‘Pinning Is Favored in Sixth

Given the way Underpinning performed in his debut Nov. 27 at Hollywood Park, owner Richard Giacopelli and trainer Patrick Biancone were fortunate the gelding wasn’t claimed for $40,000.

Of course, there probably wasn’t too much concern about that because the son of Boston Harbor, a former Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, had less-than-spectacular workouts before the race.

Breaking from the outside in the field of nine, Underpinning was bet down to 7-1 from a morning line of 20-1 off these workouts: a 50 2/5 breezing drill from the gate at Saratoga on Oct. 4, a 1:03 breezing drill on the turf at the same track five days later and a 50 flat half-mile move Nov. 20 at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Tony Farina, Underpinning promptly broke his maiden by eight lengths.

Underpinning is the 5-2 favorite on Russ Hudak’s morning line in today’s sixth, a $26,000 starter allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

Race of the day: Oh Take, who finished first or second in nine of 12 in Argentina, makes his U.S. debut for owner Nelson Bunker Hunt and trainer Ron McAnally in today’s seventh at Hollywood Park. The one-mile turf race also attracted Long Gone Con, Adminniestrator and All The Gears.

Who’s hot: Felipe Martinez. The underrated jockey won three times Wednesday at Hollywood Park, including the $58,000 feature with Ponche De Leona.

Who’s not: Bob Hess Jr. The trainer is 0 for 29 at Hollywood Park.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling I Miss You in the fourth, Notable Secrets, Diamond Dawn, Fly For Less and Face in the fifth and Underpinning, Lake Ray and Novel T Dreamer in the sixth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/80. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15.20/$453.60. Total money bet: $528.