Hollywood Park: Diamond Bachelor eyes CashCall Futurity

Diamond Bachelor, ninth in the BC Juvenile on Nov. 2, could start in the $750,000 CashCall Futurity at Betfair Hollywood Park on Dec. 14, trainer Patrick Biancone said.

“It’s in the back of our minds,” Biancone said.

Diamond Bachelor was beaten 9 1/2 lengths by New Year’s Day in the BC Juvenile. Biancone said a slow start and enduring kickback for the first time discouraged Diamond Bachelor. Ridden by Julien Leparoux, Diamond Bachelor was last of 13 on the final turn.

“He jumped a half-step slow and he had the sand in his face and didn’t like it,” Biancone said. “He didn’t perform. He’s a young horse.

“He dropped to last on the final turn. When Julien got him out, he passed some horses. The main thing is he came out good. That’s most important. We’re ready to fight another day.”

Diamond Bachelor won the Oak Tree Juvenile Turf at Del Mar and was second in the Zuma Beach Stakes at Santa Anita in October. The BC Juvenile was his first career start on dirt.

Cyclometer points to stakes

Cyclometer, winner of an optional claimer Thursday, will be pointed to the $100,000 On Trust Handicap for California-breds on Nov. 24, trainer Bruce Headley said.

Cyclometer had a perfect trip in the optional claimer over 6 1/2 furlongs, stalking pacesetter Atta Boy Pete before taking the lead in early stretch. Cyclometer ($5.60) was timed in 1:15.71.

The On Trust would be Cyclometer’s second career appearance in a stakes. He was sixth in the Grade 1 Triple Bend Handicap here in June.

Thursday, Cyclometer, 5, finished 2 1/4 lengths in front of Hear the Ghost, a 3-year-old making his first start since winning the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita in March.

Hear the Ghost was fourth in the five-horse field in early stretch and closed with interest to be second, finishing a nose in front of Atta Boy Pete. Hear the Ghost may run in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita in late December.