HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
MAY 1, 2008
by John Mucciolo
California Gold Rush Day was accompanied by a pair of graded events during
the opening week at Hollywood Park.
Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2): Marsha Naify and Aase Headley’s SURF CAT (Sir
Cat) was all class late in running down Desert Code (E Dubai) just before the
wire to earn the win in this one beneath Alex Solis. Trained by Bruce Headley,
the mega-talented six-year-old reached the wire in a sharp 1:41 for the 1 1/16
miles contest, while a half-length clear on the line.
Wilshire H. (G3): Three Chimneys Racing’s DIAMOND DIVA (GB) (Dansili
[GB]) easily drove to the lead in the stretch to earn the three-parts of a
length win in here for conditioner James Cassidy. The Euro import, who took the
American Beauty H. in her U.S. debut, traveled one mile on the firm turf in a
superb 1:33 1/5 under David Flores.
California Gold Rush Day: Congratulations to the winners, and the
connections, of the lucrative races for California-bred contestants on Sunday.
| MR. WOLVERINE (Last Lion) | Khaled S. | |
| HARLENE (Decarchy) | Snow Chief S. | |
| BEL AIR SIZZLE (Unusual Heat) | Melair S. | |
| SPENDITALLBABY (Unusual Heat) | B. Thoughtful S. | |
| TUTTA BELLA (Holy Bull) | Fran’s Valentine S. | |
| STELLA MARK (Benchmark) | Tiznow S. | |
| SANGAY (Stormin Fever) | Warren’s Thoroughbreds S. | |
| DANCING IN SILKS (Black Minnaloushe) | NTRA S. | |
| SENSITIVE SOUL (Bernstein) | Magali Farms S. | |
| BESTDRESSED (Lit de Justice) | Barretts S. |
Track Stats
From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during the week, favorites won at a 34-percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 57 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the
Cushion Track, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (19 percent), while three
of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (23 percent).
The first two betting choices combined for all of the wins during the
eight-race card on Thursday. The first three days of the week yielded 16 winners
in the 25 races coming from the top pair of betting options (64 percent).
Although six horses won in wire-to-wire fashion on the Cushion Track during
opening week, four of the winners were favored. It’s too early to notice any
serious bias, as horses having been winning from all posts and positions
throughout the race.
The surface on Sunday seemed as fair as we’ve seen out west. If anything,
horses must be somewhat in the race by the time they turn for home to optimize
their chances at the win
Meet Totals
|
RACES: |
|
44 |
|
DIRT: |
|
31 |
|
TURF: |
|
13 |
|
FAVORITES: |
|
15 (34 percent) |
|
2ND CHOICES: |
|
10 (23 percent) |
|
TURF WIRE: |
|
3 (23 percent) |
|
DIRT WIRE: |
|
6 (19 percent) |
Post Positions (wins)
|
RAIL: |
|
5 (11 percent) |
|
1-3: |
|
14 (31 percent) |
|
4-6: |
|
17 (38 percent) |
|
7-out: |
|
13 (31 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (4/23)
2ND – JUNE MY LOVE (Slew of Angels) came close once again and is due for a
little luck for trainer Alfredo Marquez. The four-year-old filly has been in the
mix in her last five turf tries but has yet to break through with a score;
she’ll win soon.
5TH – ALBERTUS MAXIMUS (Albert the Great) was clearly best in here, earning a
lifetime best 98 BRIS Speed number for Gary Mandella. The talented four-year-old
showed improved speed in here and could be set for a big year with further
improvement.
7TH – We plugged Diamond Diva in our opening notebook as a horse to watch at
this meet and we’re hopeful that some heeded our advice. The filly has excellent
tactical speed and a quality turn of foot that should make her a major player on
the West Coast throughout the year.
Thursday (4/24)
4TH – BIG RED TATE (Orientate) ran a big one first out of the box for Ron
Ellis, and the gelding shouldn’t be a maiden for long. The four-year-old was
three-parts clear of the favorite in here and should have plenty of room for
improvement.
Friday (4/25)
3RD – SOUTH COAST (Flying Continental) was a game second behind a nice one in
here and now shows a win and two seconds in three two-turn turf tries for Marty
Jones. The five-year-old, who has improved his BRIS Speed number in his last
trio of outings, appears to be of stakes quality and shouldn’t be dismissed at
big odds if he goes that route.
8TH – MR KEPPEL (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) didn’t show much in his U.S.
debut for John Sadler, but the three-year-old had good form in Europe and should
be given a second chance. The expensive Tattersalls purchase might enjoy some
added ground, also.
Saturday (4/26)
2ND – CHRISTIANA’S HEAT (Unusual Heat) was two necks shy of taking this race
and is in very good current form for Barry Abrams. The gray filly has run five
solid turf races in 2008, and if she gets a little freshening, she should be
ready to roll.
6TH – BE GLORIOUS (Red Bullet) showed great heart in not relinquishing the
lead late in here, and we love horses who have a nose for the wire. The Bobby
Frankel charge was the recipient of a dream trip in here, so we won’t go
overboard, but her determination late gives the impression that she could handle
added ground. Her half-sister, Grade 1 winner Citronnade (Lemon Drop Kid), was
also pretty good and got better with age.
Sunday (4/27)
5TH – Dancing in Silks crushed his foes in career start number two for Carla
Gaines, and the gelding appears to have a really bright future. He is kin to a
pair of graded stakes performers, and it looks like the apple didn’t fall far
from the tree.
A Look Ahead
The $150,000 Inglewood H. (G3) is the Derby Day feature, while Sunday’s main
event is the $150,000 Hawthorne S. (G3).