Track Is to Forlaan’s Liking

A winner of a third of his 18 lifetime starts, Forlaan has been even more effective at Hollywood Park.

The 6-year-old Shuailaan gelding has won three of his four starts in Inglewood and will try to improve on that record in tonight’s first race. This is the first of two Friday night cards during Hollywood Park’s autumn meet.

Owned by the Ferro Family Trust and trainer Jeff Bonde, Forlaan broke his maiden by six lengths against $25,000 claimers in his first appearance at the track last Dec. 21, scored an 18-1 upset last summer, then after finishing fourth going six furlongs, stepped up to the $40,000 level in his first start for trainer Rafael Becerra and won going 1 1/16 miles.

Victor Espinoza, who has been aboard for three of Forlaan’s victories, has the mount tonight in the $20,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles. The field is completed by Sterling Wisdom, a recent purchase by trainer Nick Canani for owner Michael Gill; Richard The First, Para Usted, Prize Giving and Moving’s Gold.

Race of the day: Jazz Ya, an impressive wire-to-wire winner against maidens on Oct. 17 at Santa Anita, is the one to catch again tonight in the seventh at Hollywood Park. Ryan Fogelsonger will ride for trainer Jeff Mullins in the $43,000 optional claimer for California-bred fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

One for the road: Charming John will make his California debut and first start for improvement trainer Brian Koriner in today’s fifth at Golden Gate Fields.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Rio Reyes, Integral and Judge Jason in the sixth, Jazz Ya in the seventh and Super Patriot, Piedra de Rayo and Different Class-Rapid Punch entry in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/2. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11/$11. Total money bet: $32.