River Traffic Is Feature Winner on Turf

Favored River Traffic made his third stakes start of the meeting a winning one by defeating Major Howey by a half-length in the $61,400 Majestic Light Stakes on turf Friday night at Hollywood Park.

Chris McCarron guided River Traffic from fourth place down the backstretch to second on the turn, then outfinished Major Howey while running the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42. Mizter Interco finished third, another 1 1/2 lengths back, in the field of seven three-year olds.

River Traffic, owned by the Evergreen Farm and trained by Charlie Whittingham, had been second in the Cinema Handicap after finishing fifth in the Spotlight Breeders’ Cup Handicap here in May. The victory was worth $34,400 and improved River Traffic’s career mark to four victories, two seconds and two thirds in 11 races. The chestnut son of Irish River has earned $310,284.

For Whittingham, it was his third stakes victory of the meeting and the 211th of his career at Hollywood Park, a record. For McCarron, it was his fourth stakes victory of the meet and 154th at Hollywood Park.

River Traffic, who carried 118 pounds, paid $5, $3.40 and $2.40. Major Howey, ridden by Corey Nakatani, paid $6.20 and $4 and Mizter Interco returned $4.20.