Balestrini Seeks to Bounce Back

Balestrini, who bombed at 1-2 in his U.S. debut April 28, will try to rebound in today’s seventh, a $50,000 allowance at 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Hollywood Park.

Trained by Neil Drysdale for owner Carl Holt, the 4-year-old Danehill colt broke his maiden in a Group III race in Ireland last year, then was beaten by more than three lengths in the Epsom Derby, a Group I, less than two months later in England.

A winner once in seven starts overseas, Balestrini was favored in his first local start because, on paper, he held a huge class edge, but he never really got involved after a slow start. He wound up fourth in the field of eight.

Stretching out to the distance of his victory today, Balestrini should improve. He has worked well and had a 1:12 1/5 workout over the Hollywood Park turf 13 days ago.

His chief rival is Fantastic Spain. A half brother of multiple stakes winner Spain, the 4-year-old has a win in three starts and missed by a nose in his second race of 2004 when he was upset by Ibero Grace. Trained by Kristin Mulhall for a partnership, Fantastic Spain will break from the inside post and will be ridden by Alex Solis.

Race of the day: Frenchglen, who comes off a 12-length win on April 21 at Keeneland, is among seven 3-year-old fillies scheduled to go six furlongs in the $60,000 Jersey Girl at Belmont Park. John Velazquez will ride Frenchglen, a daughter of Forestry, for owner-breeders Aaron and Marie Jones and trainer Todd Pletcher.

One for the road: Grossman bids for his second successive victory for trainer Alison Register on the turf course where he broke his maiden nearly two years ago in today’s eighth at Churchill Downs. The 5-year-old Mr Purple gelding can win the $50,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles from off the pace under jockey Cornelio Velasquez.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Light Jig in the fifth, No Minimum, Da Svedonya and Take A Long Look in the sixth, Balestrini and Fantastic Spain in the seventh and Mr Magic, Scofield Honour, Riley’s Life and Fallfree in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/54. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16/$292.40. Total money bet: $430.