Rail Trip is considered a sure entry in the Hollywood Gold Cup after his winning performance in the Grade 2 Californian Stakes on June 12th.
The five-year-old attempted to crack the Californian Stakes last season, but managed only a second place. This year it seems the training by Ronald W. Ellis is paying off in spades. Not only did Rail Trip cross the line first in the California Stakes, the gelding also ran a winning race in the Mervyn LeRoy Stakes – another improvement on a 2009 second placing.
Ellis has made an official announcement following those great wins, naming the Hollywood Gold Cup as Rail Trip’s next assignment. This is in part a strategy to keep Rail Trip’s ventures closely linked with those of his number one rival Zenyatta. While it is thus unclear whether or not the ferocious filly will compete in the Hollywood Cup, word on the scene declares her a likely contender. However, even if the clash of the titans will not take place in the setting of the Hollywood Gold Cup, there is always the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November to look forward to. This event is already predicting the likelihood of Rail Trip facing off with Zenyatta.
At the moment, however, Rail Trip’s connections are simply trying to prepare their charge as best as they can for the big day – July 10th at Hollywood Park Raceway – hoping that the five-year-old will be able to record his second Hollywood Gold Cup win.
In 2009 Rail Trip was not considered a strong contender in the Hollywood Gold Cup. With 9-1 odds very few punters or bookmakers were interested in the then four-year-old’s participation in the event. However, Rail Trip and jockey Jose Valdivia proved the doubtful souls wrong when they overcame the odds, crossing the line before Tres Borrachos and Life Is Sweet in the impressive time of 2:00.75.
If you would like to back Rail Trip in the upcoming Hollywood Gold Cup on 10th July 2010 at Hollywood Park Racetrack, check one of our favourite bookmakers – such as Sportsbook.com – for fantastic odds closer to the race day.
