Emerald Downs: Auburn Handicap

Hollywood Harbor, Top Juvenile Male of 2009, and undefeated Forener top the list of nine 3-year-olds nominated to the $50,000 Auburn Handicap on Sunday, May 23.

Hollywood Harbor (5-3-1-0-$70,501) was brilliant last year while winning three stakes ranging from 5 ½ furlongs to one mile. The son of Harbor the Gold returns to Emerald Downs following a ninth-place finish in the Harry Henson stakes on turf last month at Hollywood Park, and the chestnut gelding appears ready after smoking six furlongs in 1:10 4/5 Sunday morning for trainer Chris Stenslie.

Forener (3-3-0-0-$29,700) seems to have picked up right where he left off last year. The Lost Soldier gelding cruised to a 1-¾ length victory over allowance foes in 1:03 for 5 ½ furlongs on April 17, and he did defeat Hollywood Harbor by two lengths in their only match-up last year. The latter race was the career debut for both runners, and Hollywood Harbor did overcome a slow start while finishing second.