Slew's Tiznow best in War Chant
Slew's Tiznow rebounded from a 10th-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile last month to win his second stakes of 2008 in Thursday's $69,150 War Chant Stakes at Hollywood Park.
Slew's Tiznow ($4.40) set a track record of 1:40.34 for 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track. The War Chant was scheduled for a mile on turf, but was switched to the main track because of overnight rain.
Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Slew's Tiznow was fourth for the first six furlongs and moved into contention with a wide rally on the final turn. Slew's Tiznow drew off in the stretch to win by 3 3/4 lengths over Pistol Pete Afleet. Fifteen Love finished third in the field of seven.
Owned by Joseph LaCombe and trained by Doug O'Neill, Slew's Tiznow has won 3 of 6 starts and $247,870. He won the El Cajon Stakes at Del Mar in August in his 3-year-old debut.
(strong>Bsharpsonata scroes
Bsharpsonata showed she was among the best 3-year-old fillies on the East Coast earlier this year with three stakes wins. Her form has traveled across the country.
She made short work of California's female sprint division in Thursday's $68,400 Playa del Rey Stakes.
Making her first start in California and first start since May, Bsharpsonata ($16.20) closed smartly in the final furlong to win the Playa del Rey Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths over Peppermint Lounge. Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Bsharpsonata ran six furlongs in a quick 1:07.95.
Gomez had Bsharpsonata on the rail until early stretch when he guided her to the outside and into a clear path. She accelerated quickly to take the lead.
"She took off," said Michael McCarthy, trainer Todd Pletcher's assistant. "She belongs with these."
Peppermint Lounge finished second, a half-length in front of pacesetter Coco Belle in the field of seven fillies and mares.
The Playa del Rey was Bsharpsonata's debut for Pletcher. Owned by Clover Leaf Farms II, Bsharpsonata has won 7 of 13 starts and $532,010. The Playa del Rey was her first stakes win since the Grade 2 Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park last March.