California fans get a triple shot of fireworks this weekend at Hollywood Park as the holiday schedule consists of the American Handicap on July 4 and the American Oaks and Triple Bend Handicap on July 5.

For handicapping purposes today we’ll take a look at the Grade 1 $300,000 Triple Bend and the demanding distance of 7 furlongs.

A total of 19 were nominated but after eliminating some runners that appear overmatched, we’ll isolate about 15 and delve into them in depth.

Originally named the Lakes and Flowers Handicap, Rich Cream set a world record in this fray of 1:19 2/5 which was tied 2 years later in 1982 by Time to Explode. The last 3-year-old to win this race was Debonaire Junior in 1984.

Last year Street Boss used a winning prep in the Los Angeles Handicap to parlay to a score in this race when he sat dead last early, looped the field going away, to win with a 99 Beyer.

Paul’s Hope and Siren Lure will also try to perform that same feat. Hope was 2nd in the L.A. ‘Cap, returned to fire too late in the Ack Ack on 6/6 while back-class runner Siren Lure tried to come from over 9 back when ending up 4th in the L.A on 5/16.

Of this pair, although Siren Lure is trying to become only the second horse in history to win this race twice, would expect Paul’s Hope to run better but both have to come from far back and will need racing luck.

Bahama Breeze is coming off a minor stakes win but now has to go 2 furlongs farther and on the Cushion. He’ll be winging but there are others with designs on the lead.

Devoted Magic is a reformed claimer that is going great guns but this is his first try in stakes company and he will need to really improve.

Hard Bill has never been out of the exacta in 11 starts with 8 happy endings but this is the acid test in America.

Liberian Freighter is out to atone for the loss after chalk beat in the Ack Ack. He’s versatile, has tactical speed, and must be given long look.

Liquidity will be trying to cut back from a mile turf race and could be left with a ton of work to do late.

Monterey Jazz has some back class, has trained fast for this, can’t be dismissed.

Noble Court will be one tough customer. He showed brilliance early in his career, can be placed anywhere and still perform and will be a virtual freight train in the drive.

Rebellion is a distance specialist that has some kick, has not raced since May, but will be a legit threat with a hot enough pace.

Rush With Thunder figures to be a huge price as he ran for a $25K tag two races ago but if they go fast enough early, he could be the bomb in the gimmicks.

Star Nicholas is yet another that is pace dependent and he has a little growing up to do.

Street Magician is an entertainer. He’s won 5 of 9 but will have to magically appear here as he just beat softer at Presque Isle.

The last pair are lightly raced but speedy. Usurp loves this surface but has never tried a stakes while Zensational is still eligible for a N2X fray but has bullets locked and loaded for Bob Baffert.

When the gates open expect Zensational, Bahama Breeze and Usurp to be gunning for everything they are worth during a projected pace of :44 and small change.

When they run out of gas, Noble Court, Paul’s Hope and Liberian Freighter will be starting to wind up.

At the top of the lane it will look like anybody’s ballgame but Noble Court will ignite in the final hundred yards to score, with Rush With Thunder, Liberian Freighter, Paul’s Hope and Siren Lure filling out the superfecta.

Good luck, and enjoy the Roman candles on the 4th of July.