Height Of Delight to Join the Guys for This Race

Unbeaten in two starts against females at Santa Anita, Height Of Delight will take on the opposite sex tonight in the $65,000 Harry Henson at Hollywood Park.

Named in honor of the legendary track announcer who worked at Hollywood Park and Del Mar on this circuit, the Henson is a 5 1/2 -furlong turf contest for 3-year-olds and drew 10 entrants.

The Florida-bred daughter of Elusive Quality is owned by George Strawbridge’s Augustin Stable and trained by Neil Drysdale, who won the first grass race of the new meet with Corey County on Wednesday.

Height Of Delight was successful both sprinting and routing earlier in the year. She beat maidens by 1 1/2 lengths in her debut at about 6 1/2 furlongs Jan. 29, then won going a mile Feb. 17.

Patrick Valenzuela, Santa Anita’s leading rider, was aboard for Height Of Delight’s two victories across town and he will ride again tonight on the first Friday night program of the spring-summer meet. Post time is 7:05.

Other contenders in the Henson include Barber, who will be making his Southern California debut after winning two of five at Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields; The Pharaoh, who has been second in his last three races and will be making his first appearance on turf for trainer Chris Paasch; Past Tender; Corazondelcampeon, and Add Heat.

Race of the day: Rochester, who has four victories in 10 starts on the Keeneland turf course, will try for another in the $200,000 Elkhorn, which is the closing day feature. Robby Albarado will ride the 10-year-old Green Dancer gelding for owner-breeder Augustin Stable and trainer Jonathan Sheppard in the Grade III at 1 1/2 miles. This will be the fifth time Rochester has competed in the Elkhorn. He was third in the race in 2005.

One for the road: Sir Jet Bear returns for the same price after being claimed by high percentage trainer Andy Mathis and can win the sixth race today at Golden Gate. Chad Schvaneveldt will ride the 4-year-old Wild Deputy gelding for owner Lou Sans in the $6,250 claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Thief Of Hearts and Highly Gallant in the second, True Xena in the third and King’s Fantasy, Opimian and Huntington Beach in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/4. Money: (previous day/meet total): $35.60/$47.60. Total money bet: $32.