Not a Distinguished Cast

Hollywood Park is offering the worst stakes race of the meet today.

The $65,000 Quicken Tree for California breds at 1 1/2 miles on turf features five geldings and a filly who are a combined two for 31 on grass.

Cut Trail and Johnny High Brite will receive most of the attention in the race, which is the third on the card, and neither has imposing credentials.

A 4-year-old son of Malek, Cut Trail needed 11 starts before he was able to break his maiden on May 10. He has hit the board in three of four on the grass.

Johnny High Brite, a 4-year-old son of High Brite, has two wins in 14 starts, but has never hit the board in five races on turf. Completing the field is Der Ali, who is one for 15 on turf; Peaking Move, a filly who finished seventh at 88-1 in her only previous race on turf; Sultry Bard, who has never hit the board in six appearances on grass; and Purple Royale, who will be trying the surface for the first time.

The fourth race today will be the start of a pick six with a carry-over of $156,727.

Race of the day: Half Heaven, a three-time winner on the Belmont Park turf, will face a full field of fellow New York-bred fillies and mares in the $100,000 Mount Vernon Handicap. Cornelio Velasquez will ride the 4-year-old daughter of Regal Classic for trainer Gary Contessa in the 1 1/8 -mile race.

One for the road: Surprise Halo did not have the best of trips when he returned to Bay Meadows on May 28 and can win for the eighth time over the turf course with clear sailing in the eighth race. Russell Baze will ride the 8-year-old Glomar gelding for trainer Wesley Ward in the $25,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Ellwood and Jake, Ten Downing Street and Jealous Profit in the sixth, Sweet Way, Feel The Rush and Kris’ Sis in the seventh, Budget Surplus and Thunderfrog in the eighth and Flip The Penny in the ninth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 1/102. Money: (previous day/meet total): $5.20/$643.40. Total money bet: $714.