They're playing Stream Cat's game

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - At the ripe age of 6, Stream Cat has found his calling as a main-track marathon specialist. Sunday at Hollywood Park, Stream Cat is the expected favorite in the $100,000 Gallant Man Handicap at 1 5/8 miles.

"We've tried to specialize him," trainer Patrick Biancone said. "He seems to like these distance races."

Stream Cat might be categorized as a marathon runner, but he has always been a good horse. His come-from-behind win March 28 at Santa Anita in the Tokyo City marked the fourth year Stream Cat has won a Grade 3.

The gelding seeks his second straight win Sunday at Hollywood, where seven rivals include graded stakes winner Church Service, front-runner Kizzy's Chaos, and potential upsetter Isipingo.

Biancone changed equipment on Stream Cat going into the 1 1/2-mile Tokyo City at Santa Anita.

"I took blinkers off to go longer," he said. "He can sit and have a good move."

Joe Talamo is back aboard Sunday on the 7-for-22 gelding.

Church Service will try to rebound after being eased in the Grade 2 San Juan Capistrano on April 19 at Santa Anita. According to trainer Mike Mitchell, the post-race diagnosis was dehydration. Mitchell said Church Service has trained well since, and he expects a solid effort from the horse, who finished second last fall in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Marathon.

Front-runner Kizzy's Chaos benefits from the change in venue. The main track at Hollywood is more conducive to speed than Santa Anita, and Kizzy's Chaos could get brave after setting the pace to inside the eighth pole in the Tokyo City at Santa Anita.

The potential knockout in the Gallant Man is Isipingo, making his first start since Doug O'Neill claimed him for $40,000.

"We loved his back-class and his consistency, and thought the worst-case scenario was run one level below to get out," O'Neill said.

But there was potential upside if he responded for his new stable. "The best-case scenario would be these marathon races," O'Neill said.

Two slow works since the claim do not accurately reflect the gelding's razor-sharp form.

"He's training sooo good," O'Neill said, and Isipingo has back credentials. He finished in the money in three graded stakes in 2007, has won 4 of 20, and will be ridden by Joel Rosario.

Other starters in the Gallant Man include Medjool, Lockford, Power Blitz, and Romp.