McCann’s Mojave Tries to Go Distance Again

McCann’s Mojave showed he could handle 1 1/8 miles in winning the $250,000 California Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Santa Anita and he’ll get another crack at the distance in the $100,000 Native Diver Handicap today at Hollywood Park.

Owned by breeders Alix Nikki Hunt and Santa Anita publicity director Mike Willman, the 5-year-old Memo horse ended a three-race losing streak with a one-length win over favored Desert Boom in the Cal Cup Classic.

A winner of seven of 15 with earnings of $555,380, McCann’s Mojave will be seeking his second win in three tries at Hollywood Park in the Native Diver, a Grade III.

Jose Valdivia Jr., who regained the mount on the bay last month, has the call this afternoon against nine opponents.

McCann’s Mojave will share high weight of 118 pounds with Preachinatthebar, who has won four of six in Inglewood, and No Giveaway, who scored his biggest victory when he rallied from last to win the Longacres Mile at 60-1 Aug. 21 at Emerald Downs near Seattle.

From the inside out, the field is completed by Coronado’s Pride, Bully Hayes, Spellbinder, Keep On Punching, Trotamondo, Courtly Jazz and Saint Buddy.

Race of the day: Wilko, winless since taking the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 28-1, will make his first start since finishing 12th in the Preakness on May 21 in the $50,000 Larkspur at Golden Gate Fields.

Corey Nakatani will ride the 3-year-old Awesome Again colt for owners Paul Reddam and Susan Roy and trainer Craig Dollase in the six-furlong race. Wilko is looking for his fourth win in 17 starts.

One for the road: Harborage adds blinkers and stretches out after finishing fifth in his debut Nov. 5 and should improve with the experience in today’s sixth at Aqueduct. Norberto Arroyo Jr. will ride the 2-year-old son of Monarchos for owners David Cassidy and Edward Lipton and trainer Gary Contessa in the $44,000 maiden contest at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Fairly Crafty in the first, Keen Colleen, Swiss Tizzy and Campa Bella in the second and Lone Prairie, Irish Ty and Cee’s The Point in the third.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/61. Money: (previous day/meet total): $16/$316.60. Total money bet: $336.