Speed duel sets up Greek Sun

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - A perfect trip in Saturday's $153,450 at Hollywood Park left Greek Sun unbeaten in three starts, and the connections of two other runners furious at the way the race unfolded.

Greek Sun ($7), third on the backstretch, rallied around 3-5 Laura's Lucky Boy to win by two lengths. Ridden by Alex Solis, Greek Sun finished 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.40.

Laura's Lucky Boy led by a length through a quarter-mile in 24.32 seconds but lost the lead briefly to Unrivalled after a half-mile in 47.60 seconds. The two fought until the final turn when Laura's Lucky Boy regained an advantage. Laura's Lucky Boy was in front by 2 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole, but could not hold off Greek Sun.

Solis was delighted to see the speed duel develop in front of him. "It made it easier on my horse," he said.

The loss ended a three-race winning streak for Laura's Lucky Boy, who won the Will Rogers Stakes on May 22.

Trainer Jason Orman blamed the loss on Kent Desormeaux, who rode Unrivalled.

Unrivalled's trainer, Jim Cassidy, had an argument with Desormeaux after the race regarding tactics.

Later, Desormeaux said he sensed a slow pace early and decided to challenge the leader. "We were walking the dog on the first turn and I decided to engage the leader," he said. "I failed."

Whilly, an Italian import, finished third.

The Grade 3 Cinema was Greek Sun's first start since a win in the Hill Rise last December. He missed several months due to a bone chip in a knee. Owned by Peter Angelos and trained by Bobby Frankel, Greek Sun has earned $169,320.