Thunder Maker Takes Opposition by Storm

Unable to finish better than third in his first eight starts, Thunder Maker has discovered how to win in recent months.

The 3-year-old gelded son of 1995 Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch will be aiming for his third consecutive win when he takes on four opponents in today’s second race at Hollywood Park.

Owned by a partnership and trained by Doug O’Neill, Thunder Maker broke his maiden in his second start at the $25,000 claiming level, then returned less than a month later to win a starter allowance by three-quarters of a length in his first start of the meet Nov. 11.

Purchased for $45,000 at Keeneland as a yearling, Thunder Maker will be ridden by Jose Valdivia Jr. today as he tries to extend his streak in a $50,000 claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

His rivals include Wall Street Wally, who is making his first start since March 25 and first for trainer Grant Forster; Things Happen; Hollywood Park specialist Mudweiser, who is two for two over the track; and Tommy’s Topper, who, like Mudweiser, is trained by Rafael Becerra.

Race of the day: Regal Star will make his grass and U.S. debut when he takes on nine other 2-year-olds in today’s eighth at Louisiana Downs. Tracy Hebert will ride the son of Malagra in the $37,000 optional claimer at one mile on the turf. Regal Star broke his maiden at first asking by one length going seven furlongs at Woodbine on Nov. 12 for Valene Farms and trainer Josie Carroll. The other two last-out winners in the lineup are Dynastorm and Herman Muttster.

One for the road: Deputy Jack is in peak form right now and can handle a jump in class in today’s eighth at Hawthorne. Shane Laviolette will ride the 5-year-old Silver Deputy, who has won two in a row, for Orion Stables and trainer James McCoy in the $18,000 claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Timber Time and Woody Be Quick in the first, Mudweiser in the second, Fresh Squeezed and Miss Cotton Tail in the third, Dixie Glow in the fourth, Sumthinbad and Yummy Yummy in the fifth, Awesome Broad in the sixth, Temptation’s Call in the seventh and Eastwood and Wynn Appeal in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 4/58. Money: (previous day/meet total): $22.40/$300.60. Total money bet: $320.