A Field of Eight in Bayakoa

Adoration, a 4-year-old filly trained by Dave Hofmans, and seven other fillies and mares are entered in today’s $150,000 Bayakoa Handicap, a Grade II at 1 1/16 miles at Hollywood Park.

The main threat to the favorite and 121-pound highweight is Bare Necessities. The 4-year-old Silver Deputy filly will be looking for her fifth win of 2003 and her third victory in five starts at Hollywood Park.

A winner of seven of 16 lifetime, Bare Necessities will be making her first appearance since winning the Gardenia Handicap, a Grade III, as the 2-5 favorite on Aug. 9 at Ellis Park. She has trained well for her comeback and Rene Douglas, who has been aboard for her last two victories, is in from Florida to ride.

The rest of the field: Summer Wind Dancer, Angel Gift, Southern Oasis, Star Parade, Keys To The Heart and Sparkling Ava.

Race of the day: Six 2-year-old first-time starters, sired by stallions such as Kingmambo, Forest Wildcat and Thunder Gulch, are entered in Hollywood Park’s sixth race, a $36,000 maiden affair at six furlongs. The race begins the pick four.

One for the road: Blossum will make her first start for trainer Mike Stidham in today’s eighth at the Fair Grounds and the 4-year-old Saint Ballado filly figures to move up with the stable change. Frank Lovato Jr. will ride in the $30,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on the grass.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Bay Town Boy, Hemet Thought and Fonz’s in the seventh, Bare Necessities in the eighth and Hawa Mahal, Triple Fantasy and Suzans Love Report in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/60. Money: Previous day/meet total: $12.60/$300. Total money bet: $326.