Hollywood Park: Batti Man could pressure Game On Dude in Gold Cup

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Game On Dude may have company up front when he starts as the 127-pound highweight Saturday in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Trainer Dan Hendricks said early this week he planned to enter front-runner Batti Man, who was assigned 113 pounds for the Gold Cup.

He is a welcome addition for four others that otherwise would have been chasing a loose-on-the-lead Game On Dude.

“I think we’re going to run,” Hendricks said. “We’ll make our decision Wednesday, but we are out of spots and need a race. It’s a short field, with one speed horse.”

Make that two. Batti Man is expected to set the pace, with Game On Dude in close pursuit. Batti Man has earned $55,940 in five starts since Hendricks claimed him for $32,000 in January. After winning a second-level allowance May 17, Batti Man finished fifth in the Grade 2 Californian last out.

Hendricks could employ an ambitious strategy with Batti Man, assigned 14 pounds fewer than Game On Dude.

“I think we need to be more the aggressor,” Hendricks said.

A field of six is expected to enter the Gold Cup. In addition to Game On Dude and Batti Man, others expected are Clubhouse Ride and Liaison (119 pounds); Kettle Corn (116); and Oilisblackgold (115).

Golden Ticket will pass the race, according to trainer Ken McPeek. All Squared Away also is expected to pass, trainer Peter Miller said.