Beware of ‘Babe Factor

A return to Southern California could be what Labamta Babe needs to get back on track.

The 3-year-old son of Skywalker will make his first Southern California start since he won the Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 19 in today’s seventh race at Hollywood Park.

Owned by Ed Gann and trained by Bobby Frankel, Labamta Babe beat the ill-fated Siphonic in the Santa Catalina, but had to skip the Triple Crown races because of injury.

A private purchase by his current connections after he had three races in Kentucky, Labamta Babe resurfaced in the Kings Bishop at Saratoga Aug. 24. Over a sloppy track, the dark bay colt finished last, beaten by almost 30 lengths. He made his turf debut Oct. 3 at Belmont Park and had a troubled trip, finishing fifth as the 17-10 favorite.

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There will be a pick six carry-over of $110,620 today at Hollywood Park.

Race of the day: Wilzada will be going for her seventh win in 10 races for owner William Beatson Jr. and trainer Anthony Dutrow in today’s eighth at Aqueduct.

Who’s hot: Francisco Duran. The apprentice jockey rode four winners Friday at Golden Gate Fields and won the Albany Handicap on Saturday with Halo Cat.

Who’s not: The field in today’s fifth at Golden Gate Fields. The 10 horses are winless in 78 races.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Breakfast At T’s, Hips and Haws and Slewdle’s Promise in the fifth, Obermeister and Zayed in the sixth, singling Labamta Babe in the seventh and Beasue, Jacobs Smile, If You Only Knew and Nipper Nelly in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/5. Money: Previous day/meet total: $9.40/$33.60. Total money bet: $66.