Mud Light Ends Long Layoff

Mud Light, who was impressive in his debut, will return after a layoff of more than 26 months in the seventh race today at Hollywood Park.

A 12-length winner against maidens when the 13-10 favorite in his bow on April 3, 2004 at Santa Anita, the 5-year-old Mud Route gelding returns in a $49,000 allowance for California breds at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Owned by Desperado Stables, Inc. and trainer Jeff Mullins, Mud Light will race with blinkers for the first time today and he did work a solid six furlongs over this track on June 7. Mud Light was timed in 1:12 4/5, the second-fastest of 11 works at the distance on that morning in Inglewood.

Victor Espinoza, who rode the chestnut to his maiden win, has the call again this afternoon against seven opponents.

The only other member of the field who was a last-out winner is Red State. Fitted with blinkers for the first time May 27, the 3-year-old Smoke Glacken colt defeated maidens by 4 1/2 lengths as the even-money choice. Patrick Valenzuela will ride back for owner-breeder John Harris and trainer Marty Jones.

Shootist, Quiten Boy, One On The House, Win To Win, Peter Paul’n Tango and Buck Tuddy Buck are also scheduled to start.

Race of the day: Museeb, who was a beaten favorite in his first two starts in the U.S., will try to make amends in his New York debut in the eighth race today at Belmont Park. Eibar Coa will ride the 4-year-old Danzig colt for owner-breeder Shadwell Stable and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin in the $46,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

One for the road: Elite Mercedes is a sharp veteran stepping up and can handle the bump in class in the fourth race today at Churchill Downs. Rafael Bejarano will ride the 9-year-old Mercedes Won gelding in the $30,000 claimer at seven furlongs. Elite Mercedes, who has won two in a row, was claimed out of his last victory against $15,000 claimers by trainer Jesse Wigginton for owner Larry Carter.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Princess Zozo in the second, Katalsta, Hanalei Honey and More Than Enough in the third and Sarah’s Hart and Marciamarciamarcia in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 5/97. Money: (previous day/meet total): $40.80/$616. Total money bet: $662.