Callmeluckylucy faces tough task

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - A month after running the first triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure of her career, Callmeluckylucy will try to lead gate to wire on Thursday in the race-seven feature at Hollywood Park. Good luck to her.

Eight fillies and mares entered the two-other-than allowance/

optional claimer, and Callmelucky-

lucy faces a tall order trying to stretch her speed 6 1/2 furlongs.

"She loves this track," trainer Vladimir Cerin said, referring to the new artificial surface. "She worked 47 and 1 when it was really deep. I don't know how she'll like it now."

Who does know? Cushion Track was far from perfect in the opening week of the meet, a period of inconsistency during which the speed of the track changed from slow on Wednesday to super-fast on Sunday.

Closers dominated Wednesday and, to a lesser degree, Sunday. Front-runners could win Thursday through Saturday. So when Cerin said he was unsure whether Callmeluckylucy will like the track, he was being truthful. No one really knows how the track will "play."

Hollywood is struggling to formulate maintenance procedures that will keep the track consistent. With too much water, the cushion on Cushion Track is reduced and speed carries. With too little water, horses such as Callmeluckylucy have no chance to stretch their speed.

Six and a half furlongs is a long way for Callmeluckylucy, who finished second last out in a similar N2X sprint going six furlongs. That race was at speed-friendly Santa Anita. She is the clear speed in her race on Thursday under Patrick Valenzuela, but speed is less of an asset at Hollywood.

Run for Dessert blasted N1X allowance runners a month ago at Santa Anita going six furlongs. Trainer Art Sherman is looking forward to Thursday. "Six and a half furlongs is a perfect distance for her, and she's been stabled at this track since it opened," he said.

Sherman claimed Run for Dessert for $40,000 three starts back. The 92 Beyer she earned last time represents a career best. Sherman-trained runners tend to hold form, and with two good works on the track, Run for Dessert ought to win.

Tasha's Delight had an inconspicuous bad trip last time. Blocked behind runners into the lane, she went into idle, then finished well inside. She moves from the rail to an outside post, and probably will be the first to attack the pacesetter.

Also entered are comebackers Lucky for Me and The Usual, Wee Bit Fancy, Dew Drop, and Sweet Ambition.