Bushwacker survives Underwood inquiry

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Bushwacker was a double winner of sorts at Hollywood Park on Sunday.

The 5-year-old horse led throughout the $105,800 Vernon Underwood Stakes and then survived a four-minute objection into the stretch run to keep the victory.

Jockey Corey Nakatani, who rode runner-up In Summation, argued that Bushwacker interfered with his mount in the stretch.

Bushwacker did drift to the outward in the final sixteenth, toward the path of In Summation, but the stewards ruled that the incident occurred close to the wire and did not affect the order of finish.

Ridden by Joe Talamo, Bushwacker ($14) ran six furlongs in 1:08.47. Owned by Al Eisman and trainer Bill Currin, Bushwacker finished three-quarters of a length in front of In Summation, who was a neck in front of even-money favorite Greg's Gold.

Bushwacker was not challenged early. He led by 2 1/2 lengths after an opening quarter-mile in 22.10. The field was closest to him at the finish.

Bushwacker won his first stakes in the Grade 3 Underwood. He has won 5 of 23 starts and $285,840.