Bullistic Gathers Steam

Bullistic has a right to be a quality colt.

A son of Holy Bull, who won horse-of-the-year honors in 1994 and out of the mare Delicate Vine, who won the 1986 Landaluce for trainer Bobby Frankel, Bullistic will be seeking his second consecutive victory in today’s seventh at Hollywood Park. A $51,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles, the race drew five others.

After finishing third in his sprint debut on March 5 at Santa Anita, Bullistic, who is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss and trained by John Shirreffs, stretched out to 1 1/16 miles a month later.

The result was a dominant performance. Kept in the clear by jockey Mike Smith, the dark bay rolled to a 7 1/2-length victory and he looks to have stakes races in his future.

One of his opponents today is another impressive maiden winner. Manchurian, a son of Deputy Minister out of the mare Ajina, who was the champion 3-year-old filly of 1997, broke into the game with a victory going seven furlongs on May 10. He is certainly bred to run on and will probably take some catching from the inside post for trainer Laura De Seroux.

The other main contender in the race is Weatherman. Owned by Robert and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable and trained by Bob Baffert, the 5-year-old Summer Squall gelding has a victory and a second in three races.

Race of the day: The fourth at Belmont Park features eight 2-year-old maiden fillies, including Dancinandsingin, a daughter of A.P. Indy. Dancinandsingin is trained by Alan Goldberg for the Jayeff B Stables and the same connections won with a 2-year-old rookie (Schedule) last week.

One for the road: Gratien steps up significantly in class for trainer Greg Martin in search of his second win in a row in today’s fifth at Belmont Park. The 6-year-old won his last by 6 1/2 lengths and does have some back class. Eibar Coa will ride.

Exotically speaking: Exactas boxes in the fourth keying My King with Nicole’s Apollo and Flying Rudolph.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/83. Money: Previous day/meet total: $27.60/$461.60. Total money bet: $518.