Saturday's 69th running of the Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park may not prove to be a race for the ages. But it has already proved, via yesterday's close of entries and the post-position draw, to be a race for all ages – from 9 to 4.
Four-year-old Heatseeker, with wins in the Santa Anita Handicap and the Californian this year, drew the No. 3 post position in a field of 10 and was established as the 7-5 opening-line favorite by oddsmaker Russ Hudak.
Competition for Heatseeker, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and to be ridden by Rafael Bejarano, by order of seniority, will be provided by:
Nine-year-old Perfect Drift, a multitime trier in major stakes, including the Breeders' Cup and Pacific Classic but a nonwinner since 2005 making his 48th career start.
Eight-year-old McCann's Mojave, the late-blooming Cal-bred with more than $1.5 million in earnings making his 35th start.
Seven-year-old Big Booster, a winner of the Gallant Man Handicap on June 1 in his most recent start, making his 45th start.
Six-year-old Student Council, winner of last year's Pacific Classic and the Pimilico Special on May 16, making his 28th career start.
Five-year-old Go Between, runner-up to Heatseeker in the Big 'Cap.
The biggest threat to Heatseeker, however, figures to come from fellow 4-year-old Tiago. The two have raced against each other in their past three starts, with Heatseeker winning the Big 'Cap and the Californian and Tiago pulling out a narrow victory in the Oaklawn Handicap.
Heatseeker is blessed with more speed than Tiago, a come-from-behind type like his half-brother and 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo. But John Shirreffs, Tiago's trainer, has been quouted as saying, “Unless Heatseeker is carrying an anchor, I don't see how we are going to catch him.”
But on a teleconference call Tuesday, Shirreffs provided a clarification.
“For Tiago to win, he needs a good (early) pace to run at. He's always tough if he can get to within a head of another horse (in late stretch). We're hoping to do that and be fighting at the wire.”
Hank Wesch: (619) 293-1853; hank.wesch@uniontrib.com
