No Day at ‘Beach for Solis

There’s one thing that won’t happen in this year’s Manhattan Beach Stakes that has happened in the previous two at Hollywood Park.

Jockey Alex Solis won’t finish second. The runner-up with Brisquette and Carinae the last two years, Solis isn’t riding today.

An ungraded race for 3-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf, the Manhattan Beach attracted nine, only three of which have won on grass.

The best with proven turf form is Katdogawn. Owned by a partnership that includes Jim Ford and trained by Jim Cassidy, the English-bred filly has run well in her two sprint races in this country.

In her U.S. debut Feb. 28 at Santa Anita, she was second, beaten by a head by favored Luvah Girl, at 18-1. She won May 8 as the 9-5 favorite on turf, beating Sharpbill by a length in 1:02 2/5.

Coupled in the wagering with Little Malvern, who was fifth of seven in the Senorita in her first start in this country on May 17, Katdogawn will be ridden by Mike Smith.

The field is completed by Tulsa, Himalayan, Vanilla Sky, Seven Grand, Aclevershadeofjade, Montana Banana, Spectacular Anzi and Honest Answer.

Little Malvern, who won twice on English turf, and Vanilla Sky, who has won in Ireland and locally, also have turf victories.

Race of the day: Abreeze, who has won his last three starts at Belmont Park by a combined 18 3/4 lengths, heads a field of eight in today’s eighth, a $58,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles. Richard Migliore will again ride the 8-year-old gelding for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

One for the road: Delmonico Cat, who won her only other start on the turf, moves back to the grass for trainer Bill Mott in today’s eighth at Churchill Downs, a $47,400 allowance at 1 1/16 miles. Cornelio Velasquez will ride.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Heaven’s Treat and Always The Winner in the third, singling Ask Not in the fourth and Not Phone, Albatros and Sunset Place in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/78. Money: Previous day/meet total: $23.40/$434. Total money bet: $500.