Victory Script tries softer opposition

ALBANY, Calif. - Trainer Roy Lumm forgot one of the basics of training when he arrived in Northern California last month from Emerald Downs in Washington - keep yourself in the best company and your horses in the worst.

Lumm brought in Victory Script, who had won all seven of her 2007 starts, and she met Somethinaboutlaura and Victorina in the Luck Be a Lady Handicap on Oct. 13 at Bay Meadows. She finished fifth and last in that race. It didn't get much easier in her second Northern California start, when she finished third behind the stakes-winning comebacker A.V. Flynn in an optional claimer at Bay Meadows Oct. 31.

On Sunday, Victory Script has a good chance to regain her winning ways when she faces five rivals in a $50,000 optional claimer for fillies and mares at six furlongs at Golden Gate Fields. Among her rivals are Glorification, who is a stakes winner; Hola Nova, who just won a race at a similar level at Hastings Park; and Piece of Paradise, coming off a game victory in a $25,000 optional claimer.

Lumm thinks Victory Script might run better over the Tapeta at Golden Gate than she did on the dirt at Bay Meadows.

"She's got some little foot problems and didn't cherish Bay Meadows," Lumm said. "Hopefully, she likes this surface."

Victory Script won seven straight starts in the spring and summer at Emerald, the last three for Lumm, who claimed her for $20,000 in July.

She takes a little time to get into gear. She's not a blazer, but she is comfortable sitting close to the pace. She should be able to sit behind likely pacesetter Glorification early and be positioned for a first-run trip.

Holy Nova also has stalking ability. Debbie Ginsburg, third in the 1 1/16-mile E.B. Johnston at Fairplex on Sept. 9, should also be in a stalking position.

Pieces of Paradise is apt to be last early. Last out, Sept. 28 at Bay Meadows, she gained six lengths in the lane to win in a photo.

* Jockey Francisco Duran, originally thought to have suffered a possible fractured right hip when he fell after his mount, Ashby Hill, collapsed in Thursday's first race, was able to ride Friday at Golden Gate Fields. X-rays of the hip were negative.