Declan’s Moon returns in Hollywood Prevue

Declan’s Moon (inside) gutted out a neck victory in the Del Mar Futurity (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

Unbeaten DECLAN’S MOON (Malibu Moon), who has been freshened
since an impressive score in the Del Mar Futurity (G2), returns
to the races against seven juvenile rivals in Saturday’s $100,000
Hollywood Prevue S. (G3). The seven-furlong event is a prep race
for the Hollywood Futurity (G1) on December 18.

Trained by Ron Ellis, Declan’s Moon is two for two overall and
will be ridden by Victor Espinoza. The dark bay gelding will
share the top weight assignment with fellow stakes winner BEAT
THE CHALK (Valid Wager), who captured the Barretts Juvenile S. at
2-1 two starts back at Fairplex Park. Both runners will carry 122
pounds.

SEIZE THE DAY (Montbrook) looks like a legitimate challenger
for Declan’s Moon. The Kristin Mulhall-trained Florida-bred has
raced only once, but he made quite a statement with a dominant
11-length maiden special weight victory at Santa Anita, turning
six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 while well in hand. Corey Nakatani
replaces Espinoza in the saddle.

Stakes-placed SOUTHERN AFRICA (Cape Town), who will be making
his U.S. bow after recording a 3-2-1-0 mark in England, will lead
the post parade under a 115-pound impost, including jockey Tyler
Baze. The remaining contestants, in post order, are TWICE
UNBRIDLED (Unbridled’s Song), Felipe Martinez, 113; Beat the
Chalk, Martin Pedroza; POWER WAVE (All Thee Power), Miguel
Hernandez, 119; Declan’s Moon; Seize the Day, 113; MEGABYTE
(Chief Seattle), Mike Smith, 113; and BUSHWACKER (Outflanker),
Rene Douglas, 113.