HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 16
by Bernard T. Moore
Hollywood Park is prepared to draw the curtain on its fall meet with a bang
this weekend. The Hollywood Futurity (G1) is scheduled to be run Saturday, while
the Hollywood Starlet (G1) is set for Sunday. On Monday, closing day, the track
will feature the grassy Dahlia Handicap (G2), signaling the end to a fine meet.
Despite the fact that quality racing will be presented throughout the final
weekend, the focal point is obviously the Hollywood Futurity on Saturday, which
pits Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) hero WILKO (Awesome Again) against the
undefeated DECLAN’S MOON (Malibu Moon) as well as the highly regarded PROUD
ACCOLADE (Yes It’s True). The result of the Futurity may ultimately decide the
Eclipse Award for the top juvenile colt in the country, making it a race to see
even it if means putting off your Christmas shopping for just one more day!
Hollywood Park geared up for the last week of racing in grand style on
Saturday, carding the Native Diver H. (G3) for three-year-olds and up. The race
marked the return of Dynever (Dynaformer) to the West coast after a
disappointing eighth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in November.
He was understandably bet down to odds-on favoritism in the race, but could not
do any better than second as TRULY A JUDGE (Judge T C) made every pole count en
route to a two-length victory.
Trained by David Bernstein, the winner was hustled to lead by jockey Martin
Pedroza to set a moderate pace, with Dynever and Corey Nakatani trailing early.
The winner was able to relax on the front end and, as a result, when Dynever
mounted his stretch bid, Truly A Judge repelled his challenge to emerge with a
decisive victory. Calkins Road (Illinois Storm), a 31-1 longshot, was seven
lengths farther back in third.
Truly A Judge posted his first graded victory here and once again confirmed
his affinity for the Hollywood Park main track, registering his fourth win in
nine starts while demonstrating his ability to carry his speed nine furlongs
against top competition.
The $150,000 Bayakoa H. (G2) was the featured event on Sunday at Hollywood
Park. The race marked the return of A. P. Adventure (A.P. Indy), the Grade
1-winning sophomore filly that had not raced since an abysmal showing in the
Kentucky Oaks (G1) this spring at Churchill Downs. However, she did not earn top
honors, as that role belonged to HOLLYWOOD STORY (Wild Rush), who overcame a
less than ideal trip to win the Bayakoa by a length.
The winner raced a bit wide throughout the running of the race, and had to
contend with a speed-biased surface as well. While those factors were obvious
deterrents, Hollywood Story was still able to muster a determined rally in the
stretch to wear down Royally Chosen (In Excess [Ire]) before slowly edging away
to a one-length victory. The runner-up was very game in defeat, stalking the
pace dictated by Essence (Gulch) before disposing of that rival in the stretch.
She gave ground grudgingly late while clearly second best, finishing two-lengths
ahead of A. P Adventure, the 8-5 favorite who closed late to gain the show in a
race she obviously needed.
This was only the second victory for Hollywood Story in her career, but both
have come at Hollywood Park in graded stakes company. Her connections, trainer
John Shirreffs and owner George Krikorian, also joined forces to win the 2002
Bayakoa with Starrer.
The main track favored speed for most of the week, with the exception of
Wednesday, when no bias appeared to exist. No path bias was prevalent, and the
turf course appeared bias free when grass racing went off as scheduled.
Not much as changed in the trainer standings as Doug O’Neill continues to
head the list, followed by Bob Baffert and Mike Harrington. John W. Sadler and
Shirreffs are tied for fourth.
Rene Douglas continues to lead all jockeys with 34 victories, six more than
Tyler Baze, who holds the second spot with 28 winners. Victor Espinoza has 26
scores to his credit, as Nakatani and David Flores are fourth and fifth,
respectively.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/8)
2ND – PEG O MY HEART (Smokester) Clearly second best in her well meant debut.
Gave futile chase to a superior favorite who was dropping down. Was extremely
well prepared for her first start with a steady stream of well spaced morning
works. Fits well at this level and distance.
8TH – MINI SKIRT (Wild Again) Much improved second off a long layoff in a
race moved to the main track. Closed with good energy late in an abbreviated
sprint. Has four siblings who won on grass, two in their initial attempt. Room
for further progress possible. Eligible for state-bred contests.
Thursday (12/9)
3RD – TWINFUL (Twin Spires) was not disgraced in his first start against
multiple winners. He tired slowly in the stretch after disputing a hot pace on
the front end and night benefit from a slight class drop.
Friday (12/10)
3RD – ALFERRARI (Alfaari) finished with good energy against the grain of a
speed conducive course in an abbreviated sprint for trainer Mike Puhich, who
doesn’t excel with new acquisitions. He fits well with basement-level claimers
and would appreciate added distance.
4TH – BOOCFUSS (Bertrando) exhibited much improvement in his second career
start while receiving generous support at the mutuel windows. He closed well for
the place vs. a speed biased track in a race that was fast from start to finish.
Saturday (12/11)
4TH – MYSTO’S (Malibu Moon) regrettably ran into a monster runner stepping up
into a MSW contest and exhibited much improved speed to stalk a quick pace and
held well. He can continue to move forward when racing shifts back to Santa
Anita, where he trains.
Sunday (12/12)
5TH – ENCHANTING LADY (In Excess [Ire]) put forth a sharp effort in her
career debut at double-digit odds. She finished with good energy after stalking
lively fractions on the front end and is bred to handle grass and a route of
ground as well.
7TH – SUPER G I (Lost Soldier) raced evenly in a swiftly run abbreviated
sprint contest that was meant for grass. He needed this race off a long layoff.