Wait a While Sets Record

Trainer Todd Pletcher has been eager to get Wait a While back on turf since she defeated maidens by five lengths in her initial start on the surface Sept. 28 at Belmont Park.

Those watching the $750,000 American Oaks on Sunday at Hollywood Park found out why.

In her return to the grass, the 3-year-old Maria’s Mon filly was dominant again, winning the Grade I by a record 4 1/2 lengths under jockey Garrett Gomez.

The 5-2 third choice in the field of eight, Wait a While, owned by Alan Cohen’s Ocala Horses LLC, made a bold bid while wide to assume the lead with about a quarter of a mile to go, and went on to complete the 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.38. There was a claim of foul by jockey Alex Bisono, who was aboard also-ran Foxysox, against the winner, but it was quickly dismissed by the stewards.

The final time wasn’t far behind Cesario’s race record of 1:59.03 set a year ago. But the margin of victory was greater than the four lengths the Japanese star had prevailed by 12 months ago.

Seeking a second consecutive win in the 5-year-old Oaks, Japan had to settle for second with Asahi Rising, the 8-5 favorite. The Royal Touch filly, who didn’t break alertly, rallied to out-finish 11-1 shot Arravale by half a length.

Hardly a slouch on the main track, where she has won three of eight, Wait a While will probably remain on turf, said Cody Richardson, the racing manager for Cohen, who watched the race from his home in Weston, Fla.

“When I turned for home, she just ran like a really good filly does,” said Gomez, who also won earlier with 10-1 shot Papi Chullo in his return to California.

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In a $300,000 Vanity Invitational Handicap that was eventful before the gates even opened, Hollywood Story took advantage of a fast early pace to win the Grade I and end a nine-race losing streak.

Star Parade, the 2-1 favorite at the time, was scratched by track veterinarian Steve Buttgenbach when she became fractious in the gate. “It was just a very unfortunate accident,” Buttgenbach said. “The mare kicked in the gate and got her leg under the gate and had to be scratched.”

That led to a delay, and after the remaining horses were backed out of the gate, one kicked Mike Sherlock, a member of the starting gate crew and the son of trainer Gary Sherlock. Sherlock was taken to nearby Centinela Hospital Medical Center, where X-rays revealed two fractured ribs.

Hollywood Story, the 5-2 third choice, won in 1:48.55 for the 1 1/8 miles, defeating Healthy Addiction by half a length.

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The third Grade I of the day, the $300,000 Triple Bend Invitational Handicap, was taken by 3-1 second choice Siren Lure. It was the 11th win in 19 starts for the 5-year-old Joyeux Danseur gelding, who is owned by a partnership and trained by Art Sherman.