HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 22, 2013
by John Mucciolo
There was a single graded race over the fourth weekend at Hollywood Park.
Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2): Southern Equine Stable et al’s OPEN WATER
(Include) commenced her bid approaching the final turn, took a short lead in
midstretch and powered home a one-length winner under Joe Talamo. The Eric
Guillot trainee endured 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track in 1:44 to post her
first graded win.
Track Stats
From a total of 36 races held at the Inglewood, California, racetrack during
the past week, favorites won at a 36 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 22 frays contested on the
Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (41 percent), while
two horses went all the way on the lead from 14 turf events (14 percent).
Speed was good on the Cushion oval this week, but we can’t say it was a
biased oval as a trio of those wire-to-wire winners on the main strip came in 4
1/2-furlong sprints on the main surface. We did see winners coming from well off
of it, as well.
Of the two turf wire-to-wire winners, one came in a sprint and the other in a
route event. We continue to like how the lawn is playing mostly fairly here.
In seems worthy of note through four weeks now that 84 of the 96 main-track
winners broke from posts 1-6. But, as it was pointed out to me, much of that has
to do with smaller field sizes. We still would prefer not backing runners who
might be wide throughout if we can help it, especially in route races.
The slower final times produced on the Cushion this past week suggests that
the surface may be a bit tiring.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 141 | |
| CUSHION: | 96 | |
| TURF: | 45 | |
| FAVORITES: | 45 (30 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 33 (27 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 7 (16 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 34 (34 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Friday (5/17)
3RD — We thought TOPIC (Discreet Cat) ran a sneaky good race in her turf
debut on this day for Neil Drysdale, rallying from well back to be beaten less
than two lengths in what appeared to be an educational race. The sophomore filly
didn’t face any monsters in this one, but she was willing late and could surely
improve second time on the green in her next affair. And we also liked how live
she was on the tote board.
5TH — ET TU WALKER (Shakespeare) continued his fine form surge with a
dominant 3 3/4-length romp in this turf dash under Mario Gutierrez. The
four-year-old handled the rise in class with ease in here and is proven to be
very versatile on nearly any oval.
6TH — We’ll admit we have no clue as to how to gauge BATTI MAN
(Manipulator), who was all heart in victory in this spot. The speedy sort was on
our radar earlier in his career as a sprinter, but after throwing in the towel
on numerous occasions, we gave up on him. Give credit to trainer Dan Hendricks,
as well, for sticking with the five-year-old.
8TH — The Art Sherman-trained CALIFORNIA CHROME (Lucky Pulpit) returns to
this list proved his debut run was no fluke with a decisive 2 3/4-length tally
over a field that might have had some talent signed on. It’s possible the
juvenile could be of stakes quality with further development.
Saturday (5/18)
1ST — Trainer Tim Yakteen got away with one by sending the aptly named
FREAKIN’ ROCKET (Rock Hard Ten) in a maiden claiming run at first asking as the
sophomore colt annihilated this group by more than nine lengths. The
Kentucky-bred set fast splits and never stopped, and will surely be facing
starter foes in his comeback outing.
4TH — GIFTING (Street Cry) proved why she was so well bet in both of her
lifetime races with a solid maiden tally in this one for conditioner Bob
Baffert. The well-bred filly was inching clear late and we definitely think she
will get better the longer she runs.
Sunday (5/19)
7TH — SWEET SWAP (Candy Ride) could not have looked much better in this one
with a dominant 3 1/4-length tally under Rafael Bejarano. The talented turf
sprinter made short work of a very talented field and got his final quarter-mile
in a wicked :22 4/5! Conditioner John Sadler will have this one in a stakes race
next time out.
9TH — We’re not sure if the clear leader was stopping or if HEAT TRAP
(Unusual Heat) was flying home; nonetheless, this was a fine debut win for the
Carla Gaines pupil, who appeared to have zero chance even in midstretch. The
filly came home in a sub :23 final two furlongs and could be any kind.
DON’T LOSE FAITH (Minister’s Wildcat) was eight lengths in front after a
half-mile and seven clear with a furlong to go and clocked six grassy panels in
a shade more than 1:09. A repeat of that finds this filly in the winner’s circle
next time.
A Look Ahead
Saturday will play host to the Grade 2, $150,000 American Handicap at one
mile on the turf oval. The Memorial Day Holiday will showcase a pair of graded
races; the Grade 1, $250,000 Gamely Stakes and the Grade 3, $100,000 Los Angeles
Handicap.