Pedroza Is in Title Position

More than halfway through Hollywood Park’s fall meet, Martin Pedroza is comfortably on top of the jockey standings.

Seeking his first title at a track other than Fairplex Park, Pedroza begins the week with a nine-length lead (19-10) over Tyler Baze.

The all-time leader in victories at Fairplex, Pedroza will have three opportunities to add to his total today. He will ride Valid Again in the fourth, Clipper Spirit in the fifth and Mrs. C Fields in the sixth.

Of the trio, Mrs C Fields is the only one coming off a victory. The 3-year-old daughter of Ole’ led throughout to win by 2 1/4 lengths against $12,500 claimers on Nov. 11. She is up a notch this afternoon to face $16,000 stock for owner James Davis and trainer Bill Delia.

In his return to Hollywood Park on Nov. 11, Valid Again missed by a head against $8,000 claimers and is facing $10,000 claimers in today’s fourth. He won on July 14 over the track for trainer Julio Canani.

Clipper Spirit was also second in her most recent, her first start against maiden claimers.

Race of the day: Spooky Mulder will try for his third victory in four starts over Aqueduct’s inner track as he takes on six opponents in today’s eighth, a $49,000 optional claimer at six furlongs. Spooky Mulder has 22 wins in 57 starts and has earned $554,665.

One for the road: Methuen gets a trainer upgrade to Art Sherman and should improve significantly in today’s sixth at Golden Gate Fields. Dennis Carr will ride the 4-year-old Capote gelding.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Fresh Squeezed in the first, Aspen Mountain, Seeking Results and Kaydara in the second, Golden Rahy and Sigfreto in the third and Draw Off, Valid Again, Ranch Hand, At A Boy Luther and Mythical Flyer in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/45. Money: (previous day/meet total): $20.20/$225.20. Total money bet: $236.