Who'll rock Cat's Cradle?

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Earlier this year, Feverish would have been a standout in Friday's $100,000 Cat's Cradle Handicap at Hollywood Park.

But in the last six months, Feverish went on a seven-race losing streak and such fillies as Queenie Belle and Favorite Funtime arose in stature among California-bred fillies and mares.

Those three - Feverish, Queenie Belle and Favorite Funtime - will face five others in the Cat's Cradle, run at 7 1/2 furlongs for statebred fillies and mares.

Queenie Belle is the 122-pound highweight and will be well backed. A 4-year-old, she won the Grade 2 Lady's Secret Breeders' Cup Handicap at Santa Anita on Sept. 29. But she was no factor in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Belmont Park on Oct. 27, finishing 10th of 11 horses at 79-1.

A week later, Favorite Funtime and Feverish ran in the California Cup Matron at Santa Anita, with vastly different results.

Feverish dueled with Jenna's Joy for the lead and was a spent mare by the second turn. She finished fifth, seven lengths behind the winner, Cee Dreams.

As a result of Feverish's performance, trainer Dan Hendricks has switched jockeys, replacing Eddie Delahoussaye with Kent Desormeaux for Friday's race. Feverish was not expected to be involved in a speed duel that day.

"That didn't work out well," Hendricks said. "The other mare was eased and we hung around a little bit. She's been good since."

In the same race, Favorite Funtime was fourth early, dueled for the lead in early stretch, and finished second beaten by two lengths. It was an improved performance from her fourth in the Lady's Secret Handicap and one that should impress bettors. Owned by Mabee Family Trust, Favorite Funtime is part of an entry with Notable Career, the winner of the 2000 Oak Leaf Stakes who has not repeated that kind of form this year. Those two may be favored.

While Favorite Funtime and Feverish are shortening up from 1 1/16 miles, Warren's Whistle, Storm Kisu, and Song of the Moment are stretching out. Those three finished second, third, and fourth, respectively, in the California Cup Distaff on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. But it would be an upset if any of them won the Cat's Cradle.

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