Heatseeker pays $63 in Native Diver

INGLEWOOD, Calif.- A testing distance was no hindrance to the longshot Heatseeker in Saturday's $111,800 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park.

Making his first start at 1 1/8 miles, Heatseeker rallied wide through the final half-mile to win the Grade 3 Native Diver by 1 1/4 lengths over Racketeer. Isipingo finished third in the field of 10, with Ravel, the 6-5 favorite, only fourth.Heatseeker paid $63.40 to win in the 10-horse field.

Ridden by Michael Baze, Heatseeker was timed in 1:47.23. He stalked a quick pace of 23.53 and 46.83 seconds set by Masterpiece before moving into contention on the final turn. He was sixth with a furlong remaining, but was less than two lengths behind leader Bold Chieftain at that point. Heatseeker was wide throughout, but the trip did not hinder his chances.

Heatseeker and Racketeer pulled clear in the final furlong. Racketeer was three lengths in front of Isipingo at the finish. Ravel was in traffic on the backstretch and was unable to make any impression in the final three furlongs.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said that Heatseeker will be pointed to the major stakes on the main track at Santa Anita's upcoming winter-spring meeting. Owned by William De Burgh, Heatseeker has won 5 of 12 starts and $262,223.