Super High Takes Flight
Those who enjoyed Thursday’s scintillating California Sire Stakes, won by favored Gobi Dan, are in luck.
After the 3-year-old boys had their day in the sun at Hollywood Park, the filly version of the same stakes will be run tonight.
A field of six California-breds, including two maidens, will run for a $100,000 purse, probably more than any of them are worth.
The favorite will be Super High, a daughter of High Brite who has been 1-2-3 in five of six for owner John Harris and trainer Carla Gaines.
Second as the 7-5 favorite in the $200,000 Melair Stakes to longshot Ladylore, Super High, who will be ridden by Chris McCarron, will be making her first start on turf in the 1 1/16-mile race, which is the second on this evening’s card.
Kingdom Bound is the only entrant in the field coming off a victory. Owned by a partnership that includes the Hat Ranch, the In Excess filly beat maidens by 3 1/2 lengths on May 25.
She gets the hot rider in Patrick Valenzuela and is the one to catch as she tries turf for the first time.
Completing the field are Shalini, who was fourth in her only other race on the grass, Bob’s Lady and maidens Mad River Magic and Sharsanna.
Later in the program, Fit For A King will try for his 16th win in his 30th start when he takes on nine opponents in the seventh, a $51,000 optional claimer at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf.
Race of the day: Bluesthestandard, who has won six of nine, will try to end a two-race losing streak in the fifth at Hollywood Park. Trained by Mark Glatt, the 5-year-old gelding has won three of four in Inglewood and is one for one with Laffit Pincay, who will be aboard in the $20,000 claimer at six furlongs.
Who’s hot: Wesley Ward. The trainer began the week a combined 18 for 64 at Hollywood Park and Bay Meadows.
Who’s not: James Li. The Bay Meadows-based trainer is winless in 22 tries in 2002.
Exotically speaking: A pick three using Special Matter and Pool Music in the first, Shalini and Super High in the second and Secret Spot, Benderosa and Chill In Paris in the third.
Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/71. Money: Previous day/meet total: $7/$411.80. Total money bet: $466.