Keldy Leads Throughout in BHP Feature
Keldy, the 5-2 second choice, led throughout under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith to win the $49,000 feature for California bred fillies and mares Monday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
Four weeks removed from a half-length maiden victory at Santa Anita, the 3-year-old Benchmark filly quickly established a sizable advantage, took a breather around the far turn and held favored Tiz a Classy Lass safe in the closing yards.
Trained by Dan Hendricks for Russell Drake and breeder Teresa McWilliams, Keldy, who is out of the Pine Bluff mare Windscreen, completed the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:42.47.
The half-length win was the second in seven starts for Keldy and increased her earnings to $82,340. She paid $7.80, $3.80 and $3.20.
Unable to provide leading jockey Rafael Bejarano with his fourth win of the Veterans Day program, Tiz a Classy Lass, the 6-5 choice, finished 1 ¼ lengths in front of 9-1 shot Akiss Forarose.
Successful against maidens in her last appearance at Betfair Hollywood Park June 28, Tiz a Classy Lass returned $2.80 and $2.10. The show price on Akiss Forarose was $3.60.
Five days into the final Autumn meet, Bejarano, who shared the 2013 Spring/Summer championship with Edwin Maldonado, has 10 victories, leaving him five clear of Joe Talamo.
Two of Bejarano’s wins – Burns Turn ($4.80) in the third and Cervaro ($4.20) in the fifth – came for trainer John Sadler, who won three races in succession Monday. Bejarano, who’s had 31 mounts at the Autumn meet, began his holiday triple with Cook Inlet ($7.40) in the first.
In addition to Burns Turn and Cervaro, Sadler, the top trainer during the S/S meet earlier this year, captured the fourth with Sweet Sunshine ($9.20).
Racing resumes Friday. Post time is 12:30 p.m. Track gates at Betfair Hollywood Park will open at 9:55 a.m. for simulcasts..
The Hollywood Park Casino will be open for dark day simulcasts Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Admission is free.