NATIVE DIVER, BAYAKOA IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT HOLLYWOOD

NATIVE DIVER, BAYAKOA IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT HOLLYWOOD

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile upsetter Dakota Phone is likely to lead the field in Saturday’s G3 $100,000 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the son of Zavata had been knocking on the door earlier this year in some big races but put it all together at Churchill last out, roaring home from well back to spring the lucrative upset. Joel Rosario will be aboard.

Among the likely foes the four-year-old will face include G3 Tokyo City fourth Philatelist and recent allowance winners Spurrier, Aggie Engineer and Achak. Cal Cup Classic victor Soul Candy is also possible for the Saturday feature.

Sunday plays host to the G2 $150,000 Bayakoa Handicap, with Zardana, best known for knocking off Rachel Alexandra in that one’s 2010 debut, for trainer John Shirreffs. Also likely are the top pair from the Life is Sweet Stakes, Washington Bridge and It Tiz, as well as the late running Silver Swallow for Bruce Headley.