Hollis Upsets Jim McKay

BALTIMORE, MD – WSS Racing and 4 G Racing’s Hollis took the field gate to wire to upset Thursday’s $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes at Pimlico.

Hollis broke from post 9 under Gabriel Saez as an 11/1 longshot and ranged up to take a slight lead heading into the far turn. The 2/1 co-favorite Francatelli gave closest watch early but began fading at the top of the stretch.

Hollis drew off once he straightened for home, but he had to dig in late and fend off a rallying Completed Pass, who ultimately came up just a neck short.

The John Ortiz-trained Hollis completed the 5-furlong dash over the yielding turf in :59.61.

“I was feeling excited,” Saez said. “I just wanted to get there. Thank God he got the job done.”

Completed Pass was 3 lengths clear of Love You Much, who necked out Texas Wedge (the other co-favorite) for third.

Francatelli, Tiger Blood, and Tempt Me Twice completed the order of finish.

Axtell, Fair Catch, and Dr. Feelgood (a Main Track Only entry) scratched.

Hollis’ victory was his first at the stakes level and third since his current connections claimed him for $50k on May 25. The 5-year-old Street Sense gelding improved his record to 12-6-2-0 with $202,642 earned.

Hollis returned $24.80 to win, $10.80 to place, and $5.60 to show. Completed Pass brought back $5.60 to place and $4 to show, while Love You Much paid $5.20 to show.