The Pharaoh Seeks End to Long Losing Streak

Since breaking his maiden by nearly three lengths in his career debut June 25 at Calder, The Pharaoh has lost nine in a row.

The 3-year-old son of Forest Camp hasn’t been able to win on grass or dirt or in sprints or routes.

Trying to end the long dry spell, The Pharaoh will be back on the turf in the seventh race today at Hollywood Park.

Owned by Charles Cono and trained by Chris Paasch, The Pharaoh was purchased privately after his first two races in Florida.

He will be making his second start of the Hollywood Park meet after finishing fourth -- beaten by 4 3/4 lengths -- in the Harry Henson on April 28.

Apprentice Saul Arias will be aboard the Florida-bred for the first time in the $49,000 optional claimer at about 5 1/2 furlongs, which was also the distance of the Henson.

Two of The Pharaoh’s seven opponents are coming off maiden victories.

Get Funky beat $62,500 claimers by nearly three lengths on April 14 and will be going for new connections after being claimed. Shooter’s Touch broke his maiden as the favorite on April 29 at Golden Gate Fields.

Race of the day: Red Cherries Spin, who had the lead in the stretch in the Kentucky Oaks as a 34-1 shot before fading, will try the grass for the first time in the eighth race today at Churchill Downs. Calvin Borel will ride the 3-year-old With Approval filly for owner Naveed Chowhan and trainer Bernie Flint in the $70,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles. Red Cherries Spin, who has won three of five, will be opposed by Walklikeanegyptian, Seen Dancing, May Night, Fiery Dancer, Sorority Wildcat and Beau Dare.

One for the road: Almonsoon will stretch to a mile in her second start for trainer Todd Pletcher and can graduate in the fourth race at Belmont Park. Garrett Gomez will ride the 3-year-old daughter of Giant’s Causeway for the Allen Paulson Living Trust in the $44,000 maiden contest.

She finished second in her April 21 bow at Gulfstream Park and a nose in front of a next-out winner.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Crept Out and Bullet Train in the second, Herb’s Girl Kelsey and Warren’s Freehouse in the third and Our Father and Wee Jinky in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 1/50. Money: (previous day/meet total): $6.60/$323.80. Total money bet: $384.