Continuously Tries to Turn It Around

Continuously, who was beaten by a nose by the ill-fated Star Over The Bay in the $150,000 Sunset Handicap a year ago, is back for another try in the Grade II today. The 1 1/2 -mile turf race is the main event on the closing day card at Hollywood Park.

Owned by Saud bin Khaled and trained by Bobby Frankel, Continuously, a 6-year-old Diesis horse, hasn’t been close since his defeat at 4-5 in the Sunset. He has finished no better than sixth in four subsequent starts. He reunites with jockey Alex Solis for the first time since last year’s Sunset and some of his best efforts have come with the rider.

Another 6-year-old is the one to beat. Runaway Dancer, a gray son of Runaway Groom, has two wins at today’s distance and was last seen upsetting seven opponents in the $350,000 Jim Murray Memorial Handicap on May 14.

Race of the day: Smokume, who has won half of his eight starts at Belmont Park, will stretch out to seven furlongs today against six opponents in the $150,000 Tom Fool Handicap. The co-highweight with Willy o’the Valley at 115 pounds, Smokume will be ridden by Chantal Sutherland as he tries for his first victory in three starts at the distance. Completing the field in the Grade II are Clever Electrician, Swingforthefences, Voodoo, Gadace’s Khamseh and Shaniko.

One for the road: Proud Phil is the controlling speed in today’s eighth at Solano and could be long gone in the $6,250 claimer at six furlongs. Apprentice jockey Kate Repp will ride the 4-year-old gelding for Kevin Matties and trainer Anthony Tamburino.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Wanna Runner, Jitterbug Ball and Swiss Arrow in the seventh, Go Wild and Stray Cat Blues in the eighth, Runaway Dancer, T.H. Approval and Always First in the ninth and I’m Blooming in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/161. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16.80/$874.10. Total money bet: $1,070.