Excellent News Wins Friday Feature

Excellent News welcomed a return to her preferred surface, easily winning the $65,780 allowance feature Friday night at Hollywood Park.

A troubled fifth on turf in her prior start May 27, the 4-year-old Rahy filly assumed command immediately, relaxed well under jockey Joel Rosario and was taken in hand late while earning her fourth career victory. The margin of victory was a very deceptive 1 ½ lengths.

Now 3-for-5 over Cushion Track for owner Kaleem Shah and leading trainer Bob Baffert, Excellent News, the 6-5 favorite, completed the seven furlongs in 1:23.55. The win was her fourth in 14 lifetime races and increased her earnings to $216,844.

Favored for the seventh time in her last 10 starts, Excellent News paid $4.40 and $2.60. There was no show wagering.

Fashion Trend, the longest shot in the field at 5-1, returned $3.80. She outfinished Dowhill Diva by 1 ¼ lengths. Lady Sweetness, the 19-10 second choice, completed the order of finish after the scratch of Ancient Holiday.

With 15 days remaining in the Spring/Summer meet, Baffert holds a 26-24 lead over Mike Mitchell in the trainer standings. Baffert has never led a Spring/Summer season. His last local title was at the 2001 Autumn meet.

The win aboard Excellent News was the first of three Friday evening for Rosario, enabling him move into a tie with Rafael Bejarano for the riding lead. Both have 43 victories.