Hollywood Park Cuts Purses

The 60 horses running today at Hollywood Park will be shooting for smaller purses than those that ran the first 16 days of the fall meet.

Earlier this week, Hollywood Park management announced an 8% cut in purses, effective today, because of an overpayment from the 2002 meet and a decline in total handle. So far, compared to last year, the total handle was down 1.3% through the first 15 days.

The slashing of purses is becoming a local trend. Oak Tree also cut purses, but Hollywood Park will not be cutting or eliminating any of its remaining graded stakes. Oak Tree canceled the Las Palmas, a graded stakes for fillies and mares on the turf that was to have been run Nov. 9, the final day of the season.

Three of today’s races are restricted to California breds, including a maiden affair at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

The contest, the second leg of the afternoon’s pick four, attracted two of the state’s bigger money burners.

Skywalker Red, the 7-2 third choice, is 0 for 12 and hasn’t been higher than 7-2 in his last eight defeats. Tack Attack, the 5-2 second choice, is winless in nine starts and has lost his last four at 3-1, 2-1, 7-2 and 4-5.

Race of the day: The Candi Queen, winless in seven starts on turf, will move to the main track in today’s seventh at Hollywood Park. The 4-year-old Candi’s Gold filly has won four of 15 on the dirt and is two for five on the local surface.

One for the road: Flager returns to the grass for trainer Bobby Barnett in today’s ninth at the Fair Grounds. The 4-year-old Southern Halo filly has won two of five on the lawn since coming to the U.S. from Argentina and is reunited with jockey Shane Sellers.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Black Horse Money and Raw General in the first, Star Wizard in the second and Clever Miss Caper, Vivavista and Passion For Purple in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/47. Money: Previous day/meet total: $12.40/$235.20. Total money bet: $276.