Geronimo Tries to Deal With Favored Status

Victimized by a rough trip in last month’s Jaipur at Belmont Park, Geronimo is the 8-5 morning line favorite in today’s seventh race, a $50,000 allowance at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf, at Hollywood Park.

Trained by Mike Machowsky for a partnership, the 5-year-old Gold Tribute gelding didn’t have clear sailing in the Grade III in New York, eventually finishing third, beaten by two lengths by longshot Multiple Choice.

Geronimo will be cutting back to a distance at which he has had success in the past. On April 23, he was beaten by a neck by multiple stakes winner King Robyn in an optional claimer at the distance over this course.

Corey Nakatani, who has climbed to the top spot in the jockey standings in Inglewood, will ride Geronimo and he will break from the rail in the field of seven.

The only horse in the lineup fresh off a victory is Tunder Ponche. The 3-year-old gray gelding won by three lengths as the 4-5 favorite over the course May 22.

Completing the field are Zayed, Wild Babe, Seattle Borders, Tikkun and Slew’s Prince, the 3-1 second choice who has won two of his three starts on the Hollywood Park turf.

Race of the day: Unbridled Sidney, who broke her maiden by 10 1/2 lengths in her debut May 15, will be favored to make it two in a row for trainer Ronny Werner in today’s eighth at Churchill Downs. Craig Perret will ride the 3-year-old Unbridled’s Song filly in the $47,900 allowance at six furlongs.

One for the road: South Wing looks like the controlling speed in today’s seventh at Belmont Park as she tries to remain unbeaten for owners Howard Whitbred and Christine Brennan and trainer Jimmy Jerkens. Jorge Chavez will ride the daughter of Dixie Brass in the $46,000 allowance at a mile on the turf.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Zoolu Nights and Greenbaypacker in the sixth, Geronimo, Tunder Ponche and Wild Babe in the seventh and West Greeley and Commitisize Me in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/109. Money: Previous day/meet total: $7.80/$629.20. Total money bet: $792.