HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
APRIL 30, 2009
by John Mucciolo
California Gold Rush Day highlighted the opening week at Hollywood Park.
California Gold Rush Winners: Congratulations go out to all of the
connections surrounding Gold Rush winners COMPARI (Redattore [Brz]), WAVELINE
(Stravinsky), WOMAN WARRIOR (One Man Army), BOOTLEG ANNIE (Go for Gin), TRIBAL
JUSTICE (Tribal Rule), RULE THE STORM (Tribal Rule), PRETTY UNUSUAL (Unusual
Heat), LIBERIAN FREIGHTER (Bertrando), UNUSUAL SMOKE (Unusual Heat) and GRAZEN
(Benchmark).
Inglewood H. (G3): Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss’ homebred MADEO (Mizzen
Mast) had clear sailing this time and it made a world of difference, as the top
four-year-old powered home to win this one under Mike Smith. The bay colt got 1
1/6 miles on the firm lawn in 1:42 for John Shirreffs.
Track Stats
From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during opening week, favorites won at a 23 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 33 frays contested on the
Cushion Track oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (15 percent), while
four of the 11 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (36 percent).
Speed on the main oval is better here than at Santa Anita, and while it was not
a dominant week for early leaders, many pacesetters who lost hung around for the
exotics. We’re not saying closers have no chance, but cheap speed can hold a lot
longer than they did at Santa Anita.
The hard turf is quite kind to speed types as well, and most winners were in
the mix by midstretch. Once again, the right animal can win from anywhere, but
we’d strongly prefer being close early.
Inside posts were successful during the opening week, but much of that was
due to many small fields assembled at Hollywood, a concerning trend at this time
of year.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 44 | |
| CUSHION TRACK: | 33 | |
| TURF: | 11 | |
| FAVORITES: | 10 (23 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 12 (27 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 4 (26 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 5 (15 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 7 | |
| 1-3: | 20 | |
| 4-6: | 15 | |
| 7-out: | 9 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (4/22)
2ND — SPUN SILVER (Grand Slam) put in a fine effort in her debut for
conditioner Bob Baffert, finishing more than four lengths clear of third under
jockey Tyler Baze. We know Baffert’s horses almost always move up in their
second tries, so we expect a win from this one in her return.
6TH — CAPE TOWN KING (Cape Town) was out-gamed in the lane to finish second
on this day for Bob Hess Jr., but the eight-year-old surely needed the outing
in his first try since July. We never discount these gritty old timers.
Thursday (4/23)
1ST — Conditioner Mike Harrington always gets his runners geared up for
Hollywood, and ALPINE EMPIRE (Empire Maker) was no exception, annihilating this
field by five lengths beneath Rafael Bejarano. The juvenile miss is bred to run
longer and appears to have a very bright future ahead of her.
6TH — We’re always somewhat impressed when a three-year-old tops a field of
elders at this time of year, as JEHAN (Forest Wildcat) did in fine fashion on
this day. While the miss was 15-1 on this day, she toppled a nice field and is
no fluke.
Friday (4/24)
3RD — DISH THE DIRT (Untuttable) ran a winning race in defeat for Peter
Eurton, and while we didn’t see any world beaters in this dash, the runner-up
should be a big threat in her subsequent try.
8TH — KANAN DUME (Malibu Moon) had not been seen since the summer of 2007,
so her second-place effort was all the more impressive for trainer Richard
Mandella. We’re looking forward to seeing the gelded four-year-old throughout
the summer.
Saturday (4/25)
2ND — SUANCES RIO (Suances [GB]) was a solid fourth in her debut on this day
and the Darrell Vienna charge will be very tough with any improvement in her
second try.
6TH — CHALULA ONE (Bertrando) missed the break to be last early, but the
talented filly rallied well for the place in here for Mandella. We’ve always
liked the California-bred and know she possesses excellent tactical speed, so
we’ll definitely give her another chance. We’re not going to see 5-1, though.
10TH — RAISE THE RIVER (Moscow Ballet) should win soon.
Sunday (4/26)
2ND — AITCHO (Stormy Atlantic) showed his versatility in here when rallying
from last to win going away for John Shirreffs. A wire-to-wire winner three
back, we’re anxious to see what this one can do on the turf.
A Look Ahead
The $100,000 Wilshire H. (G3) on Saturday and Sunday’s $100,000 Senorita S.
(G3) are the top draws for the upcoming week at Hollywood.