Victory U.S.A. the Favorite

Jockey Julie Krone, who has beaten Victory U.S.A. twice with Halfbridled, will ride the 2-year-old Victory Gallop filly for the first time in today’s $100,000 Moccasin at Hollywood Park.

Owned by Thomas Van Meter II and trained by Bob Baffert, Victory U.S.A. is the 1-2 morning line favorite. She will have five opponents in the seven-furlong Moccasin, a prep for next month’s Hollywood Starlet.

After breaking her maiden by 6 1/2 lengths Aug. 3 at Del Mar, Victory U.S.A. was the 3-5 favorite against Halfbridled in the Del Mar Debutante four weeks later.

The first encounter was no contest. Halfbridled, who wrapped up the divisional championship with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 25, beat Victory U.S.A. by five lengths.

Second in the Frizette at Belmont Park on Oct. 4, Victory U.S.A. tried Halfbridled again in the Breeders’ Cup and wound up third, beaten by 2 3/4 lengths.

The field for the ungraded Moccasin is completed by Steal My Kisses, Quanah County, Luckbealadytonight, Vino Tinto and Hot Weekend.

Race of the day: Sharbayan will seek his fifth consecutive victory for trainer Wally Dollase in today’s $150,000 River City Handicap at Churchill Downs. Pat Day has the mount on the 5-year-old gelding in the Grade III at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Other contenders include Hard Buck, Dr. Kashnikow, Better Talk Now, Gretchen’s Star and Act Of War.

One for the road: Kitten’s Joy won cleverly in his turf debut at Belmont Park on Oct. 9 and can come right back against winners in today’s seventh at Churchill Downs.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Sweet Stepper and Leprechaun Kid in the sixth, Hagerstown and My Honey Bunny in the seventh, Gassn Royal in the eighth and For My Angel, Likely Prospect and Gold Garters in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/10. Money: Previous day/meet total: $19/$54.80. Total money bet: $66.