Hollywood Park: American Act eyeing two turns after Henson win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – After taking the scenic route to win the first stakes of his career in Thursday’s $72,350 Harry Henson Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park, American Act will have plenty of chances to see more ground later this summer.

Trainer Jack Carava said the long-term goal for American Act is starts in two-turn stakes, on turf or on main tracks.

On Friday, Carava was content to see American Act emerge from an eventful running of the Henson without mishap.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, American Act drifted out badly on the turn of the six-furlong race, but rallied through the outside half of the stretch to win by a nose over an unlucky Senor Rain. Bejarano speculated after the race that American Act shied away from rivals while racing on the outside of the field.

“He’s never so much as gone out a foot in the morning,” Carava said after the race. “I don’t know what made him do it.”

Carava had no further answers Friday morning.

“Everything looks good with him,” he said.

Owned by Howard and Janet Siegel, American Act was timed in 1:11, winning for the second time in his six-race career. Earlier this year, American Act was second in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes over seven furlongs, but seventh in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes over 1 1/16 miles in March, his first start around two turns.

Carava said two Grade 3, $100,000 races for 3-year-olds – the Laz Barrera Memorial Stakes over seven furlongs May 12 or the Affirmed Handicap over 1 1/16 miles June 3 – are likely to be American Act’s next start.

With most major stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles or farther for the rest of the year, Carava wants to try American Act in longer distances in coming weeks.

“I want him to be capable of routing because of the stakes schedules,” he said. “His best races have been one turn. The immediate thing is to see if he can bounce back for the Laz Barrera. As far as long-term plans, I’m just sitting and waiting.”