Hollywood Park: Adoration rallies wide

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Adoration won her second consecutive stakes in the $250,000 Hollywood Breeders' Cup Oaks at Hollywood Park, leaving trainer David Hofmans convinced that she is only beginning to show her best.

"If we can get her to relax a little more, she'll be a top filly," Hofmans said.

Adoration ($8.20) the third betting choice, did not have an ideal trip in the Grade 2 Hollywood Oaks. Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Adoration was wide throughout. On the first turn, she was four-wide, pursuing the early pace of 23.18 and 46.23 seconds set by Ile de France. Saint Bernadette, the 2-1 favorite who was making her stakes debut, took the lead on the rail on the backstretch and held an advantage until Adoration rallied on the outside on the final turn.

Adoration put away Saint Bernadette in early stretch and was ridden to the line to win by a length over Sister Girl Blues. Adoration finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.73 over a fast track.

Sister Girl Blues was making her second career start, having won a maiden race on turf at Bay Meadows on May 23. "She had my heart pumping at the quarter pole," trainer Terry Knight said.

Saint Bernadette finished third, followed by Ladylore, Respectful, Ile de France, and Runaway Pro.

Adoration has won three of six starts for Amerman Racing. Last month, she won the Senorita Stakes on turf.