Ka-ching! Here comes Chingasos

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Chingasos, who won his only start impressively at Hollywood Park and was claimed by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, looks like the one to beat in the $50,000 Everett Nevin Alameda County Futurity at five furlongs on Friday.

Chingasos, a son of Prized, made his debut in a $40,000 maiden claiming race over 4 1/2 furlongs May 9. Bet down to 2-1, he had some early trouble and dropped well off the pace, but ran down the leaders in the stretch to win going away by 2 1/2 lengths.

It was an impressive performance by a first-time starting 2-year-old, and he owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure in Friday's field. The runner-up in that race, Dancing Withthelaw - who is also in Friday's stakes - came back to win his next start, in a $40,000 maiden claimer at Hollywood Park. Chingasos looks like a good claim by Hollendorfer, who stands to get back a good portion of his and his clients' money if he wins this race.

The main threat to the top choice may be Stage Player, who won a $40,000 maiden claiming race at Hollywood Park by seven lengths in his second start June 1. He subsequently raced in the Haggin Stakes, showing brief speed before fading to fifth in a six-horse field. Trained by Jerry Dutton, Stage Player should find these a bit easier.

Rumbling Sound, who won a $40,000 maiden-claimer at Hollywood Park and then finished last in the Haggin, also figures to have a solid shot in this field. Caesar Dominguez, who lost Chingasos to Hollendorfer, trains Rumbling Sound.

Green Team, who beat straight maidens by a nose in his debut at Bay Meadows June 7, rounds out the list of major contenders. His Beyer Figure is a notch below some of the others' Beyers, but he obviously has a chance to improve the second time out. Dennis Hopkins trains.

Others who must be considered include Gummies Symph, who won a $40,000 maiden claiming race at Hollywood Park but in slow time; Duddly Doo Run, who won his only start at Turf Paradise; and Reveal the Star, a recent maiden claiming winner at Bay Meadows.