HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 24, 2009
by John Mucciolo
A pair of stylish Grade 1 performances by two potential champions headlined
the closing week at Hollywood.
Hollywood Futurity (G1): Mike Pegram et al’s LOOKIN AT LUCKY (Smart Strike) looked like a seasoned pro
in here with a measured, three-quarters of a length triumph for
conditioner Bob Baffert. The soon-to-be champion two-year-old was always in the
right spot and took over in early stretch before finishing off 1 1/16 miles in
1:43 1/5 under Garret Gomez.
Hollywood Starlet S. (G1): Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer et al’s aptly named BLIND LUCK (Pollard’s Vision)
inhaled her foes in the lane to notch an impressive, seven-length win in here
while clocking the 1 1/16 miles in a superb 1:41 4/5 with Rafael Bejarano in the
irons. The two-year-old miss made her case to be voted champion juvenile filly
next month.
TRACK STATS
From a total of 36 races held over the Inglewood racetrack during closing
week, favorites won at a 42 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 61 percent of the wins. From 26 frays contested on the Cushion
Track oval, eight animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (31 percent), while two of
the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (20 percent).
Both ovals were pretty much fair this week at Hollywood, as we saw both
wire-to-wire winners and deep closers enjoy success on each surface. While the
main strip played more advantageous to speed types for the majority of the
meeting, the right horse can win from anywhere — as we saw during closing week.
Meet Totals:
| RACES: | 234 | |
| CUSHION: | 175 | |
| TURF: | 59 | |
| FAVORITES: | 83 (35 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 52 (22 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 13 (22 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 57 (32 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 28 | |
| 1-3: | 96 | |
| 4-6: | 91 | |
| 7-out: | 48 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (12/17)
2ND — The well-meant SURPRISE PARTY (GB) (Red Ransom) gamely held on in her
U.S. debut beneath Gomez, proving toughness to go along with her
ability. The bay filly, who is trained by the crafty Kathy Walsh, will have a nice
future with steady improvement on U.S. soil.
4TH — SETSUKO (Pleasantly Perfect) could be a name we here from throughout
the spring after his dominating maiden tally for Richard Mandella. The well-bred
freshman completed his final five-sixteenths in a swift :30 and is bred to go
longer.
Friday (12/18)
6TH — It’s a shame to see MR. WOLVERINE (Last Lion) racing for an $8,000 tag
these days, but at least the seven-year-old proved that he has some fight left
in him after a strong second-place showing in here.
Saturday (12/19)
1ST — We were glad to see DAVE’S REVENGE (Birdstone) re-claimed by Bob Hess
Jr. following a good second in this optional claiming event, since Hess was
responsible for getting the miss going to start her career. She’s in very good
form.
2ND — CLOSE TO THE EDGE (Yes It’s True) was five lengths clear of third
behind a potentially good one and should be very live next out for Jeff Mullins.
The debuting colt could be a nice one down the road.
7TH — CLUTCH PLAYER (Malibu Moon) is not bred to be a pure sprinter, which
makes his impressive, four-length dusting of these foes all the more impressive
for Baffert. The debuting juvenile is surely one to watch for in 2010.
9TH — We liked him going in, and we think just as highly of THE PROGRAM
(Harlan’s Holiday) after his useful fourth-place effort in the CashCall Futurity. While not in
the current class of the top pair, the Baffert should charge should love dirt
and is bred to run long — he’s a Kentucky Derby (G1) sleeper in our minds.
Sunday (12/20)
9TH — Blind Luck was unbelievable in this one for Hollendorfer, blowing
past her foes with ridiculous ease late under Bejarano. This had to have
been the finest juvenile performance we’ve seen this year by a filly, and the Kentucky-bred is cut out to endure a route of ground, so we should
see a
lot from her in 2010.
A LOOK AHEAD
The action moves to Santa Anita starting on Saturday.