Big Stretch Drive Enables Calestoga to Win Feature Race at Hollypark

Favored Calestoga took the lead early in the backstretch and outlasted Stylish Winner through the stretch to score a 1 1/4-length victory Thursday in the $109,300 On Trust Handicap at Hollywood Park.

It was the sixth victory and fifth stakes win in the last eight starts for the 6-year-old gelding, who won for the 20th time in 44 races.

Ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye at top weight of 122 pounds, Calestoga covered 1 mile in 1:36 and returned $4.80, $3.80 and $2.60 to his backers in the crowd of 18,904.

Trained by Neil Boyce, Calestoga won $64,300 for the partnership of Boyce Racing Stable and Fox Valley. Calestoga has won $583,968 in his career.

Stylish Winner, with Corey Black and 117 pounds, paid $4.40 and $2.60. Mark Chip, under Gary Stevens and 117, was another 6 1/2 lengths back in third and paid $2.60.

Elegant Bargain, making his first Hollywood Park appearance since scoring his first career victory last July, broke out on top before quickly giving way to the California-bred Calestoga. The even-money choice took command along the rail and opened a 1 1/2-length margin midway through the backstretch.