Gamely

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

PRECIOUS KITTEN (Catienus) loves Southern California, so we'll peg her to

turn the tables on RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) in the $250,000 Gamely S. (G1) at

Hollywood Park on Memorial Day. The pair figures to dominate the other three

entrants in the 1 1/8-mile turf test.

The Bobby Frankel-trained Precious Kitten was hampered by a wide trip when

checking in fifth to Rutherienne in the Jenny Wiley S. (G2) at Keeneland, but

the Gamely should unfold much more to her advantage. Sure to serve as the

controlling speed, Precious Kitten will be able to save ground this time and

kick for home before the late-running Rutherienne can get involved. Similar

tactical trips have produced victories in the John C. Mabee H. (G1) and

Matriarch S. (G1) for Precious Kitten, and we look forward to her racking up her

third career Grade 1 tally on Monday. Rafael Bejarano will try to ration out her

speed.

Rutherienne knows how to find the winner's circle, as her sparkling 11-9-0-0

record proves. The Christophe Clement filly has successfully employed her late

charge in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) and six other stakes besides the Jenny Wiley,

but she will probably find it too much to overhaul Precious Kitten in these

circumstances. The dark bay is also facing her at level weights this time,

whereas in the Jenny Wiley, Rutherienne was on the receiving end of four pounds.

Corey Nakatani has been entrusted with the task of getting her up in time.

DIAMOND DIVA (GB) (Dansili [GB]) ranks as the only plausible upsetter. The

Jim Cassidy trainee has looked good while taking both of her American starts in

the American Beauty H. and Wilshire H. (G3), and she will be doing her best work

late. The four-year-old will be stretching out to 1 1/8 miles for the first

time, but that should not be an obstacle. Diamond Diva is in terrific form at

present, and if either of the Grade 1 winners fails to deliver, she should make

her presence felt beneath Mike Smith.

LAVENDER SKY (Mt. Livermore) was a game second to champion Wait a While

(Maria's Mon) in the San Gorgonio H. (G2) and a near-miss third in the Santa Ana

H. (G2). We were mystified, therefore, by her lackluster, last-of-eight effort

in the Santa Barbara H. (G2) most recently. A return to her earlier form would

make her a threat to sneak into the third spot, but we're leery of her. SOLVA

(GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) requires 1 1/4 miles to be effective and lacks the speed

to earn a Grade 1 placing at this distance, even in this short a field.