Trail Mix Hopes for More Wins at Hollywood Park

Trail Mix has failed to win in seven starts -- all at tracks not named Hollywood Park.

The 4-year-old gelding is a .400 hitter in Inglewood, having won two of five over the track. The California-bred son of Trail City will try to improve on that mark when he takes on five others in today’s seventh, a $42,000 allowance at seven furlongs.

Owned by breeder Patricia Youngman and trained by Mike Harrington, Trail Mix is unbeaten at this afternoon’s distance. He broke his maiden here by seven lengths on April 24, 2004, then, after 11 months on the sideline, won by two lengths in a $70,000 Cal-bred stakes April 24.

Apprentice Juan Ochoa, who looks to have a promising future, will ride Trail Mix for the first time and they will break from the outside.

The horse to beat is drawn directly inside of Trail Mix. Threesixtysecurity, a 3-year-old son of Dixie Union, was an impressive winner Oct. 14 at Santa Anita in his second career start. Claimed out of the race for $50,000, he will debut this afternoon for a partnership and trainer Mike Mitchell.

Race of the day: Mine Alone will make her first start at Churchill Downs and first for trainer Neil Howard in today’s ninth in Louisville. Robby Albarado will ride the 4-year-old Belong To Me filly for owner William Farish in the $54,900 allowance at one mile on turf. Mine Alone has won two of eight on the grass with both victories coming at Tampa Bay Downs.

One for the road: Carmandia makes her first start for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. and should improve significantly with the stable change in today’s eighth at Aqueduct. Edgar Prado will ride the 3-year-old Wild Rush filly, who has won two of nine, for owner-breeder Buckram Oak Farm in the $47,000 allowance at seven furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Her Red and Youcallinmealiar in the first, Free Rent and Drought Breaker in the second, Some Bold Thrill in the third, Topper’s Gold in the fourth, Within Time and Julep Cup in the fifth, Palmeiro and Velziegellaub in the sixth, Trail Mix in the seventh and Temptation’s Call in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 6/6. Money: (previous day/meet total): $28.20/$28.20. Total money bet: $16.