Pesci Gets Lead Role in Hollywood Debut

(from Hollywood Park report)
Pesci had the lead role Thanksgiving Day at Hollywood Park. That is Pesci, the 3-year-old filly namesake of the Oscar Award-winning actor, Joe Pesci. Pesci, making her first start, cruised to an 8 1/2-length victory in the second race Thursday, leaving the actor in a jovial mood.

"What can I say, I'm stuffed," a beaming Pesci said.

Pesci, who won an Oscar for a supporting role in the 1990 move "Goodfellas," has been a lifelong horseracing fan. While the four-legged Pesci represents his first foray into the Thoroughbred ownership ranks, the actor is no stranger to the mutuel windows.

"As a kid, I went to Monmouth in New Jersey," Pesci said. "I used to go almost every day. I just love handicapping, watching them. When I was a kid I rode horses a lot, I just loved it.

"We watched her run in the morning and she's so calm, so big, we were pretty confident," he added.

Pesci, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, broke well and dueled briefly with Royal Obsession down the backstretch before pulling away to win as she pleased, covering six furlongs in 1:09.59. She paid $3, $2.10 and $2.10.

"I'm real happy the filly ran as well as she does in the morning," trainer and co-owner Wesley Ward said. "So hopefully, being out a Pleasant Colony mare, she goes on to do things around two turns. We're looking for big things from her."

(Chart, Equibase)