Choctaw Nation Tries to Keep Streak Going

Undefeated in three starts at Santa Anita, Choctaw Nation will see if he can keep his roll going in his Hollywood Park debut in tonight’s fifth, a $54,000 optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles.

A late runner who has rallied from last in all three of his victories, the 4-year-old Louis Quatorze gelding is the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the field of seven.

After breaking his maiden going 6 1/2 furlongs in his first race for trainer Bruce Headley, Choctaw Nation was claimed for $40,000 by owner Bob Bone and trainer Jeff Mullins.

Stretched out to 1 1/16 miles by his new connections, the Choctaw Nation won by 4 1/2 lengths on March 28, then returned three weeks later to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

Jockey Victor Espinoza, who has been aboard for both two-turn victories, keeps the call.

Mud Shark, who was beaten by a head in his first start of the meet on April 30, is the 5-2 second choice. A 4-year-old Deputy Commander colt trained by Bob Baffert for a partnership, Mud Shark has been second in all three of his races at Hollywood Park.

Completing the lineup, from the inside out, are Marina Minister (shipping from Northern California), Forty Suertudo, Pinkhair (making his first start on the main track for trainer Gary Mandella), Quilimanque and Fonz’s (winless in nine races since the beginning of 2003).

Race of the day: Path Of Thunder, a full sister to Spain, will try for her second consecutive victory against six other fillies and mares in today’s seventh at Belmont Park. Edgar Prado will ride Path Of Thunder for owner Michael Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher in the $46,000 allowance race at 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

One for the road: Brahma is dropped in class for his first start of 2004 -- and debut for trainer Tom Amoss -- in today’s 10th at Churchill Downs. Calvin Borel will ride the 3-year-old Belong To Me colt in the $15,000 maiden claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Truckee Warrior and Travel Alarm in the sixth, Atten Hut in the seventh and Johnny Q, Vegas Bandit and Emblematic One in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/57. Money: Previous day/meet total: $4.40/$305. Total money bet: $462.