Hollywood Park opens Wednesday
Hollywood Park begins it’s Autumn Meet on Wednesday and the
focal point will be the 14th annual Turf Festival, which will
feature three Grade 1 events. The $400,000 Citation H. has been
upgraded following the 2003 running and now carries Grade 1
status.
The Turf Festival, held over the Thanksgiving holiday, will
feature the Citation at 8 1/2 furlongs, the $500,000 Hollywood
Derby (G1), and the $500,000 Matriarch S. (G1), a one-mile
contest for fillies and mares.
The schedule includes 20 stakes worth $3.55 million
highlighted by a pair two-year-old events on the final weekend,
the $250,000 Hollywood Futurity (G1) and the $250,000 Hollywood
Starlet (G1). Both contests are run at 1 1/16-miles, with the
latter for fillies. Last year’s Futurity winner, Lion Heart, was
touted as a leading three-year-old this season, as the Futurity
winner usually is. Other marquee races include the $250,000
Hollywood Turf Cup (G1), a 12-furlong grass event for
three-year-olds and up.
In addition to the on-track festivities, Hollywood Park will
also hold it’s traditional Snow Day December 4, when the
racetrack infield will be covered with over 300 tons of snow.
New wagering options are available as well, every day during
the 2004 Fall Meet will feature a guaranteed Pick 4 pool of
$200,000 on weekdays and a guaranteed $400,000 on Saturdays.