Dark Sorcerer Wants to Find a Place in the Winner’s Circle

One of the favorite horses of players who like to make place and/or show bets is running tonight at Hollywood Park.

Dark Sorcerer, who is often close but seldom wins, is one of a dozen veterans scheduled to go a mile on the turf in the seventh, a $40,000 claimer. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of nearly $100,000.

Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Warren B. Williamson and trained by Carla Gaines, Dark Sorcerer is a 7-year-old English-bred gelding with only two victories in 28 starts. However, he has been second 11 times and third on four other occasions. Since the beginning of 2005, the son of So Factual has started 13 times without winning. He has been second in nine of those losses.

Aaron Gryder, who was aboard for the most recent runner-up finish on May 20 at the same level, has the call again tonight in a field in which the other contenders include Holdthehelm, Blue Steller, Licari and Hatif.

Holdthehelm, a 7-year-old gelded son of Helmsman trained by Mike Puype for a partnership, has one victory at the meet. He won by a nose for the same price tag as the 2-1 favorite on April 28.

Race of the day: Chief Export will bid for his fourth victory in a row for trainer and part-owner Buff Bradley in the 10th race today at Churchill Downs. Calvin Borel, who rode 91-1 longshot Seek Gold to victory in the Stephen Foster Handicap six days ago, sticks with the sharp 4-year-old Chief Seattle gelding in the $58,000 allowance at one mile. Chief Export was an 0-for-17 maiden before his win streak began on April 5 at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. He has since won twice at Churchill.

One for the road: Deep Canyon gets Lasix for his second start in the first race at Churchill today after chasing potential star Minister’s Bid over two months ago at Keeneland. Borel will ride the 3-year-old Chester House colt for owner A. Stevens Miles Jr. and trainer Ian Wilkes in the $50,000 maiden contest at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Witness This, Sea Harbor and Solid Fuel in the fifth, Oro De Ole’ and Sound And Vision in the sixth, Holdthehelm, Licari and Blue Steller in the seventh and I’ve Decided and Double Matrix in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/108. Money: (previous day/meet total): $12.20/$668.60. Total money bet: $764.