HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 25, 2011
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded events took place over the weekend at Hollywood Park.
Milady H. (G2): Nels Erickson’s ULTRA BLEND (Richly Blended) finished
second but was elevated to the win after being interfered with late to notch the
graded win. The ultra-consistent Art Sherman trainee was guided home by David
Flores, and the final time was 1:43 for the 1 1/16 miles.
Railbird S. (G3): Kaleem Shah’s MAY DAY ROSE (Rockport Harbor) took
command turning for home and powered home to an impressive, 3 1/4-length win in
this one for trainer Bob Baffert. The talented sophomore filly finished off
seven furlongs in 1:22 1/5 beneath Joel Rosario, and the June 11 Acorn S. (G1)
could be next for the improving bay.
Track Stats
From a total of 36 races held over the Inglewood racetrack during the
four-day race week, favorites won at a 31 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 26 frays contested on the
Cushion oval, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (23 percent), while four
of the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (40 percent).
Just one runner led at every call from 12 races on the main oval for the
first two days of the week, but five winners came through in 14 main track
events on Saturday and Sunday.
Speed did well on the sod this week with four wire-to-wire winners, two
coming in sprints and a pair in route races.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 175 | |
| CUSHION: | 126 | |
| TURF: | 49 | |
| FAVORITES: | 59 (34 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 38 (22 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 11 (22 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 31 (25 percent) |
Main Track Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 19 | |
| 1-3: | 54 | |
| 4-6: | 48 | |
| 7-out: | 24 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (5/19)
5TH — UP IN TIME (GB) (Noverre) showed an excellent turn of foot along the
rail and got up in time under Garrett Gomez in a fine showing. The Simon
Callaghan trainee came home in :22 2/5!
6TH — DELUXE BUS (Bluegrass Cat) exploded in the lane here to post a fine
score in this one beneath Martin Garcia. The Mike Mitchell charge has won two in
succession and could likely handle a class rise.
Friday (5/20)
5TH — AVEROO (GB) (Averti) just missed in a fine closing run from last for
John Sadler and looms a big chance with a little luck next time. The gelded
six-year-old is a pretty consistent late runner and just needs a bit of luck to
get the job done next time.
7TH — The speedy STREAKIN MOHICAN (Songandaprayer) took to the lawn in good
fashion here, leading at every call in a sharp tally for Doug O’ Neill. The
gelded four-year-old could turn out to be a stakes-quality player in this
division throughout the summer.
Saturday (5/21)
2ND — PHOTO SHOPPED (Mr. Greeley) reversed for quickly for Julio Canani and
got up late in a smart tally on the class drop. The sophomore colt avoided a
claim and looks dangerous on his return.
4TH — MAJESTIC CITY (City Zip) was a most impressive visual winner in this
one at first asking for Peter Miller. The juvenile colt was under a hand ride
for most of the stretch and could be any type.
SCORPION WARRIOR (Dixie Union) was clearly second best in this one from the
10 post and seemingly has a bright future for Kristin Mulhall.
Sunday (5/22)
2ND — BLUEGRASS STORY (Bluegrass Cat) got off to a slow start but closed
with very good energy to be a sharp second here, and the Jerry Hollendorfer
charge should be a winner very soon.
8TH — ORIENTATIOUS (Orientate), who was cross-entered in a stakes event the
previous day, proved too good for this maiden bunch in a powerful score for Mike
Puype. The sophomore miss could be any type and should be able to handle the
stretch out in trip as the summer progresses.
A Look Ahead
Memorial Day will play host to the $250,000 Gamely S. (G1) and $100,000 Los
Angeles H. (G3). The $150,000 American H. (G2) is the standout event on
Saturday.