Photo: Hollywood Park
Making her first start beyond six furlongs and first for
trainer Mike Mitchell, Diamond Journey responded with a one length victory in a
$52,400 optional claimer for California bred fillies and mares Thursday at
Hollywood Park.
The only runner in the field of six eligible to be taken for
the $25,000 price tag, Diamond Journey received a dream trip from jockey Martin
Garcia in winning for the fourth time in 10 career outings.
Claimed for $12,500 by Mitchell for owners Cady and
Kanakaris out of a sprint victory May 19, the 3-year-old daughter of Good
Journey and the Demons Begone mare Callmelauryn increased her earnings to
$82,420.
After tracking the pace set by outsider Safe Word, Diamond
Journey took a clear lead into the stretch and had more than enough in reserve
to hold off the late rally of Screaming Regal, the 9-10 favorite.
Bred by Zann Racing Stable, Diamond Journey, who began her
career at Turf Paradise, ran the 1 1/16 miles over Cushion Track in 1:44.43.
The 3-1 second choice, she paid $8.40, $4 and $2.60.
Favored on the strength of a near miss behind Miles Rules in
the Melair Stakes on California Gold Rush Day April 23, Screaming Regal
returned $2.60 and $2.10. Meltarib, who finished 4 ¾ lengths behind Screaming
Regal, paid $2.60 to show.
Scent of Chrism, the longest shot in the field at 48-1, was
fourth, then came Secret Oath and Safe Word.
Racing resumes Friday night at Hollywood Park. Post time is
7:05 p.m.
The main event is the $70,000 Tsunami Slew Stakes. The one
mile race for 3-year-olds will feature the turf debut of Santa Anita Derby
winner Midnight Interlude.
Trained by Bob Baffert for owner Arnold Zetcher, Midnight
Interlude, a son of former Breeders’ Cup Mile winner War Chant, is the 2-1
favorite on Russ Hudak’s morning line against six opponents. The Tsunami Slew
goes as race seven. Scheduled post time is 10 p.m.