Corey Nakatani guides longshot Victor’s Cry to victory at Hollywood Park

What a homecoming it was Monday for jockey Corey Nakatani, who left the Southern California racing scene in January to restart his career in the Midwest and returned to guide the 21-1 longshot Victor’s Cry to a win by a head over Karelian in the Grade I, $250,000 Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park.

Finishing in the swift time of 1:32.88, Victor’s Cry rallied from next to last in the nine-horse field to overtake pacesetter Mr Gruff, who finished third after opening a two-length lead in the deep stretch. Compari, who had won six consecutive races, finished a disappointing seventh after being steadied into the final turn.

Nakatani, 39, had been based in Southern California since 1989. He has won more than 3,000 races, including seven Breeders’ Cup events. But he suffered two broken collarbones in 2008, struggled in 2009 and decided to seek a fresh start elsewhere. He was the second-leading rider this year at Oaklawn Park.

Evening Jewel, second by a nose to Blind Luck in the Kentucky Oaks, won the Grade II, $150,000 Honeymoon Handicap by a head over Cozi Rosie in her first start on the turf. The 3-year-old filly, trained by James Cassidy and ridden by Victor Espinoza, now becomes a top contender for the July 3 $250,000 American Oaks at 1¼ miles on the turf.

Evening Jewel went to the lead soon after the start in 1 1/8-mile race and finished in 1:48.87. Cassidy said he intends to stay away from Blind Luck for as long as possible.

“I see no reason for the two beating up on each other,� he said. “If I can avoid her, I’ll avoid her.�

In the first stakes of the year for 2-year-olds, J P’s Gusto, under jockey Joe Talamo, was an impressive 4½-length winner over 1-5 favorite Belleofthebridle in the $60,000 Willard Proctor Memorial Stakes. J P’s Gusto, a son of Successful Appeal, won in the stakes-record time of 1:02.97 for 5½ furlongs.

“A horse like this makes an old man smile,� trainer David Hofmans said.

[email protected]