Hollywood Park: Amarish makes it look easy in Willard Proctor

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Amarish has had no competition in his first two starts.

After beating maidens by 7 3/4 lengths on May 26, Amarish won his stakes debut in Saturday’s $100,000 Willard Proctor Memorial Stakes for 2-year-olds by 4 1/2 lengths at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Amarish ($3.40) was not seriously urged by jockey Edwin Maldonado, finishing 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.55.

“Every time he hooks up with someone, he hammers them,” trainer Jeff Bonde said. “He’s a good-minded horse.”

By Scat Daddy, Amarish raced in second for the first quarter-mile, chasing the 76-1 outsider Run to Ground, who set an early pace of 22.19 seconds. Amarish took the lead on the turn, was briefly challenged by the Kentucky shipper Undrafted, and pulled away through the stretch.

Moreno’s Mine, a 31-1 shot who is still a maiden after two starts, closed from fourth to finish second, a length in front of Undrafted in the field of seven.

Amarish races for Jerry Durant of Weatherford, Texas. Purchased for $200,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale March 2-year-olds in-training sale, Amarish has earned $91,200. He may start in the $150,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship on July 14.