Ticker Tape Back for Seconds

Two races after the fourth American Oaks is official, the winner of the third American Oaks will try for her second victory at Hollywood Park in the $200,000 Royal Heroine.

Ticker Tape, who beat Dance In The Mood by a length to win the $750,000 Oaks a year ago, is back in California after running poorly in her 2005 debut in a Grade III at Churchill Downs on May 7.

Now owned by Forging Oaks Farm, Ticker Tape, a 4-year-old Royal Applause filly, is still in the barn of Jim Cassidy. The distance of the Royal Heroine -- a mile -- is probably her best. She has been first, second or third in six of seven races at the distance.

Intercontinental is certain to be favored in the Grade III, which is one of five stakes on the card and part of a pick six with a guaranteed pool of $1 million.

Besides the Royal Heroine and the American Oaks, the other stakes on the program, which has a special post time of noon, are the $300,000 Vanity at 1 1/8 miles, the $250,000 American at 1 1/8 miles on the turf and the $350,000 Triple Bend at seven furlongs.

Race of the day: Ecclesiastic, who won for the first time in nine starts on turf when taking the Jaipur at 8-1 on May 29, will try for an encore against seven opponents in the $100,000 Poker Handicap today at Belmont Park. Javier Castellano will ride the 4-year-old Pulpit colt for owner Joe Allen and trainer Allen Jerkens in the Grade III at one mile.

One for the road: British Attitude, a 3-year-old Broad Brush colt, was successful in his turf debut on June 23 and can come right back for the hot combination of trainer Dale Romans and jockey Mark Guidry in the $72,000 Beau Genius, the ninth race at Churchill Downs.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Melhor Ainda in the eighth, Mass Media, Saint Buddy and McCann’s Mojave in the ninth, Ticker Tape, Valentine Dancer and Intercontinental in the 10th and Viziership and Crocker Road in the 11th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/134. Money: Previous day/meet total: $21.60/$716.50. Total money bet: $910.