Ellis likes Vision in Gold's chances

On Sunday, trainer Ron Ellis has high expectations for Vision in Gold, who starts in the $150,000 Hollywood Oaks against national division leader Blind Luck, winner of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on April 30.

Owned by Mace and Samantha Siegel, who also own Rail Trip, Vision in Gold broke slowly and finished fifth in her stakes debut in the Grade 3 Railbird Stakes over seven furlongs on May 9.

"She got a race under her belt," Ellis said. "Seven-eighths is not her ball game."

Ellis said Vision in Gold returned to work well on May 22. She was officially given a half-mile workout in 47.80 seconds, but he timed the work in "1:11 and change."

"Her work the other day was phenomenal," Ellis said. "That wasn't by design. She hooked up with another horse. Luckily, she's had eight days to recover."

The Hollywood Oaks is run over 1 1/16 miles, and will be Vision in Gold's first start around two turns since a win in a maiden race over a mile at Santa Anita in March.

"I expect a huge race," he said.