Primerica Has Proved to Be Tough to Beat at Hollywood Park

Primerica will get one last chance to run at his favorite track when he takes on four other older horses in the first race tonight at Hollywood Park.

An 8-year-old gelded son of Mr. Greeley, Primerica has won five of 12 on the main track, which will have a new, synthetic surface when racing resumes Nov. 1.

The dark bay has never been worse than third over the Hollywood Park dirt.

The cast in the $55,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles is completed by Timias, Cooperation, Gallardo and Power Boy. Two races later, a pick six with a carry-over of $92,396 will begin.

Trained by Ron Ellis, Power Boy, a 6-year-old Walter Willy gelding, has won six of 26 and is two for seven at Hollywood Park. Apprentice Martin Garcia will ride the late runner for the first time. In his first start of the meet June 29, Power Boy finished third.

Race of the day: Melhor Ainda, who has won four of seven on the turf, will make her 2006 debut in the $65,000 Capades today at Belmont Park. Owned by T N T Stud and trained by Bobby Frankel, the 4-year-old Pulpit filly, who was second in the 2005 American Oaks and third in the Beverly D., will be ridden by John Velazquez in the 1 1/16 -mile race.

One for the road: Neon Lipstick was beaten by only two lengths in her debut in a turf route June 29 and can improve enough to score a mild upset in the seventh race at Churchill Downs. Brice Blanc will ride the 3-year-old Royal Anthem filly for owner Charles Zeidler III and trainer Glen Harrington in the race at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Primerica in the first, Oro de Ole’ and Energy Czar in the second, Redstone Arsenal, Victorville and Political Maneuver in the third and Rush Country, Leonetti, Margaritalosflores and Sheriff Jordan in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 2/136. Money: (previous day/meet total): $11.80/$829.80. Total money bet: $1,016.