Threadneedle Tries the Turf

A winner at 10-1 in her sprint debut April 1 at Santa Anita, Threadneedle will stretch out to a mile on a surface she should love in the seventh race today at Hollywood Park.

Owned by Lazy Lane Farms Inc. and trained by Gary Mandella, Threadneedle, a 3-year-old Dyanformer filly, won by nearly two lengths going six furlongs last month, beating Silk Queen and five others.

In today’s race, a $51,000 allowance, Threadneedle will be trying the turf for the first time, but Dyanformer is one of the best turf sires in the world and also the sire of Barbaro, the easy winner of the Kentucky Derby four days ago.

Alex Solis, who rode Threadneedle in her debut, has the mount again today. Maxxi Arte, Montreux, Mimosa Mist, Attima, Watch Me Win, Musical High, Zoemeg, Brenda Meova and Proxenia complete the field. Attima, a daughter of Zafonic, will be making her U.S. debut after winning once in five races in France.

Race of the day: Ladies Souvenir, who suffered her first loss in three starts, finishing fourth as the favorite in the Santa Paula Stakes on April 1 at Santa Anita, returns to the north in hopes of starting a new streak in the third race on the opening day card at Bay Meadows. Russell Baze will be aboard the 3-year-old Souvenir Copy filly for Betty Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm and trainer Greg Gilchrist in the $40,000 allowance at six furlongs.

One for the road: Beechmont drops into a claimer for his second start and can lead throughout in the second race at Churchill Downs. Greg Foley trains the 3-year-old Crafty Prospector colt for owner-breeder Domaire Farm, and Rafael Bejarano will ride in the $20,000 maiden claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Senior Discount, Oneida County and Chobigmoe in the first, In High Form and Dramatic Chance in the second, Energy Czar, Cut Trail and the Snoden entry in the third and Primerica and County in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/23. Money: (previous day/meet total): $20.20/$160.40. Total money bet: $178.