HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
APRIL 28, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
Hollywood Park kicked off its spring/summer meet this past Friday night with
the Harry Henson S. for three-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs on grass.
JULIESUGARDADDY (Unusual Heat) had the distinction of becoming the first stakes
winner of the meet when he rallied from well off the early pace to win going
away by more than a length. Osidy (Storm Cat), the 2-1 favorite in the wagering,
was making his first U.S. start for trainer Richard Mandella and closed from last
place after an awkward start to finish second by a nose over Dover Dere
(Cherokee Run).
The winner, who is trained by Barry Abrams, is unbeaten since being switched to
grass by his connections. The gray colt notched his first stakes victory in his
Hollywood Park unveiling with Alex Bisono aboard, who incidentally has ridden
him in all three career victories.
On Saturday, racing resumed with its regular afternoon post time, with the
Wilshire H. (G3) for fillies and mares at a mile serving as the feature on the
card. Favoritism fell to Mea Domina (Dance Brightly), who sported a perfect
record in four grass starts heading into the Wilshire. However, she would not
take down the top prize on this day as top honors went to PICKLE (GB) (Piccolo),
who rallied smartly in the stretch to outfinish Makeup Artist (Dynaformer) by a
scant nose. Despite a slightly wide trip, Pickle made her move on the far turn
as she began improving her position. Engaging the leaders shortly after the
field turned for home, she eventually secured a tenuous lead and had enough left
to withstand a late run from Makeup Artist. Amorama (Fr) (Sri Pekan) closed
belatedly to finish third by three-quarters of a length over Mea Domina, who
weakened in the stretch under pressure after gaining a brief advantage.
On Sunday, Hollywood Park conducted its sixth California Gold Rush card for
California-bred runners, which is made up of 10 races, six of which are stakes
events. The maiden ROBADOR (Robannier) pulled off a stunning upset in the
$250,000 Snow Chief S. when he closed strongly in the stretch to win by a
half-length at odds of 23-1. The fact that he was winless in seven prior starts
did not prohibit Robodar from dispensing a sustained rally after taking up a
position toward the back of the pack. Under jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., he closed
like a seasoned pro to overtake Lucky J. H. (Cee’s Tizzy) in deep stretch. The
runner-up responded well to rating tactics and was courageous in defeat,
finishing two lengths clear of Top This and That (Old Topper), who closed from
far back to finish third. Thor’s Echo (Swiss Yodeler), who won the WinStar Derby
at Sunland Park in his most recent start, was dispatched as the 8-5 favorite in
the race. He contested the early pace from the outset, but tired slowly in the
stretch and finished fourth.
No fewer than four riders are tied for the top spot in the jockey standings:
Victor Espinoza, Alex Solis, Garrett Gomez and Corey Nakatani.
There is a six-way deadheat in the race for leading trainer. Battling for the
lead are Craig Dollase, Kristin Mulhall, Martin Jones, Neil Drysdale, Vladimir
Cerin and David La Croix.
There was no glaring bias on the main track on opening night. Over the
weekend, early speed types dominated the results in sprints. All paths seemed
quite uniform.
The turf course played favorably to closers on Friday, and became less
pronounced on Saturday and Sunday.
HORSES TO WATCH
Friday (4/22)
1ST – GONE QUIET (Real Quiet) put forth a much improved effort on the drop.
Hard used arguing fast fractions while exhibiting surprise early speed.
Obviously prefers Hollywood Park where he is stabled.
4TH – Kentucky-shipper MY DEAR JAZZ (Jambalaya Jazz) ran well off the layoff
in first start for Mullins. Clearly second best finishing with good energy for
the place. May prefer to sit a bit closer to the front.
8TH – OSIDY (Storm Cat) spotted the field two lengths with an awkward start
in his U.S. debut for trainer Richard Mandella. Leveled off nicely around the
far turn and into the stretch to finish well late. Galloped out strongly past
the wire and needs only an alert beginning to find the winner’s circle.
Saturday (4/23)
1ST – FOURTY WINKS MORE (Bold Badgett) was a good third dropping into a
maiden claimer for the first time. Finished with good energy over a course
playing favorably to early speed.
4TH – California homebred-runner LIL’ SISTER SWISS (Swiss Yodeler) was a
sharp second in her well bet/well meant debut. Held gamely dictating a pressured
pace throughout. Bred for a sprint and to win early in her career. Eligible for
statebred races in addition to possessing a fine wet track pedigree.
5TH – MEGABYTE (Chief Seattle) was sent off the favorite in this turf
experiment while returning from a layoff in his first start since switched to
Mandella. He proved didn’t like the green and failed to show his usual fine
tactical speed and suffered a wide trip. Lone win thus far has come over dirt
and he may ultimately be returned to that surface.
Sunday (4/24)
6TH – K C NITE MAYR (Old Topper) was compromised by a wide trip vs. a hot
pace while stepping up and turning back to a sprint. Gained the place chasing a
loose front runner over a speed-biased track.