Lady Of Shamrock Heads Quality Field In Gamely; Comma To The Top Takes On Six In Los Angeles `Cap
Lady of Shamrock and jockey Mike Smith win the Grade I American Oaks. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 24, 2013)—Lady of Shamrock, who earned the first Grade I victory of her career in the 2012 American Oaks, will try to add another to her resume in the $250,000 Gamely Stakes Monday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
A 1 1/8 mile turf race for older fillies and mares, the Gamely, the first Grade I offered at the 2013 Spring/Summer meet, is part of a Memorial Day stakes doubleheader. The 10-race card also features the $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap, a Grade III for older horses at six furlongs over Cushion Track.
The 47th renewal of the Gamely goes as the ninth race while the 61st Los Angeles is the fourth.
Added Distance No Problem For Marinda
Rafael Bejarano guides Marinda to victory in the Thursday feature. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 23, 2013)—Stretching out for the first time in nearly a year, Marinda was successful for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, winning the $56,074 feature Thursday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
Positioned perfectly throughout by leading jockey Rafael Bejarano, Marinda, the 8-5 favorite in the field of 12, won for the second time in eight starts and increased her earnings to $112,910.
Owned by breeder Ran Jan Racing, Inc., the 4-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy and the Soft Gold mare Bella Bella Bella completed the one mile on turf in 1:35.05. She paid $5.20, $4.40 and $3.
Stevens Looking Forward To Return To Betfair Hollywood Park
Gary Stevens. © Benoit Photo
The last time Gary Stevens rode at Betfair Hollywood Park, he guided Alphabet Kisses to victory in the 2005 A Gleam Invitational Handicap.
“I didn’t know that,’’ said Stevens in response to the information.
Alphabet Kisses is long retired, but Stevens is in the midst of a highly successful comeback which began in January and continues over the Memorial Day weekend. The biggest of the mounts for the Hall of Famer is the Tom Proctor-trained Marketing Mix in the Grade I, $250,000 Gamely Stakes.
Schiaparelli Versus Five In Great Lady M. Stakes
Schiaparelli broke her maiden in her debut June 19, 2011 at Betfair Hollywood Park. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 23, 2013)—Schiaparelli, runner-up to 2012 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint champion – and stablemate – Mizdirection in the Las Cienegas Stakes last month, will try for her second win over the Betfair Hollywood Park grass in the $70,000 Great Lady M. Stakes Sunday.
A six furlong event for older fillies and mares, the Great Lady M. is the seventh of nine races. Post time Sunday is 1 p.m. Track gates will open at 9:55 a.m. for simulcasts.
Trained by Mike Puype for breeder Ran Jan Racing, Inc., Schiaparelli was defeated by a half-length by Mizdirection in the Grade III April 13 at Santa Anita. She was collared near the wire after having a two length lead with an eighth of a mile to run.
Obviously Stretches Out In American Handicap
Obviously and jockey Joseph Talamo win the Arroyo Seco Mile, Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Santa Anita. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 22, 2013)—A double Grade II winner in 2012, Obviously will seek his first victory of 2013 in the $150,000 American Handicap Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
A Grade II for older horses at one mile on turf, the American Handicap is the third of nine races. Post time Saturday is 1 p.m. Gates at Betfair Hollywood Park will open at 9:55 a.m. for simulcasts.
This will also be the third of nine Saturdays during the meet offering a guaranteed Pick Six pool of $150,000.
Iotapa Provides Talamo Another Stakes Win In Railbird
Iotapa and jockey Joe Talamo win the Railbird Stakes. © Benoit
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 19, 2013)—Jockey Joe Talamo completed a weekend stakes sweep Sunday at Betfair Hollywood Park with a victory aboard favored Iotapa in the $74,920 Railbird (video).
Shortening up after finishing second behind Beholder – the 2-year-old filly champion of 2012 – in the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks April 6, Iotapa was reserved off the pace, rallied outside Tres Belle and pacesetter Hail Mary around the turn and went on to win by 1 ¼ lengths over Ciao Bella Luna.
Iotapa’s third win in four starts came a day after Talamo captured the $150,250, Grade II Marjorie L. Everett Handicap with 9-1 outsider Open Water and the $100,500 Fran’s Valentine Stakes with 9-2 shot Unusual Hottie.
$74,920 Railbird Stakes - 51st Running - 7 Furlongs
Jockey Quotes
JOE TALAMO, IOTAPA, Winner: “We had a great trip. She was pretty much loaded for bear today. I really just had to point her in the right direction. I’m glad John (Sadler) gave me the opportunity to ride. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun with her this summer.”
RAFAEL BEJARANO, CIAO BELLA LUNA, Second: “I was in perfect position right behind the leaders. When I got to the stretch I was in the clear, but (Iotapa) I tried to keep up with just took off. The winner was just much the best.”
Joe Talamo All Smiles After Big Saturday
Jockey Joe Talamo © Benoit Photo
Saturday was a pretty good day to be Joe Talamo.
Not only did the 23-year-old native of Louisiana sweep both stakes races at Betfair Hollywood Park, taking the $100,500 Fran’s Valentine with 9-2 shot Unusual Hottie and the $150,000, Grade II Marjorie L. Everett Handicap with 9-1 outsider Open Water, he got to see his mentor – Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens – go gate-to-wire aboard Oxbow, the upset ($32.80) winner of the Preakness.
“I thought it was great,” said Talamo. “I was so happy for Gary. Even as a little kid I always looked up to him. I remember I was 11 when he won (the 2001 Preakness) with Point Given.
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