This Is One Mean Hombre

Hombre Rapido has run on the turf only once in 29 races -- when he finished seventh of nine in the Hollywood Turf Express on Nov. 26 at Hollywood Park.

But, winless in his last nine starts, the 8-year-old gelding will try the Hollywood Park grass again tonight against five others in the $62,000 Bullet at five furlongs. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $99,444.

Hombre Rapido, who will be ridden by Tyler Baze, last won in the Los Angeles Handicap on May 10, 2003.

The only member of the field coming off a victory is Stormin’ Lyon, and that came nearly a year ago. The 4-year-old son of Storm Boot hasn’t run since he won an allowance race at Bay Meadows by three lengths on June 12. Jockey Bobby Gonzalez is scheduled to come from Golden Gate Fields to ride Stormin’ Lyon for part-owner and trainer Brian Koriner.

As for the others, Golden Arrow has been first, second or third in eight of nine starts on the Hollywood Park grass; Geronimo has been in the money in 23 of his 28 turf races; and De Valmont is the probable pace setter.

Race of the day: Sweet Talker, winner in both her starts over the Churchill Downs turf course, will face five in the ninth at the Louisville track. Brice Blanc will ride the 3-year-old filly in the $71,900 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Twilight League should improve dramatically with the move back to turf and can beat a weak field in the sixth at Belmont Park. Pablo Fragoso will ride the 3-year-old Regal Classic filly in the $42,000 race for New York-bred maiden fillies at one mile.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Seeking The Heat, OK Topless and Luck And Fame in the first, Memorly, Victoria Fly and Caan in the second, Spriggzee in the third and Honor Chick, Sum Time Angel, Malenkov and Red Menace in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/63. Money: Previous day/meet total: $8.40/$324.60. Total money bet: $432.