Two Big Races for Trainer Canani

Trainer Julio Canani could have a big weekend on the Hollywood Park turf course with prime contenders in the $750,000 CashCall Mile on Saturday and the $750,000 American Oaks on Sunday.

Attima, unbeaten in two starts in this country, will try for the first Grade I win of her career in the Oaks. With Victor Espinoza having committed to Asahi Rising, who will try to give Japan its second consecutive win in the 1 1/4 -mile race, David Flores will ride Attima, a 3-year-old Zafonic filly, for the first time for owners Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino.

Besides Attima and Asahi Rising, only six others were entered in the Oaks, so the field will be the smallest in the five-year history of the race.

Nine were entered for the CashCall and Canani may have the filly to beat in Shining Energy, an impressive winner of the Gamely in her last race about a month ago.

The CashCall, a Grade III, also attracted Cambiocorsa, Toupie, Dancing Edie, Sweet Talker, who has won seven of nine on the turf; Flying Glitter, Luas Line, Hollywood Story and Dance In The Mood, the Japanese bred who was second to Ticker Tape in the 2004 American Oaks.

-- Bob Mieszerski