Mullins Can Extend Lead

With 15 days left in Hollywood Park’s spring-summer meet, Jeff Mullins has three more winners than second-place Mike Mitchell in the trainers’ race.

Mullins, who has won with 28 of 92 starters, is scheduled to start two horses on today’s card -- Lady Continental in the first and Magnificent Val in the seventh.

A 5-year-old Flying Continental mare, Lady Continental will be making her first appearance for Mullins in the $12,500 claimer at 1 1/16 miles. Since she last raced in Southern California in the winter of 2003, Lady Continental has won two of eight while competing in Arizona and Northern California.

Magnificent Val, a 5-year-old Pioneering mare, is the one to beat in her race, a $58,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Race of the day: Powerful Touch, a 4-year-old Touch Gold gelding, will aim for his second win of 2004 for owner Frank Stronach and trainer Bobby Frankel in today’s eighth at Belmont Park.

One for the road: Hail To Humor has trained well at Keeneland and is making her debut for high-percentage trainer Steve Asmussen in today’s sixth at Churchill Downs. The Distorted Humor filly can win under jockey Shane Sellers in the $50,000 claimer for 2-year-old maidens at 4 1/2 furlongs. The race is the second leg of a pick six with a carry-over of more than $69,000.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Bettys Tribute, Spring Festival and Ballistic Angel in the fifth, the Swiss Silver entry in the sixth, Magnificent Val and Cat Alert in the seventh and Face Down Dave, Double Option and Snatch The Cash in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/122. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13/$698.40. Total money bet: $860.