Hollywood's final weekend topped by American Oaks

There are five stakes on the final weekend of the spring-summer meeting at Hollywood Park, a list led by the $250,000 American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies over 1 1/4 miles on turf Saturday.

Stakes winners Bizzy Caroline, Cambina, and Star Billing are the leading contenders. Bizzy Caroline won the Grade 3 Regret Stakes at Churchill Downs last month. Star Billing, the winner of the Senorita Stakes here in May; and Cambina, the winner of three stakes at Santa Anita earlier this year, were second and third in the Grade 2 Honeymoon Handicap here last month.

Sunday’s final day of the meeting is highlighted by the $100,000 Sunset Handicap over 1 1/2 miles on turf.

Claims increase at 2011 meeting

Claiming activity has intensified at the current Hollywood Park meeting compared with 2010, according to track officials.

Through July 4, 165 claims were made worth $3,610,500, an average of $21,881. During the same period at the 2010 meeting, there were 122 claims for $2,524,500, an average of $20,692.

Claiming activity often increases in June and July before the Del Mar meeting, when owners strive to have runners. One reason for the increase in activity this year is higher purses in the state following 2010 legislation that increased the takeout on exotic wagers.