Street Boss steps up in Triple Bend

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - For months, trainer Bruce Headley has been dropping hints that Street Boss could get into the company of the best horse Headley has ever trained, the champion sprinter Kona Gold. On Saturday at Hollywood Park, Street Boss took another step toward reaching that rarified air by overcoming a brutally wide trip to capture the Grade 1, $300,000 Triple Bend Handicap for his fourth straight victory.

He's got something to prove to be a Kona Gold, Headley said in the winner's circle. But he's well on his way.

Street Boss ($3.40) was heavily favored to win his sixth race in 10 tries, but he had a roadblock in his way. When his five rivals were abreast heading around the far turn, Street Boss ended up fanned widest of all, into the six path.

Was Headley worried?

Five, six wide, yes sir, I was, he said. Six wide, it was scary. It's hard to win losing that much ground.

Street Boss, however, was simply too good. He collared pacesetter Elite Squadron with a furlong to go, then resolutely kept a tenacious Elite Squadron at bay to win by a half-length under jockey David Flores. Tropic Storm was another 2 1/4 lengths farther back in third.

Street Boss completed seven furlongs on the fast Cushion Track surface in 1:22.42.

Headley, who is also a co-owner of Street Boss, said Street Boss would make his next start in the Grade 1, $300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar on July 27.

Street Boss, 4, is a colt by Street Cry, the same sire as Zenyatta, who won the Grade 1 Vanity earlier in the day.