Balestrini Is Class of Field

Looking for a single in the pick six or the pick four at Hollywood Park? Look no further than Balestrini.

A 4-year-old Danehill colt trained by Neil Drysdale for owner Carl Holt, Balestrini is a standout in today’s fifth, a $50,000 allowance at a mile on the turf.

Scheduled to be treated with Lasix for the first time, Balestrini holds a significant class edge over his seven rivals. He won only once in six starts in England, Ireland and France, but his victory was in a Group III stakes.

Kent Desormeaux will ride the Irish-bred, who will be racing Popularize, Fabulous West, Sheikh Fever, Stormed, Roberto’s Show, Queensway Quay and Garros.

A race earlier, 10 2-year-old fillies, eight of them first-time starters, will go 4 1/2 furlongs.

Race of the day: Shawklit Man, who has won both of his previous starts at Churchill Downs, is among a dozen older horses scheduled to go six furlongs in a competitive $55,500 optional claimer, the ninth of 10 races on today’s card at the Louisville track. Shane Sellers will ride Shawklit Man. Other contenders include Saintly Man, Engineered and Cloud Walker.

One for the road: Mr. Whitestone is the controlling speed and can lead every step of the way in today’s eighth, a $47,000 allowance at 7 1/2 furlongs, at Aqueduct. Julian Pimentel will ride the 4-year-old Dance Brightly colt for the Steel Your Face Stables and trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.

Exotically speaking: A pick all using Midafternoon and Spend Spend Spend in the first, the Laura’s Lucky Boy entry in the second, Quick Nip and Sultry Sound in the third, Loni’s Appeal and West Greeley in the fourth, Balestrini in the fifth, Double Option in the sixth, Shezsospiritual and Brocky’s Dream in the seventh and Downtime in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/14. Money: Previous day/meet total: $3.60/$75.40. Total money bet: $88.