Photo: Hollywood Park
Kayce Ace was a winner in her first start in nearly seven
months, edging Ellafitz at the wire in the $55,800 allowance feature Thursday
at Hollywood Park.
This mild upset was followed a 16-1 surprise by Free Time in
the day’s final race, so there will be a Pick 6 carryover of $62,690 when
racing resumes Friday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The Pick 6 begins in the
third race.
A full sister to multiple stakes winner Colonel John, whose
victories included the 2007 Real Quiet Stakes at Hollywood Park along with the
Santa Anita Derby and Travers Stakes in 2008, Kayce Ace continued her love
affair with Cushion Track with the neck decision.
Idle since a local allowance victory last Nov. 11, Kayce Ace
sat several lengths off the fast pace set by runaway leader Jax El, moved up
outside to get closer approaching the stretch, then wore down the 5-2 second
choice to prevail.
Owned by Casner Racing LP and trained by Eoin Harty, the
4-year-old Tiznow filly out of the Turkoman mare Sweet Damsel completed the 1
1/16 miles in 1:44.03.
Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, who has been aboard for each of
her three wins – all achieved in five starts at Hollywood Park – Kayce Ace paid
$10.80, $6 and $4.40.
Making her first appearance of 2011, Ellafitz returned $4.80
and $3.40. The show price on Gripsholm
Castle, who wound up 1 ½
lengths back of Ellafitz, was $4.40.
Makoma, the 5-2 favorite, was pulled up in the stretch by
jockey Chantal Sutherland. There were no apparent injuries, but, according to the
stewards, Sutherland did not feel comfortable with how the 4-year-old daughter
of Malibu Moon was traveling. Makoma was vanned off and returned to the barn of
trainer John Shirreffs.
Worse than third only once in nine career starts, Kayce Ace
increased her earnings to $122,850.
Immediately after the races conclude Friday – approximately
10:30 p.m. – a concert starring Iration will begin at the North Park Lawn.