Drysdale Enters an Import

A winner of three of seven on the grass in France, Obrigado will make his U.S. debut today for trainer Neil Drysdale in the $100,000 Will Rogers Stakes at Hollywood Park.

A Grade III race at one mile on turf, the Will Rogers attracted six other 3-year-olds, including Corazondelcampeon, who scratched from the Lazaro Barrera Memorial on Saturday. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $150,701.

Owned by a partnership, Obrigado will get Lasix for his first start in this country as he returns from a layoff of more than six months. The gelded son of Enrique, who is a son of Barathea, was third in his last race at the Maisons-Laffite in France on Nov. 15.

Trained by David La Croix for owner-breeder Scott Merrell, Corazondelcampeon made a successful grass debut in the Harry Henson last month.

Dismissed at nearly 14-1 in the 5 1/2 -furlong race, the son of Comic Strip powered home to win by 2 3/4 lengths. With Corey Nakatani moving to Obrigado, Patrick Valenzuela will ride Corazondelcampeon for the first time this afternoon.

The field includes: New Joysey Jeff, who will be running on turf for the first time since he beat maidens at 31-1 in his debut on Jan. 7 at Santa Anita; Stratham, winner of the La Puente on April 15 in Arcadia; Niagara Causeway; Corey County, who is also trained by Drysdale; and Silver Crest.

Race of the day: Indian Vale, who won five of six starts as a 3-year-old, will make her first appearance of 2006 in the $150,000 Shuvee Handicap at Belmont Park. Garrett Gomez will ride the A.P. Indy filly for owner-breeder Eugene Melnyk and trainer Todd Pletcher in the Grade II stakes race at one mile.

One for the road: Greeley’s Grove is a first-time starter in a weak race and comes from a barn (Patrick Byrne) that wins with a lot of debuters. Take the 3-year-old Mr. Greeley gelding in the $50,000 maiden contest at one mile on turf at Churchill Downs.

Exotically speaking: A late pick three using O K Topless and Devons Success in the seventh, Obrigado, Corazondelcampeon and Corey County in the eighth and Miaduebelle and Well Mam in the ninth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 0/47. Money: (previous day/meet total): $0/$302.80. Total money bet: $350.