Eye of the Tiger best in Affirmed

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Returning after a fifth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby last month, Eye of the Tiger scored his first stakes win in Sunday's $103,096 at Hollywood Park.

Facing just three opponents, Eye of the Tiger stalked Ministers Wild Cat and Bullistic on the backstretch, rallied to lead on the final turn and pulled away to win by 4 1/2 lengths.

Ridden by Alex Solis, Eye of the Tiger ($3.80) finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.30.

"We thought it would set up like that," trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. "We were hoping that Ministers Wild Cat wouldn't get away solo. He got a little lucky coming through."

Ministers Wild Cat held second, finishing a neck in front of Bullistic, who was 1 1/2 lengths in front of Outta Here.

Hollendorfer said that Eye of the Tiger will be pointed for the $400,000 Swaps Stakes over 1 1/8 miles on July 13. Owned by John Gunther, Eye of the Tiger has won 3 of 7 starts and $185,329.

"I think he is getting better," Hollendorfer said. "I think he'll get the mile and an eighth."