Big races on tap for Hollywood Park’s final three summer weekends

Drawing crowds at Hollywood Park can be tough, but the final three weekends of the summer meeting offer some big races and big names, and a rare Thursday night card featuring a 10:30 p.m. concert by the 1980s New Wave band Devo, starts five consecutive days of racing.

On Saturday, the Grade I, $250,000 American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1¼ miles leads off the Fourth of July weekend stakes, with Senorita Stakes winner Cozi Rosie and Providencia Stakes winner City to City the likely favorites.

On Sunday, turf specialists will be in the spotlight for the Grade II, $150,000 American Handicap at 1 1/8 miles and the Grade II, $150,000 Royal Heroine Mile.

On Monday, impressive 2-year-old stakes winner JP’s Gusto will try to enhance his reputation as a top 2-year-old prospect in the Grade III, $100,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship at six furlongs.

Then the spotlight turns to Rail Trip, the top handicap horse in California, seeking a second consecutive victory in the Grade I, $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup on July 10 at 1¼ miles. On the same card is the Grade I, $250,000 Triple Bend Handicap at seven furlongs.

And the final weekend of racing on July 17 is expected to bring out Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy in the Grade II, $200,000 Swaps Stakes for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles. When last seen, Sidney’s Candy was battling for the lead during a muddy Kentucky Derby before fading to 17th place.

Rafael Bejarano leads the jockey standings with 59 victories, but Joel Rosario and Tyler Baze are staying close with 54 and 53 victories, respectively.

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