Moonlark Dominates at Hollywood Park
No better than third in his four most recent starts, Moonlark turned things around in a big way Friday at Hollywood Park.
Teaming for the first time with jockey Rafael Bejarano, the 3-year-old Gone West colt dominated his five rivals in the day’s fourth race, a $42,080 optional claimer.
In the process, Moonlark, who is owned by Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stable LLC and trained by Bob Baffert, ran the fastest 5 ½ furlongs of 2010 at Hollywood Park. The Kentucky bred, who is out of the Phone Trick mare Laptop, completed the distance over Cushion Track in 1:02.66. The record is 1:02.09 established by Gray Black N White Dec. 5, 2007.
Able to make the lead early along the inside, Moonlark disposed of A Lil Dumaani early in the stretch and kicked clear. He’s now 2-for-10 after the 6 ¼ length victory. Moonlark, who has earned $74,218, has collected both of his wins at Hollywood Park. The first came June 12 when knocking off maidens by 3 ¼ lengths.
The 5-2 third choice, Moonlark paid $7.80, $3.80 and $2.20. Stoneside, the 8-5 favorite, returned $2.80 and $2.20. He finished a half-length in front of 2-1 second choice A Lil Dumaani, who paid $2.20 to show.
Galleto Monstruo, away last, gained fourth, 1 ¼ lengths behind A Lil Dumaani, then came Mensa Heat and Locksley Hall.