HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 28, 2009
by John Mucciolo
A remarkable mare and a gritty gray were the top draws over the Holiday
weekend at Hollywood.
Shoemaker Mile S. (G1): Zayat Stables’ THORN SONG (Unbridled’s Song)
took command soon after the start and gamely held off a pair of challengers
through the lane to post a mild upset in this one under Mike Smith. The gray,
who is trained by Dale Romans, sped one mile on the firm turf course in 1:33 1/5
en route to his second Grade 1 conquer.
Milady H. (G2): Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss’ ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire])
ran her winning streak to 10 with yet another dominating performance for John
Shirreffs. Ridden confidently by Smith, the sublime mare finished off 1 1/16
miles in 1:42 1/5 to kick off her 2009 campaign in style.
Lazaro S. Barerra Memorial S. (G3): Gramer et al’s CHARLIE’S MOMENT
(Indian Charlie) led at every call and inched clear to a convincing, two-length
score in here for conditioner Walther Solis. The gelded sophomore went
seven-eighths on the Cushion oval in 1:21 4/5 under the guidance of Alex Solis.
Track Stats
From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during opening week, favorites won at a 32 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 52 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the
Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (29 percent), while
four of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (31 percent).
Speed remains good at Hollywood on both ovals, but especially over the
rock-hard turf as of late. A classy horse on the lead is very difficult to run
down on the sod at this stage of the meet. Staying within range early on the
Cushion appears to be best, but as we saw with Zenyatta, the right horse can
close here.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 210 | |
| CUSHION TRACK: | 156 | |
| TURF: | 54 | |
| FAVORITES: | 69 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 50 (24 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 17 (31 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 48 (31 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 32 | |
| 1-3: | 91 | |
| 4-6: | 77 | |
| 7-out: | 42 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (5/21)
2ND — BAMAHA BREEZE (Lord Carson) put in a huge effort in his first start
since December, holding off some talented competitors while nearly equaling the
track mark when taking this grassy dash for trainer Steve Miyadi.
6TH — SUBPOENA THE DRESS (Johannesburg) was beaten a neck for third in a
productive debut for trainer Brian Koriner. The sophomore filly is eligible for
improvement next out.
8TH — The speedy FOREST DANZ (Forestry) fits this level well and was sent
off at a nice price in taking this race for Melody Conlon. We expect the gelding
to show up in a similar event next out, possibly even drop another notch, where
the six-year-old will be dangerous once again.
Friday (5/22)
7TH — CHEROKEE HEAVEN (Cherokee Run) finished powerfully while dispatching a
nice field for Marty Jones. The five-year-old blazed six furlongs on the green
in 1:07 4/5 in his first start since June of 2008.
Saturday (5/23)
3RD — UKIAH (Unbridled’s Song) was stuck behind a dawdling pace but still
finished well to be 4 3/4 lengths clear of his nearest foe in this event. The
gelded seven-year-old likes this oval and merits respect in his subsequent
effort.
4TH — SLAM SLEW (Grand Slam) slammed this field in leading by a big margin
throughout under Victor Espinoza. The Richard Mandella trainee completed his
final quarter-mile in :23.76 and gives the impression of a horse who might be
able to get a mile with success.
7TH — NIKKI’SGOLDENSTEED (Formal Gold) got a well-needed confidence boost in
here against claiming foes for Bob Hess Jr., and the four-year-old could use
this as a springboard to a nice summer.
Sunday (5/24)
3RD — MAURESMO (Flatter) was a solid third in her debut for Patrick Biancone
and should improve with seasoning and added distance in her future endeavors.
7TH — Maybe this race will serve as the wake-up call for MONTEREY JAZZ
(Thunderello) as the five-year-old reversed his form in a hurry in here, setting
a track record over the firm turf for Craig Dollase. We’re glad that his barn
has decided to let the speedster run freely rather than try to teach him how to
rate.
A Look Ahead
Saturday’s $250,000 Gamely S. (G1) and the $150,000 Honeymoon H. (G2) on
Sunday are the top attraction for the upcoming week at Hollywood.