HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 11, 2013
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded affairs led the way last week at Hollywood Park.
Hollywood Starlet (G1): Hill ‘n’ Dale and Edward McGhee’s homebred
STREAMING (Smart Strike) pressed the pace to the top of the stretch and
continued on well to post a 10-1 upset under Martin Garcia. The unbeaten
two-year-old filly was 1 1/2 lengths clear under the wire and completed 1 1/16
miles in 1:44 4/5 for trainer Bob Baffert.
Bayakoa S. (G2): Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer et al’s BROKEN SWORD
(Broken Vow) shot to the lead soon after the start and was never seriously
threatened throughout in posting a facile 4 1/4-length romp under the guidance
of Joel Rosario. The surging sophomore filly endured 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion
Track oval in 1:42 4/5.
Track Stats
From a total of 35 races held at the Inglewood, California racetrack during
the past week, favorites won at a 29 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 60 percent of the wins. From 27 frays contested on the
Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (33 percent), while
one of the eight grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (12 percent).
We thought this was the best week for speed on the main oval, with a third of
the Cushion Track races ending up in wire jobs. When speed is holding in route
races on this strip we take extra notice as to how the surface is playing. Going
forward we suggest giving an extra look at pace players, especially going long.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 174 | |
| CUSHION: | 130 | |
| TURF: | 44 | |
| FAVORITES: | 66 (40 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 40 (21 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 8 (19 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 25 (16 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (12/5)
3RD — NICKELS WILD (Sky Mesa) showed a new dimension in this maiden test and
it paid off as the Beau Greely trainee took back some early, and ran down her
foes in the lane. The sophomore had been speedy in her races leading up to this,
but proved she is a versatile performer who could be dangerous right back.
8TH — RAMBLING HOUSE (Bertrando) looked done approaching the turn for home
but re-rallied some and gamely earned the place spot in a solid debut try behind
a very sharp winner. We’ll tab the Dean Pedersen trainee for future success and
a possible graduation with improvement next time.
Friday (12/6)
3RD — The Jeff Mullins-trained CRUSHER (Strong Contender) had a very wide
trip but still came home well to finish clear in second behind a logical winner.
The gelded sophomore showed nice improvement and a more sensible trip should
vault this one into contention once again next time.
7TH — DUBAI X Y Z (E Dubai) delivered yet another big performance off a long
layoff for trainer Mark Tsagalakis, collaring the pacesetter and inching clear
in the lane en route to a stylish victory. The lightly raced six-year-old never
runs a bad one, and we would surely see him stay on the track and put a few
races together without interruption.
Saturday (12/7)
2ND — CHITU (Henny Hughes) took a ton of early money and showed why,
speeding out from the tricky rail post early and fighting off a stern test at
the top of the lane to win impressively for conditioner Bob Baffert. The
$300,000 juvenile purchase was gaining on this field in the lane and might be a
real nice one with more development.
THE ADMIRAL (Giant’s Causeway) didn’t show much early foot but did rally well
through the lane to just miss second in what should be a pretty “key” race going
forward. This Baffert debuter is from such a classy family that we have a
feeling we will see more from this youngster in the near future.
Sunday (12/8)
1ST — Baffert’s big week continued in this opener when first-time starter
CRUSHED VELVET (Malibu Moon) overcame a tough inner post at first asking to win
going away. The juvenile filly was very professional through the stretch and
gave the impression of a prospect who should get more ground in the future.
A Look Ahead
Saturday will play host to a trio of graded races. The topper is the Grade 1,
$750,000 CashCall Futurity, for juveniles going 1 1/16 miles. Also on tap is the
Grade 2, $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes and the Grade 3, $150,000 Native
Diver Handicap.