HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 3, 2011
by John Mucciolo
A lone graded event took place during the second week at Hollywood Park.
Wilshire H. (G3): Trainer Simon Callaghan et al’s DUBAWI HEIGHTS (GB)
(Dubawi [Ire]) took command inside the final furlong and pulled clear to a 1
1/2-length victory beneath Joel Rosario. The rising four-year-old turf star got
one mile in 1:35 1/5 on the firm turf for her first graded score.
Track Stats
From a total of 34 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during the four-day race week, favorites won at a 35 percent clip and the top
two betting choices combined for 70 percent of the wins. From 24 frays contested
on the Cushion oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (38 percent),
while two of the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (20 percent).
This main oval continues to play pretty fairly from what we can see, and it
has for some time. Horses can win from up front early, stalking wide or making
one run from last. And, for now, we say the same about the turf oval from a
smaller sample.
We recommend keeping an eye on the following barns: Mike Harrington, who has
been live with numerous runners, especially babies; Mike Mitchell; and last but
surely not least, Peter Miller, who’s had a few that not only won but dominated
by open lengths. This trio seemingly pointed everything to this meeting.
Meet Totals
RACES:
69
CUSHION:
52
TURF:
17
FAVORITES:
26 (38 percent)
2ND CHOICES: 17 (24
percent)
TURF WIRE:
3 (18 percent)
CUSHION WIRE: 14 (27 percent)
Main Track Post Positions (wins)
RAIL: 8
1-3: 21
4-6: 18
7-out: 13
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (4/28)
3RD – GOGI (Swiss Yodeler) was always prominent in this one and re-rallied in
late stretch after going wide turning for home in a game runner-up try for Mike
Harrington. The debuter will surely be a major factor with any type of
improvement next out.
5TH – COOK INLET (Candy Ride [Arg]) was very game in this one, his first
start of the year, and could easily blossom into a nice colt for trainer John
Sadler. Going two turns off the shelf, the sophomore found his best stride late
and will be winner very soon.
7TH – AKKADIAN (Tiznow) got back on track with an impressive win in this one
for Canani, surging late to win like a good thing under Rosario. The
stakes-quality three-year-old will be stakes bound next time.
Saturday (4/30)
2ND – Harrington unveiled another sharp prospect in PEND OREILLE (Swiss
Yodeler), who overcame the rail to post a nice win while pulling away late. The
juvenile colt was pretty quick in this one and will likely be given a stakes
chance in his return.
5TH – ALLEY HONDRO (Skimming) was a bit unlucky not to win this race in his
second straight big showing for Ron Ellis. The four-year-old is much improved as
of late and is sitting on a win.
Sunday (5/1)
6TH – PINK LENINADE (Lemon Drop Kid) was very sharp at first asking here for
Hendricks, leading at every call and finding more when threatened late under
Rosario. The three-year-old filly took some money here and didn’t disappoint,
and she should be tougher next out for a barn that improves with experienced
runners.
7TH – SARAH’S SCERET (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]) showed no rust off the lengthy
layoff in here for Kathy Walsh, powering home in the latter stages in a smart
tally. The sophomore filly toppled a solid group in her bow versus elders and
should be in a stakes race before long.
A Look Ahead
Saturday plays host to the $150,000 Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2) and $100,000
Senorita S. (G3).