Haggin Stakes Canceled

After an abundance of added-money races Saturday, today’s card at Hollywood Park is stakes-less. The $75,000 Haggin, a 5 1/2 -furlong dash for 2-year-olds, was supposed to be the main event, but it was canceled when only three horses were entered Friday.

In the absence of the Haggin, the richest race on the program is the third, a $51,000 optional claimer for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

However, the contest that will receive the most attention in the press box is the sixth, a $40,000 claimer for older horses at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Commanding Creek will be looking for his third win in four starts. He was claimed earlier this year for $20,000 at Gulfstream Park by trainer Mike Mitchell.

He is owned by a group that includes Jack Disney, longtime Los Angeles sportswriter and current assistant director of publicity at Hollywood Park, his brother Doug, former NFL player Paul Salata, Hall of Fame baseball writer Ross Newhan and former major league player and manager Buck Rodgers.

Commanding Creek, a 9-2 choice in the field of nine, will break from the outside post under Tyler Baze.

Race of the day: Black Ruby, arguably the most popular racing mule in history, will try for her 59th win in today’s second at Stockton. William Howard will be aboard the 13-year-old in the $5,800 allowance at 350 yards.

One for the road: Exchange Bay steps in with New York breds in today’s second division of the $75,000 Mount Vernon Handicap at Belmont Park. Cornelio Velasquez will ride the 5-year-old Gold Fever mare for Thorn Stable and trainer Frank Alexander in the 1 1/8 -mile turf race.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using I Can Yodele in the third, Claymont and City And State in the fourth and Present The Cork, Colombini and High Z in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/101. Money: Previous day/meet total: $12.20/$502.10. Total money bet: $742.