Good as Gold at 71/2 Furlongs

Gold Dollar, a son of Seattle Slew owned by Bill Young’s Overbrook Farm and trained by Wayne Lukas, hasn’t had what anyone would call a memorable career.

The 4-year-old has won three of 24 and earned slightly more than $259,000. What he has demonstrated is an affinity for the 7 1/2-furlong distance at Churchill Downs.

In his last two races at the seldom-run trip, Gold Dollar has won by a combined margin of 5 3/4 lengths and he’s back at 7 1/2 furlongs in today’s sixth, a $51,200 optional claimer.

Winless since his last victory at the distance last July 6, Gold Dollar will be ridden by Robby Albarado, who becomes the colt’s seventh rider in as many races, succeeding Jorge Chavez, Victor Espinoza, Jose Valdivia Jr., Shane Sellers, Cornelio Velasquez and Calvin Borel.

The field of seven also includes Stephentown, a son of Wild Again who was hyped as a Triple Crown prospect early last year.

Race of the day: The best betting race at Hollywood Park may be the fifth, a six-furlong contest for $16,000 fillies and mares. Babbler is the one to catch on the drop for trainer Nick Hines, but there are other serious contenders in the first leg of the pick four, including Jeremy’s Quest, who will be debuting for trainer Cliff Sise Jr.

One for the road: Shadow Thief ships in from California to Belmont Park after being claimed for $20,000 on April 11 at Santa Anita. The 3-year-old gelding might be too quick for his rivals in the fourth and gets a top rider in Jorge Chavez. The son of Elusive Quality debuts for trainer Faustino Ramos, who is winning at a 17% clip this year. California shipper Lebontempsroulet won at Belmont on Wednesday.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Pretty Meadow in the third, using Summer Service and Monsieur Boulanger in the fourth and Babbler, Jeremy’s Quest, Devlish and Blennerhassett in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/57. Money: Previous day/meet total: $18/$312.40. Total money bet: $378.