After Struggles, Pesci Fishes for Another Win

After winning her first two starts by a combined 13 1/2 lengths, Pesci has fallen on hard times in her last two races for trainer Wesley Ward.

Named for and owned in partnership by actor Joe Pesci, the 4-year-old Stormy Atlantic filly was ninth at 7-2 in the Sunshine Millions Distaff on Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park. In that race, she nearly lost an eye when she was struck by a dirt clod.

Given more than two months off after that, Pesci had a troubled trip while finishing third in the restricted Santa Lucia on April 4 at Santa Anita.

Trained by Wesley Ward, Pesci will hope for a return to glory as she makes two important changes in today’s second race, a $54,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles, at Hollywood Park.

The Florida-bred will have the blinkers back on -- both of her wins came with the hood in place -- and she will switch to jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who almost certainly will allow her to use her best weapon, which is speed.

She will face only four rivals in today’s race -- Lucky In Love, who is winless in two starts at Hollywood Park; Smart Lacy, who finished fifth in the Santa Lucia; Broke The Slump, who hasn’t won since Aug. 14, 2002; and Continental Lu, a two-time winner in Inglewood.

Race of the day: Sightseek, who has won nine of 15 for trainer Bobby Frankel, will be heavily favored to win the $300,000 Louisville Breeders’ Cup Handicap today at Churchill Downs.

The Grade II is at 1 1/16 miles and also lured Yell, Lead Story, Cat Fighter, La Reason, My Ro and Pocus Hocus.

The race is also part of a $500,000 guaranteed pick four that includes the $100,000 Aegon Turf Sprint, the $100,000 Crown Royal American Turf and the $500,000 Kentucky Oaks.

One for the road: Yankee Doodle Boy gets a confident boost in class after being claimed for $25,000 by trainer Bob Klesaris out of an easy win at Gulfstream Park on March 5.

The 6-year-old can score at a decent price in today’s fifth, a $60,000 claimer at 1 1/8 miles, at Aqueduct.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Aloha Braedon in the first, Pesci in the second and all in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/18. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10/$98.40. Total money bet: $120.