Californian Leads Hollywood Weekend

A pair of graded tilts will top the weekend of action at Hollywood Park, including Saturday’s $150,000 Californian S. (G2). Run at nine panels for three-year-olds and up, this main-track test is set to attract some fine runners based out here, including Liaison, who is 2-for-2 this campaign following a score in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2) most recently. The Grade 1 hero from the barn of Bob Baffert loves this oval with a 5-3-1-1 local line, and could be as good as ever leading up to this race.

Oilisblackgold is going very well at the moment and could make his first try since finishing a good runner-up in the Tokyo City H. (G3) in advance of this for trainer Craig Dollase. Leroy runner-up Kettle Corn, Charles Town Classic (G2) second placer Clubhouse Ride, Grade 2 victor Blueskiesnrainbows and turf allowance victor Barocci, are also likely for this event.

The Sunday headliner is the $100,000 Affirmed H. (G3) for sophomore going 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track. Among those headed this way are dynamic allowance winner Manando, Came Home S. second placer Broadway Empire, Grade 3 winner Den’s Legacy, El Camino Real Derby (G3) star Dice Flavor, La Puente S. runner-up Little Jerry, San Felipe S. (G2) third Tiz A Minister and Bruce Headley’s Storm Fighter.