As often happens at this time of year, the claiming box at Betfair Hollywood Park has been busy with 64 slips put in for 17 runners from July 4-7. Horsemen are looking for an edge as they prepare for the Del Mar summer meet and its higher purse levels.
The flurry started in Wednesday’s fourth race, when there was a 7-way shake for second-place finisher Man Chester Man, and an 11-way for Capture the Call, who trailed. Man Chester Man went to Billy Morey for $10,000, while Capture the Call moved to Bob Hess for the same price.
Later in the day, there was a 7-way shake for winner Valley Cat. Robertino Diodoro won the draw and got the gelding for $25,000.
The next day, Attack the Jack scored her third victory this meeting and was red-tagged for $20,000 by Jeff Mullins in a 9-way scramble.
There were nine claims for Risky Art, who finished second in Friday night’s first race, a $32,000 claimer for fillies and mares on turf. Rafael Becerra won that shake.
On Saturday, Classic Bobby was involved in a 5-way raffle in a $25,000 claimer and moved to the Peter Miller barn.
Other claims were Roman Charity (Keith Craigmyle, $8,000); Filly Power (Mark Glatt, $8,000); Queen Mercury (Mike Puype, $20,000); Full’s Figurehead (Paul Aguirre, $20,000); St. Sincere (Marty Jones, $40,000); Drift King (Mike Mitchell, $25,000); Magic Castle (Gus Headley, $20,000); Last Sting (Melody Conlon, $40,000); Pardon My Excess (Dan Hendricks, $25,000); Aragorn Sword (Hendricks, $16,000), and A Moment in Time (Conlon, $16,000)