Dahlia

A solid field of 10 will go postward in the $150,000 Dahlia H. (G2) at
Hollywood Park on Monday. The closing-day feature attracted defending champ KATDOGAWN (GB) (Bahhare), who we feel will
be successful in defending her crown
when it’s all over. The four-year-old filly sports a solid 7-3-3-0 mark over the
Hollywood sod and has never missed the exacta from two goes at the 1 1/16 miles
distance. Top jockey Kent Desormeaux will once again pilot the lass, who should
be in contention from the outset.

BELLESKI (Polish Numbers) has never been in better form, evidenced by her
three consecutive facile wins, and has been freshened in advance of this one.
The John Sadler trainee has primarily been racing over a mile or less but should
encounter no difficulties with the added ground here. The five-year-old is
equipped with an abundance of tactical speed, and a victory by her would come as
no shock beneath Corey Nakatani.

HOH BUZZARD (Ire) (Alhaarth) will likely try to take this field gate-to-wire,
and the Grade 2-winning lass may do just that if left alone on the lead.
Conditioned by Ben Cecil, the dark bay is unplaced from two outings over this
surface, but is training well for this and should last for at least a share with
a sensible trip. David Flores will be atop the filly.

BELLE ANGE (Fr) (Ganges) was wide while stalking a very soft place most
recently, and closed admirably to be fourth in a solid prep for this. The
sophomore lass showed good ability overseas prior to importing to the United
States, but must improve to challenge for the win. We do recommend her use in
the exotics, however.

The well-bred PENNY’S FORTUNE (Storm Cat), a half-sister to Old Trieste (A.
P. Indy), is in top form and coming off her initial stakes conquer over this
surface most recently. The three-year-old dark bay had a dream trip in that fray
and we don’t envision that scenario in here, but wouldn’t be shocked to see her
get a minor share with her best. NAVAJA (NZ) (Daggers Drawn) is a one-run closer
who has faced this type before, and has a big chance to get a paycheck with some
honest splits to chase.

MIDWIFE (Family Calling) has never lost on the sod from three easy wins,
including the Palo Alto S. most recently. The wildcard of the race has never
faced anything near this talented of a field, but could be around late with the
right trip. Grade 3 heroine JANEIAN (NZ) (The Jogger) is hoping for a repeat of
her last trip to Hollywood Park, which equated into a win in the Royal Heroine
S. (G3) in July. The bay has been just a bit player against lesser at Lone Star
as of late, and we could only use her on the bottom of gimmicks, if at all.

IRGUNETTE (Aus) (Irgun) has made little impact in a pair of U. S. outings,
and will stretch out to 1 1/16 miles for the initial time. We’ll take a stand
against her. FESTIVAL (Jpn) (Assatis) hasn’t hit the board since 2002 and appears to be
overmatched.