Lethal Heat wins close one in Hollywood Oaks

Lethal Heat beat five rivals in Sunday's $157,600 Hollywood Oaks at Hollywood Park. Through the final quarter-mile, she had to turn back challenges from three of them.

Lethal Heat ($6.60) won by a head over Smooth Performer, who finished a nose in front of Tasha's Miracle. All three appeared as if they could win in the final strides. Ridden by Joe Talamo, Lethal Heat stalked longshot pacesetter Gambler's Justice before taking over in early stretch. Talamo had Lethal Heat a head in front of Tasha's Miracle at the eighth pole and vigorously rode Lethal Heat to the finish.

Million Dollar Run, the 6-5 favorite, closed from last in the field of six 3-year-old fillies to finish fourth, beaten 2 1/4 lengths.

Lethal Heat, by Unusual Heat, ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43, winning for the fourth time in her five-race career. She is owned by a partnership and trained by Barry Abrams.