Chilean import looks like lock

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - It was not difficult to find winners opening week of the Hollywood Park spring-summer meet. Favorites won 47 percent (21 of 44), and the median win payoff was only $7.40.

The run of chalk is expected to continue through Thursday's second race, when heavily favored Mont Saint Michel makes his second start in North America. Mont Saint Michel, a Bobby Frankel-trained import from Chile, heads the first-level allowance at 1 1/2 miles on grass in the first of the two allowance features. In the seventh, Irguns Angel lands a relatively soft spot for her comeback in a two-other-than sprint for fillies and mares.

Mont Saint Michel's form in Chile was modest. He won just once from nine starts, but placed in Group 1 races on turf and dirt. Purchased by Amerman Racing Stables, the 4-year-old Mont Saint Michel made his U.S. debut April 11 at Santa Anita, finishing second by a half-length while undoubtedly best. Shuffled to last and stuck behind a wall of horses through the far turn, he rallied wide, finished strong, and left the impression he and Laffit Pincay would be tough to beat next out.

Thursday, they meet six foes of modest ability. Pirate of Penzance was compromised by a wide trip last out, and benefits from a switch to hot-riding Victor Espinoza. The leading rider at the meet, Espinoza entered the Wednesday program having won with 10 of his last 26 mounts.

Pirate of Penzance is coupled with maiden Set for More. Others include Lasting Tribute, second start following a six-month layoff; and longshots Echelon, Indy Lead, and Devil's Bandit.

While Mont Saint Michel will hover at even money or less, there are no standouts in the seventh race. A case can be made for all six entrants in the six-furlong filly-mare allowance, led by comebacker Irguns Angel. She has not been out since last August, but has trained in crisp fashion for her comeback. A winner of 2 of 8 starts, Irguns Angel is owned by Ron and Susie Anson, and trained by Alfredo Marquez.

None of the starters have recently equaled pace and speed-figure par, further confusing what appears to be an average field. Harvest Girl is the one to catch under Pat Valenzuela, and while she enjoyed a soft trip on the front end last out, a similar scenario might transpire Thursday. Harvest Girl is the field's only committed front-runner. Other starters include Whoopddo, Farah Love, Miss New York, and Svea Dahl.

* San Antonio Handicap winner Redattore has been assigned highweight of 120 pounds for the Grade 3 Inglewood Handicap on Sunday. The 1 1/16-mile turf race is also expected to include Golden Gate Handicap winner No Slip. The Inglewood is a prep for the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile on May 27.

* A competitive group of 3-year-old fillies race a mile on turf Saturday in the Grade 3 Senorita Stakes. Expected starters include Daisyaglo, Forty on Line, High Society, Adoration and Nunatall. The Senorita is a key prep leading toward the $500,000 American Oaks on July 6.