santa Anita, running as the 13-10 favorite under jockey Julio Garcia.

Today at Hollywood Park, one of Theresa’s Pleasure’s daughters will try to emulate her and, at the same time, do something her mother never did.

Unbeaten on dirt in two starts at six and seven furlongs, Theresa’s Year, whose father is Half a Year, will stretch out to 11/16 miles on the turf, a surface on which Theresa’s Pleasure never won.

Trained by Rafael Becerra, Theresa’s Year won her debut at Santa Anita on March 23, beating a field of California-bred maidens by 11/2 lengths.

Asked to run an additional eighth of a mile on April 28, she won the $70,000 Lakeview Farm, one of 10 events on the California Gold Rush card, by two lengths as the 3-1 favorite.

Theresa’s Year is expected to have nine opponents today in the $51,000 optional claimer and will try to lead every step of the way under jockey Tyler Baze.

If she can’t stay the distance, likely beneficiaries include Davis Eyes, La Chapelle and Happy Michelle.

Race of the day: The fifth, a $48,000 allowance at six furlongs, drew a full field of 12 at Hollywood Park. Bear Fan was impressive winning at first asking for trainer and co-owner Wesley Ward.

Who’s hot: Patrick Valenzuela. He is on top of the Hollywood Park standings after four weeks with 22 victories, three more than Victor Espinoza.

Who’s not: Mike Mitchell. The trainer has begun Hollywood Park 0 for 16.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Standard Choice in the first, using Kimora, Bright Sunday, Potrithreat and My Sweet Lucy in the second, and Swiss Count, Bartending Mike and Give Away Joe in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/49. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11.60/$275.20. Total money bet: $346.