Going for Three in a Row

Since winning the Vernon O. Underwood more than a year ago, Men’s Exclusive is winless in six starts.

But the nearly 10-year-old gelding always seems to run his best in the Underwood.

If Men’s Exclusive wins the Underwood again today, he will become only the second horse in the 22-year history of Hollywood Park’s fall meet to win the same stakes three years in a row. Flawlessly, who swept the Matriarch from 1991-93, is the other.

Men’s Exclusive is the 5-1 third choice on the morning line in the field of nine.

Mellow Fellow, the 2-1 favorite, is on a losing streak of his own. The late-running gelding is winless in four starts since being purchased privately by owners Sid and Jenny Craig.

From the inside out, the rest of the field includes Mighty David, 3-1 second choice American System, Debonair Joe, So Urgent, Ride And Shine, National Saint and F J’s Pace.

Race of the day: Sam Houston Park in Houston has the inaugural, $1.65 million Great State Challenge, consisting of six stakes. Among the top thoroughbreds competing are Take Charge Lady and Forbidden Apple.

Who’s hot: Corey Lanerie. The jockey won 10 races the first week of the meet at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Who’s not: Brent Sumja. The trainer had an 0-for-17 start at Golden Gate Fields.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Pohave, Slippery When Bet and Infinite Faith in the sixth, Total Limit and Jersey Rebel in the seventh, singling American System in the eighth and Shuttlin, Jink Williams, Lunarco, Mt. Tallac and Humming Cat in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/55. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10.80/$312. Total money bet: $390.