Maidens Take Spotlight

Those who enjoy maiden races will be in heaven tonight at Hollywood Park.

Half of the eight races on the card are for non-winners and three of the four are for $25,000 maidens.

The first of the maiden claimers is the first, a 6 1/2-furlong contest that drew 11 entrants.

White Cedar, who showed speed in his debut against $40,000 maidens on May 31, is the 7-2 favorite. He returned with a fast five furlongs in 58 2/5 six days ago and is almost certain to improve in his second start for Julio Canani.

The second is a split of the first and it drew 10 runners, led by 2-1 morning line choice Vegas Bandit.

The maiden parade continues in the third when 12 fillies and mares go 5 1/2 furlongs on the grass. Contenders include Desert Tent, Farnham, Cup Of Coco, Skippadoo and King’s Charmer.

In addition to opening the card, a maiden race will close out the card. A full field of 12 are scheduled to go 1 1/16 miles and the probable favorite is Fantastic Voyage, a $700,000 yearling purchase who is dropping to his lowest level yet.

Race of the day: Grafton, who chased eventual Charlie Whittingham Handicap runner-up Bayamo and Saint Buddy in his first start of the Hollywood Park meet on May 5, heads a field of eight in tonight’s fifth, a $54,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Kent Desormeaux will ride.

One for the road: Bubba Sparks ran an improved race in his first start for trainer Bruce Levine and could be primed for his second career victory in today’s seventh at Belmont Park. Mike Luzzi has the mount in the $44,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Cerese Sunrise in the sixth, Morna’s Girl, Thermostatic and Miss Cyprus in the seventh and Macon County and Fantastic Voyage in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/113. Money: Previous day/meet total: $22.40/$651.60. Total money bet: $808.