HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 30, 2008
by John Mucciolo
A pair of Grade 1 grass tilts highlighted the Memorial Day card.
Shoemaker Mile S. (G1): Skyline Stables et al’s DAYTONA (Ire) (Indian Ridge) asserted himself as the best male turf horse in the Golden State with a
facile romp in here for conditioner Dan Hendricks. The four-year-old star rated
patiently just off the pace and poured it on late while leaving no hope
for his foes. Alex Solis guided the chestnut past the wire in a brisk 1:33
2/5 for the one-mile turf test.
Gamely S. (G1): Lael Stables’ PRECIOUS KITTEN (Catienus) might have
cemented herself as the top female turf competitor on the West Coast with a
comprehensive rout in this one under Rafael Bejarano. The brilliant
five-year-old was perfectly handled in here for conditioner Bobby Frankel and
left no doubt, completing nine furlongs on the lawn in an excellent 1:45 1/5.
Track Stats
From a total of 52 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during the week, favorites won at a 30 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 62 percent of the wins. From 40 frays contested on the
Cushion Track, just three animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (8 percent), while
none of the 12 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead.
It almost seemed pointless over the past six days for a horse with hopes of winning to go to the lead and save ground along the rail. Speed was near
impossible to carry this week, with none of the 20 main-track contests over the
past three days yielding a wire-to-wire winner. It’s as though track officials
love to produce Pick 6 carryovers, so they mess with the oval and card humungous
fields, making many races impossible to decipher. That’s just one conspiracy
theory, but if they are doing that, they should find another form of marketing
rather than messing with their loyal customers. This is not sour grapes from
this corner, I assure you, just a hypothesis.
Inside posts were not as strong as we’ve seen in recent weeks, as 22 of the
final 28 winners broke from four and outward.
Meet Totals
|
RACES: |
|
227 |
|
DIRT: |
|
163 |
|
TURF: |
|
64 |
|
FAVORITES: |
|
78 (34 percent) |
|
2ND CHOICES: |
|
53 (23 percent) |
|
TURF WIRE: |
|
12 (19 percent) |
|
DIRT WIRE: |
|
25 (15 percent) |
Post Positions (wins)
|
RAIL: |
|
33 (14 percent) |
|
1-3: |
|
90 (40 percent) |
|
4-6: |
|
75 (33 percent) |
|
7-out: |
|
62 (27 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (5/21)
7TH – SILK THUNDER (Silver Deputy) put in a fine effort for Eoin Harty in
finishing second in this dash. The sophomore filly dueled throughout with an
even-money shot and got the better of that one at the wire in defeat. She will
be tough in her return engagement.
Friday (5/23)
5TH – The top three runners in this heat all have a good chance of returning
with a big effort, but we were especially impressed with runner-up TOO PHAR
(Rainbow Blues [Ire]). The Bill Spawr charge made a late surge under Joel
Rosario to just miss to a good one, and she will be live next out.
8TH – BODACAT (Tomorrows Cat) was correctly taken down following this maiden
win, but the Bob Hess Jr. pupil is a big threat to cross the wire first in his next
assignment. We liked this one on paper leading up to this race and he displayed
a useful turn of foot approaching the final turn.
Saturday (5/24)
3RD – LEMONETTE (Lemon Drop Kid) flew home from last to inhale her foes on
this occasion, completing her final three-eighths in a sparkling :34 1/5 for Tim
Yakteen. The talented mare has a stakes-quality turn of foot and will be tough
if placed properly in her subsequent try.
5TH – INDIAN WAY (Indian Charlie) ‘freaked’ in here in posting a five-length
romp for Harty. The Kentucky-bred sophomore got 6 1/2 panels in a scorching
1:14 2/5 under mild urging and has a seemingly bright future.
Sunday (5/25)
8TH – Kenney et al’s TRIFECTA KING (Peace Rules) broke her maiden in stylish
fashion for Doug O’Neill, rolling to a stakes win in her second lifetime try
under Bejarano. The juvenile filly displayed a nice rating tactic and
solid closing kick, which should set her up for future winner’s circle photos.
Monday (5/26)
1ST – CARMAN (Gentlemen [Arg]) is now perfect in three career turf efforts
and has many conditions to explore for Vladimir Cerin. The gelding surged
between runners late to get up in this solid group and could rack up a good deal
of money if he remains in this form.
4TH – POINTING STAR (Point Given) was the recipient of a questionable ride in
here but still managed second for Ron McAnally. The four-year-old, who was
coming off a nice win, was last, traveled wide to reach contention early, shifted to the rail on the backside, and steadied behind horses in the lane. We
figure that his runner-up showing was every bit as impressive as the winner in
this nine-furlong test.
5TH – BLACK WOLF (Stormin Fever) was most impressive in here for Bruce
Headley, disputing the early tempo prior to streaking home in :23 4/5 for his
final quarter-mile. The five-year-old was the only non-sophomore in the field
and found no trouble giving six pounds to his younger counterparts.
A Look Ahead
The $250,000 Californian S. (G2) at 1 1/8 miles is the feature of the
upcoming weekend at Hollywood Park. Also on Saturday is the $175,000 Milady H.
(G2) and the grassy $75,000 Manhattan Beach S. for sophomore fillies.