HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 23
by Bernard T. Moore
The Hollywood Park Futurity (G1) was being billed as the race of the year for
juvenile colts, surpassing even the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) in November in some
minds. All the hype centered on the fact that winner of this race would in all
likelihood be bestowed with the honor of two-year-old champion in 2004.
The race matched Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Wilko (Awesome Again) against
the up and coming DECLAN’S MOON (Malibu Moon), who remained undefeated after a
facile victory in the Hollywood Prevue S. (G3). It also attracted Champagne S.
(G1) victor Proud
Accolade (Yes It’s True), who following a disappointing effort in the Breeders’ Cup
had headed west to seek vindication of sorts. Bushwacker (Outflanker), a
strong second to Declan’s Moon in the Hollywood Prevue, was also in the Futurity
field, thus making this year’s renewal of the race one of the strongest fields
in recent memory.
No one could argue that the stage was set to crown a champion. However,
expectations in Thoroughbred racing are seldom met, and rarely, if ever, are
they exceeded. However, the result of this year’s Futurity will begin a healthy debate about the winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby
(G1), even though
Santa Claus has not yet made his rounds this year.
Declan’s Moon spurted to the lead an instant after the starting gate opened
in the Futurity, but was soon displaced on the front end by Bushwacker. Wilko
raced in third along the rail heading into the first turn, with Proud
Accolade in close attendance as well. Bushwacker proceeded to race well out from
the inside down the backstretch as he maintained the lead, but soon relinquished
his advantage to Declan’s Moon, who had been tugging at the bit from the outset
under jockey Victor Espinoza.
After securing the lead, Declan’s Moon was
enveloped by runners on the far turn, with Proud Accolade to his outside and
Wilko taking a spot down along the rail. Declan’s Moon withstood the challenge
of both rivals, but Wilko would resurface once more to his outside in the
stretch, as he prepared to take one final run at him. Giacomo (Holy Bull) was gathering
momentum at this point as well while racing down the middle of the track. Declan’s Moon was far from finished,
though, as Espinoza employed only a hand ride to
the finish to emerge with a decisive one-length victory over Giacomo. Wilko
finished third, but not before jockey Corey Nakatani alleged interference by the
winner on the far turn. His claim of foul was summarily dismissed by the
stewards.
A deserving champion to say the least, Declan’s Moon has done everything that
has been asked of him thus far. He has been painstakingly handled by trainer Ron
Ellis, and is certainly worthy of an Eclipse award. While voters of that
prestigious honor obviously have the final say, he certainly has to be viewed as
the odds-on favorite, especially off his sparkling performance in the Futurity.
On Sunday, SPLENDID BLENDED (Unbridled’s Song) demonstrated why she is one of
the top juvenile fillies in the country by annexing the Hollywood Starlet (G1)
by two decisive lengths over runner-up Sharp Lisa (Dixieland Band). Trained by
Neil Drysdale, Splendid Blended forced the early pace of No Bull Baby (Indian
Charlie) down the backstretch and quickly disposed of that rival shortly after
entering the stretch. She was able to assume to a daylight lead shortly
thereafter, and was well within herself as she repelled the final charge of
Sharp Lisa in the stretch as the 6-5 favorite. Northern Mischief (Yankee Victor)
stalked the early pacesetters and finished a non-threatening third,
three lengths ahead of a weakening No Bull Baby.
The lone blemish on Splendid Blended’s record is a runner-up finish to Sweet
Catomine (Storm Cat) in the Oak Leaf S. (G2) at Santa Anita in October. Drysdale was
elated with her performance in the Starlet, as she continues to mature with
time. His decision to bypass the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) has paid off
handsomely, as she undoubtedly will be a force to be reckoned with in the
upcoming months.
When jockeys deemed the Hollywood Park turf course unsafe on Saturday, and
subsequently refused to race over it, management was left with no choice but to
transfer all grass races to the main track. As a result, the $150,000 Dahlia
H. (G3), the closing day feature on Monday, was transferred to dirt. There
was a multitude of scratches from the race, and only five runners were left to
compete. FESTIVAL (Jpn) (Assatias), who had not visited the winner’s circle since
2001, emerged victorious to score by six-widening lengths over Irgunette (Irgun),
who weakened after dictating an enterprising early pace. Belle Ange (Ganges)
finished third, three lengths ahead of Midwife (Family Calling), who flashed
brief foot before dropping back steadily.
Rene Douglas was the leading rider at Hollywood Park, edging out Tyler Baze
by two victories. Victor Espinoza finished third, as Corey Nakatani and Jon
Court completed the top five.
Doug O’Neill took down the training title, three ahead of Bob Baffert, with
Mike Harrington two victories farther back in third. Jeff Mullins and John
Sadler finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Horses with early speed dominated main track sprint races last week, but
distance races were less biased. The turf course appeared bias free when grass
racing went off as scheduled.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/15)
6TH – YESTERDAY’S ROSE (Rio Verde) flashed much improved speed to be part of
a five-horse scramble for the early lead while adding blinkers. She held well until
midstretch when she understandably began to tire. Fits well at this reduced
level.
8TH – MR. CHING (Distant View) was a much-improved second off a long layoff, making
his first start for trainer Antonio Lopez. He dispensed a good middle move into a
strong pace to seize the lead on the far turn. Yielded to a decisive winner late
while remaining well clear of the third place finisher.
Thursday (12/16)
1ST – GRAY BLACK N WHITE (Quiet American) easily handled an overmatched field
of maiden claimers. Could win right back if entered against limited winners in a
starter allowance contest.
2ND – EXCESSIVEPLEASURE (In Excess) weakened in the stretch after disputing a
hot pace off a prolonged layoff. Dual stakes-winner should have derived
beneficial conditioning from this effort. Has won without the lead in the past.
Friday (12/17)
3RD – PLAYING ‘R SONG (Bartok) was a sharp second in her well-bet/well-meant debut.
She held gamely setting a quick and pressured pace. Sire is not known for getting
many juvenile debut winners, so further progress is likely for a top barn.
6TH – ARMAN (Red Ransom) was dueled into defeat by a multi-level class dropper.
Surrendered the place in the stretch to fresh closers while finishing a
creditable fourth. Would benefit by a cutback in distance.
Saturday (12/18)
2ND – BEND (Arch) was an improved fourth off a long layoff while switching surfaces.
Closed with good energy despite having to steady. Should benefit from her
initial turf experience. Further progress expected in second start off the
shelf, and may appreciate added distance.
5TH – BIG SQUEEZE (Petionville) deserves another chance on dirt. Got caught
up in a suicidal speed duel and understandably tired late.
Sunday (12/19)
2ND – ABSOLUTE GLORY (Pembroke) revealed dramatic form reversal in second career start.
Responded favorably to the switch in trainers and surface, as well as the
addition of Lasix and blinkers. Finished well despite racing in cramped quarters
much of the way vs. a speed favoring track. Her future may lie on the main
track, as her dam excelled in dirt sprints and routes, and also possessed
ability to handle a track with moisture.
8TH – NO BULL BABY (Indian Charlie) clearly was not disgraced stretching out
against Grade 1 competition. Held well setting the pace while hounded by a
superior rival. Two failed attempts in routes suggest she is better suited to
sprints.