HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 5, 2012
by John Mucciolo
There were a pair graded races over the weekend at Hollywood Park.
Native Diver S. (G3): Diamond Pride et al’s GAME ON DUDE (Awesome
Again) lived up to his 1-5 billing with a game tally under Mike Smith. The
standout gelding got a stern test in the lane from runner-up Nonios (Pleasantly
Perfect) before inching clear late, getting nine panels in 1:52 1/5 for trainer
Bob Baffert.
Vernon O. Underwood S. (G3): Klein and Lebherz’s SMILING TIGER (Hold
That Tiger) got back to his winning ways by wearing down runner-up Private Zone
(Macho Uno) en route to a one-length score under Rafael Bejarano. The multiple
Grade 1 victor completed six panels on the fast main oval in 1:11 1/5 for
conditioner Jeff Bonde.
Track Stats
From a total of 35 races held at the Southern California racetrack during the
past week, favorites won at a 43 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 54 percent of the wins. From 34 frays contested on the Cushion
Track oval, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (18 percent), while the lone
grassy winner did not go all the way on the lead.
It was something of an all-or-nothing week, with 15 favorites and just four
second choices coming through. We saw a slew of odd results in our opinion and
we think the track had something to do with it. When these races get washed off
the turf, the main track often yields some interesting finishes.
Late runners seemed to have a good week here, following a four-day stanza
where speed was excellent on the Cushion. We expect things to go back in that
direction in the upcoming weekend of racing.
Five horses breaking from the rail won on Saturday from 10 races, but only
one of those came in wire-to-wire fashion.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 142 | |
| CUSHION: | 107 | |
| TURF: | 35 | |
| FAVORITES: | 49 (35 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 28 (20 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 6 (17 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 30 (28 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (11/29)
3RD — STREETS OF HEAVEN (Street Cry) was a clear second behind a sharp
winner in this one and continues to be in very good form for trainer Richard
Baltas. The seven-year-old gelding will be tough right back if properly placed.
6TH — The layoff and equipment change seemed to do well for THE BRAIN
(Street Sense), who showed marked improvement when dusting this field late under
Martin Garcia. The Baffert pupil had always shown speed in his first trio of
starts, but never collapsed in here and could have had something in the tank
late.
Friday (11/30)
7TH — SIZZLING GOLD (Formal Gold) had been off form for a while, but the
five-year-old mare might have righted the ship in this one with a game tally for
conditioner George Lopez. Racing on the main oval, the Cal-bred battled back
after being passed in the lane and should be live next time at another decent
number.
Saturday (12/1)
2ND — The Baffert-trained BLACK WITCH (Majestic Warrior) showed no speed
while last for the opening half-mile in this dash, but came home with real good
energy to be a clear second. The juvenile miss is bred to get more ground and
will be very tough after getting one under her belt.
3RD — The classy RENEESGOTZIP (City Zip) was all heart in this one in
wearing down the clear leader in the final strides to post the victory in this
affair. This sophomore seemingly always fires and is a superb one-turn runner
for trainer Peter Miller.
Sunday (12/2)
2ND — MIA ISABEL (Exchange Rate) continued her good form since joining the
Doug O’Neill barn in proving stubborn late in victory on the main oval in here.
The sophomore filly topped her elders in this spot and has the versatility to
run here or on the lawn.
8TH — PRIVATE ZONE ran another big one only to be second once again, and we
think this O’Neill charge could be among the better sprinters on the West Coast
with continued improvement into the 2013 season. The sophomore gelding battled
back in the lane after being passed and seemed to be hitting a nice stride late,
suggesting he can go another furlong at this level.
A Look Ahead
Saturday will play host to the Grade 1, $500,000 Hollywood Starlet and the
Grade 2, $200,000 Bayakoa Handicap.