Cat’s Cradle Draws Talent

The six fillies and mares entered in today’s $100,000 Cat’s Cradle Handicap are fond of Hollywood Park.

The California-breds are eight for 20 in Inglewood with Castling, who is 6-1 on Russ Hudak’s morning line, unbeaten in two local starts.

A daughter of High Brite trained by Carla Gaines for owner John Harris, Super High has a win and a second in two starts on the Hollywood Park main track and will be favored to win for the seventh time in 12 lifetime races.

Worse than third only twice in her career, Super High will break from the rail in the 7 1/2-furlong race as she tries for her third win in her last four starts. After five consecutive races on the turf, Super High returned to the dirt on Nov. 2. She made the front as the 8-5 favorite and went on to win the California Cup Matron at Santa Anita by 2 1/2 lengths. With Patrick Valenzuela still serving a suspension, Jose Valdivia Jr. will ride the bay filly.

The Cat’s Cradle marks the return of Bella Bella Bella. Owned by Team Valor, the Soft Gold filly won the Golden Ballet here last year. Idle since April 28, she will be making her first start for trainer Simon Bray.

Besides Castling, Cee’s Elegance is the other two-time Hollywood Park winner in the field. The 5-year-old gray mare has won twice in seven starts here, but her last win was more than 18 months ago.

Rounding out the field are Hadl, who will be making her first start for trainer Jeff Mullins after being claimed for $50,000, and Elaine’s Angel, who was third behind Super High in the Matron.

Race of the day: The seventh at Hollywood Park is a $49,000 optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Mister Kybelee is probably the one to beat as he drops out of graded stakes company for trainer Julio Canani, although a case can be made for several others in the field of 10.

Who’s hot: Dan Hendricks. The trainer won with four of his first seven starters at Hollywood Park.

Who’s not: Glen Disanto. The New York-based trainer is 2 for 42 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Mister Kybelee, T.H. Lear and R Baggio in the seventh, Shezasummerbreeze and Free Spin in the eighth and singling Mushroom Countess in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/31. Money: Previous day/meet total: $19.20/$169.80. Total money bet: $234.