Unfurl The Flag Set to Fly Again

Unfurl The Flag, unraced since finishing 10th of 11 in the California Cup Sprint last November at Santa Anita, is back at his favorite track today in the seventh race at Hollywood Park.

The 6-year-old Bertrando gelding, trained by David Bernstein, has won four of five over the Inglewood main track, heading into the $55,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $167,242.

Bred in California by Pam and Marty Wygod, Unfurl The Flag won the Triple Bend, a Grade I, by two lengths last July 3, then went sour, finishing the year with three poor performances. Corey Nakatani, who rode him to both of his victories in 2005, has the call today and they will break from the rail in the field of eight.

In the same race, Premium Saltine, who has won nine of 24, will make his California debut and first start for trainer Ted H. West. The 7-year-old Salt Lake gelding, owned by Jeffrey Sengara, hasn’t been out since Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs.

Race of the day: Crested, a 3-year-old gelded son of Fantastic Light, will make his first U.S. start in the seventh race today at Churchill Downs. Julien Leparoux will ride the English-bred for Horizon Stable and trainer Wally Dollase in the $54,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

One for the road: Prairie Boy improved in his second race of the year when dropped in class by trainer Bruce Levine and can graduate if he takes to the turf in the fifth race today at Belmont Park. Eibar Coa will ride the 3-year-old Forestry colt for owner-breeders Marcus and Hortense Vogel. The $45,000 maiden claimer at one mile is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $44,907.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Gotcha Now and Heirloom Rose in the first, Crowned Dancer and Delivering Speed in the second, Old Skirt, Another Comic and Sexy Swiss in the third and Fast and Furious and Wild Buddy in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/92. Money: (previous day/meet total): $12.40/$576.20. Total money bet: $646.