Hot Option Has a Big Finish to Win Honeymoon Handicap by 4 Lengths

Hot Option extended her winning streak to three races Sunday by gaining an early lead and maintaining it with a strong finish to win the $107,600 Honeymoon Handicap at Hollywood Park by four lengths.

Making her fifth career start and her first in California for her new trainer, Neil Drysdale, the 3-year-old New York-bred filly covered 1 1/16 miles on the turf in a stakes-record time of 1:40 1/5 on a firm course.

Hot Option, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, is three for three on grass after two unplaced efforts on dirt in sprint races. She returned $10, $4.60 and $4.20. Formidable Lady paid $4 and $3.60 and Black Stockings was another half-length behind the runner-up, paying $4.40.

Hot Option gained a two-length lead over Formidable Lady as the field of six entered the clubhouse turn. She doubled the margin midway through the backstretch and a late spurt gave her a wire-to wire victory.

Reluctant Guest, sent off as the 4/5 favorite by virtue of her victory two weeks ago in the Senorita Stakes, finished fourth.