Californians flying in for Penn Mile

Ocho Ocho Ocho and Papacoolpapacool are en route from Southern California to Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pa., today. Both 3-year-olds will be entered Wednesday for the Grade 3, $500,000 Penn Mile next Saturday.

Ocho Ocho Ocho, trained by Jim Cassidy, will make his turf debut in the Penn Mile. He has worked twice since finishing 14th in the Kentucky Derby. Prior to that, Ocho Ocho Ocho finished third to Carpe Diem in the Grade 1 Blue Grass at Keeneland.

Papacoolpapacool, trained by Phil D’Amato, has won on grass in California in his last three races. He won the La Puente Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on April 18 and the Pasadena Stakes on March 21 in his last two starts.

Ocho Ocho Ocho will be ridden in the Penn Mile by Mike Smith, according to Cassidy. D'Amato said Elvis Trujillo, who is leaving California to begin riding at Monmouth Park next weekend, has the mount on Papacoolpapacool.

Ocho Ocho Ocho and Papacoolpapacool are on a charter flight from Southern California to Allentown, Pa. They will then have about an hour van ride to Penn National. D’Amato estimated Papacoolpapacool would arrive at Penn National about 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

According to track officials, others pointing to the Penn Mile include Force the Pass, Granny’s Kitten, High Noon Rider, My Point Exactly, Night Prowler, Tuba, Vision Perfect, and Woodwin W.

The Saturday evening card at Penn National will also include the $200,000 Mountainview Handicap for 3-year-old and up at 1 1/8 miles; the $150,000 Penn Oaks at a mile on turf; and the $150,000 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup for 3-year-olds and up at five furlongs on turf.