HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 16, 2009
by John Mucciolo
A single graded event led the way during the penultimate week of racing at
Hollywood Park.
Native Diver H. (G3): Stronach Stables’ recently acquired MAST TRACK
(Mizzen Mast) returned instant dividends with a commanding, wire-to-wire win in
here for conditioner Humberto Ascanio. The Grade 1 victor strode 1 1/8 miles in
1:50 2/5 beneath Rafael Bejarano.
Seven-time Grade 1 winner Lava Man (Slew City Slew), who was slated to return
from retirement following a 16-month layoff, was withdrawn due to the rainy
weather. The gelding, who will turn nine on January 1, could make his first
start back for Doug O’ Neill early in the Santa Anita meet.
TRACK STATS
From a total of 42 races held over the Inglewood racetrack during the week,
favorites won at a 33 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for
71 percent of the wins. From 38 frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, eight
animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while one of the four grassy
tussles went all the way on the lead (25 percent).
Speed was not as dominant as it had been for the past two weeks, with just 21
percent of he winners leading at every call. Small fields have dominated the
racing at the end of the meet here, and that could be one reason why more horses
are winning from off the pace — less traffic. That’s just a hunch, though. A
slightly dead main track could be another factor.
Inner and middle posts won 37 of the 42 races, but as we stated before, small
fields yield this result no matter who wins in many races.
MEET TOTALS
| RACES: | 198 | |
| CUSHION: | 149 | |
| TURF: | 49 | |
| FAVORITES: | 68 (34 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 45 (23 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 11 (22 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 49 (33 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 24 | |
| 1-3: | 82 | |
| 4-6: | 78 | |
| 7-out: | 39 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/9)
6TH — QUOTED (City Place) took over from a clear leader and finished up
nicely in a fine maiden tally for O’ Neill. The gelded sophomore could easily
win right back if not placed over his head.
Thursday (12/10)
3RD — FASHION TREND (Petionville) ran too well to lose in here, and the
filly should be tough next out for Craig Dollase.
5TH — SOUL CANDY (Birdonthewire) rallied from last to be a good fourth in
here for Paddy Gallagher, whose runners often improve with experience. The
three-year-old colt will be live next out with a step forward.
Friday (12/11)
1ST — Gallagher’s AGGIE ENGINEER (E Dubai) returned from a long break in
fine form with a facile tally in this one, which was washed off the grass. The
stakes-quality gelding could have a productive 2010 based on his performance of
a year ago.
3RD — We found it interesting that not a single claim was on 1-5 favorite
YANKEE ROMANCE (Yankee Gentleman) in this test, especially after witnessing the
filly toy with these. The Mike Mitchell trainee came home in :24 1/5 for her
final quarter-mile and should be a major presence in a starter allowance field
next out.
7TH — The John Sadler-trained HUNCH (Lion Heart) made his first race since
June a winning one, wearing down the 3-5 favorite under Rafael Bejarano. The
sophomore colt completed his final two furlongs in a swift :23 1/5 and could be
a big player in the sprint division with further development.
Saturday (12/12)
7TH — While SQUARE EDDIE (Smart Strike) got outrun late in this field, we
can’t completely fault him as his recent schedule is questionable at best. Going
about 6 1/2 furlongs downhill on the lawn to nine panels on the main oval is no
easy feat. He’s probably best as a miler type, and we’ll back him when he
returns to realistic distances.
Sunday (12/13)
3RD — SHE’S FUNOMENAL (Fusaichi Pegasus) rolled to her second straight for
Jerry Hollendorfer, and it’s hard to tell how high the ceiling is on the
juvenile miss. She’s looked very good in both starts, and should be able to
negotiate more ground in the future.
4TH — Sadler unveiled a bunch of top juveniles over the past few months, and
one who should be rated high on his list is SWITCH (Quiet American), who romped
at first asking in here. While it’s very early, we have a hunch this one will be
heard from in multiple graded events out here throughout the spring.
8TH — ROYAL PUNISHER (Fusaichi Pegasus) flashed his brilliant early zip in
here before tiring late against his more experienced foes, but we’d love to see
the California-bred try to sprint on the lawn for David Hofmans.
A LOOK AHEAD
The babies take center stage during closing weekend at Hollywood, with
Saturday’s $750,000 CashCall Futurity (G1) and Sunday’s $300,000 Hollywood
Starlet (G1) on tap.