HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 22, 2009
by John Mucciolo
A single graded stakes event was held at Hollywood Park
during the past week.
Los Angeles H. (G2): Gary and Cecil Barber’s RED ARROW (Aus) (Red Ransom) notched his
first graded win in California with a front-running score in this event for John Sadler. The bay six-year-old finished off six
furlongs in 1:08 4/5 under Joe Talamo.
Track Stats
From a total of 43 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during opening week, favorites won at a 37 percent clip and the top
two betting choices combined for 58 percent of the wins. From 35
frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, 12 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (34 percent), while three of the eight grassy tussles went
all the way on the lead (38 percent).
Speed has been really good on both ovals, as we stated last week, and the past five days indicated that nothing has changed. It’s
not to the point of a bias that we have seen, although we did notice a
handful of bombs win in wire-to-wire fashion on the Cushion.
We might have witnessed an inside bias, though, over the
weekend when only two winners from 19 races broke outside of the
six post. The first eight races on Sunday were taken by animals who
left from the innermost three post positions, with three breaking from
the rail.
Turf sprints at Hollywood are almost always kind to early types — it’s nearly opposite of how the Downhill Turf Course plays at Santa
Anita.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 166 | |
| CUSHION TRACK: | 125 | |
| TURF: | 41 | |
| FAVORITES: | 55 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 41 (25 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 13 (32 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 39 (31 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 26 | |
| 1-3: | 74 | |
| 4-6: | 57 | |
| 7-out: | 35 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (5/13)
2ND — MIKEY BONES (Mr. Broad Blade) returned from a lengthy
break to win going away for the red-hot Doug O’Neill. The five-year-old mare is a real nice fit at this level, but could possibly handle a
minor class rise.
7TH — MARK S THE COOLER (Johar) was surely happy to have
returned to the turf in here with a sharp closing run for O’Neill. The
talented grass performer finished off his final quarter-mile in a
scintillating :22 4/5.
Thursday (5/14)
3RD — SOUTHERN FIREBALL (Southern Image) put in a
tremendous effort in her second career outing under Rafael Bejarano, dominating
this field while equaling the track mark in :50 3/5 for 4 1/2
panels. The O’Neill pupil reeled in a clear leader and gave the
impression of one with a very bright future.
7TH — Grade 1-placed WYNNING RIDE (Candy Ride [Arg]) gave a
good showing of herself in her first try of the year for Bob Baffert,
closing into a moderate pace to snag second honors under
Talamo. The sophomore miss should move up considerably in her
next try, especially with some added ground.
Friday (5/15)
1ST — The well-bred IDONTBELIEVEMYEYES (Strong Hope) stayed
on well late after taking command in early stretch for conditioner Eoin
Harty. Second in her previous try, the three-year-old lass is improving
steadily and could turn out to be a nice one with more experience.
7TH — QUEEN OF THE CATSLE (Tale of the Cat) finished strong in
here for Howard Zucker, closing for the place in her first start since
October while giving the winner six pounds. The classy speedster will
be one to watch throughout the summer.
Saturday (5/16)
4TH — Baffert is probably better with horses making their second start
as opposed to debut runners, so when he has a first-time starter win
for fun while running six furlongs in 1:08 4/5, we take notice.
UNDERGROUND (Indian Charlie) flew home in :23 3/5 over her final
quarter-mile and looks legit.
6TH — SILENT STALK (Petionville) was a fine wire-to-wire winner in
this dash for Julio Canani, drilling her elders to win her second in
succession. This miss came home in :23 1/5 and is of obvious stakes
quality.
Sunday (5/17)
3RD — We’ve tabbed PLAY NINE (Chapel Royal) on numerous
occasions, and the consistent filly came through with another big
effort for Gary Sherlock, taking this at 9-1. We suggest using this filly
every time she runs, because she almost always finishes in the
stretch.
9TH — We’re not sure what was in this maiden claiming field, but
debuting filly BIT OF A LADY (Medaglia d’Oro) finished eight lengths
clear of her nearest pursuer in second for David Hofmans. She will be
ultra-tough if she returns at this level.
A Look Ahead
The $250,000 Shoemaker Mile S. (G1) is the Memorial Day feature at
Hollywood Park. The $150,000 Milady H. (G2) on Saturday, and
Sunday’s $100,000 Lazaro S. Barrera Memorial S. (G3), are the
other weekend headliners.