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.