HOLLYWOOD PARK NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 8, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
BORDONARO (Memo [Chi]) broke in stride to immediately grab a daylight
advantage and continued to lead his three rivals on a merry chase, emerging
victorious in the Vernon O. Underwood S. (G3) on Saturday by three decisive
lengths. Under jockey Patrick Valenzuela, Bordonaro set up shop on the front end
and was never seriously threatened during any point in the race, covering the
six furlong distance in a rapid 1:08.11. Turnbolt (Deputy Minister), making his
first start for new trainer Richard Mandella, chased the winner’s pace along
with Captain Squire (Flying Chevron), the 4-5 favorite, and eventually
outfinished that rival for the place with Captain Squire taking down the show.
The next day, PROUD TOWER TOO (Proud Irish) also employed front-running
tactics to win the On Trust H., a race for three-year-olds and up who were bred
in California. Dispatched at odds of 7-1, the Sal Gonzalez-trained sophomore set
a pressured pace and held on tenaciously to the lead in deep stretch, just
lasting over a fast-closing Jack’s Wild (Lil Tyler). Areyoutalkintome (Smokester)
argued the early fractions from the outset, but tired slowly in the stretch to
finish a good third as the 9-5 favorite.
Prior to the running of the On Trust, HOUSE OF FORTUNE (Free House) took full
advantage of the speed-favoring Hollywood Park track to annex the Cat’s Cradle
H. Breaking from the rail, she was immediately hustled away from the gate to
gain the early lead under jockey Valenzuela, who annexed two stakes contests
over the weekend. The winner began disposing of her pace rivals leaving the far
turn, increased her lead once settling into the stretch and maintained a safe
advantage to the wire to score by 1 3/4 lengths. Western Hemisphere (General
Meeting) chased the winner home and was clearly second best. Strut Your Stuff
(Bold Badgett) raced with striking distance of the leaders down the backstretch,
but was unable to improve her position late and finished third.
Martin Pedroza maintains his lead in the jockey standings, with Valenzuela
moving into second last week. Garrett Gomez is in third with Tyler Baze fourth.
Jeff Mullins tops the trainer standings, with Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill
dead-locked for the second spot, only two victories behind Mullins. John Sadler
and Mike Mitchell complete the top five.
The main track played kindly to speed runners when racing returned on
Thursday, and continued to flatter early speed types to varying degrees all
week.
There did not appear to be any path biases worthy of mention all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (12/1)
4TH – VALID AGAIN (Awesome Again) was steadied shortly after the start, which
caused him to race in last early. Finished with good energy for third over a
speed-favoring track and appears better suited to seven furlongs.
5TH – GOLDEN VIA (Via Lombardia) turned in a useful third-place effort in her
career debut for low profile connections. Rallied nicely late despite a bit of a
tardy start breaking from an outside post. Can progress off this effort as
neither her sire nor her trainer excel with first timers.
Friday (12/2)
5TH – SNEAKY ANNIE (In Excess), a homebred firster, was a good third to begin
her career. Chased a loose wire-to-wire winner into the stretch and tired in a
much needed effort. Should have derived beneficial conditioning and experience
from this race. Hails from a strong stakes-winning sprint family and is bred to
win early in her career.
7TH – INDIAN FLARE (Cherokee Run) was clearly a tad short in her comeback
effort. Dueled head and head for the lead through fast fractions with a more
seasoned rival and understandably tired. Should obviously be much fitter in
second start off a prolonged layoff and may also benefit from a return to rating
tactics.
Saturday (12/3)
3RD – CAPTAIN SQUIRE (Flying Chevron) evidently regressed in his Southern
California return effort. Lacked his usual blinding early zip, as he was outrun
for the lead and then raced one-paced to the finish. Might benefit from a
freshening before retuning to competition.
5TH – DIAMOND SUCKER (Siphon) showed a dramatic reversal in form shipping in
from Kentucky. Held gamely to finish a strong second despite a contentious pace
battle. Must avoid regression in next start and could probably use some time to
recoup from this taxing effort.
Sunday (12/4)
3RD – Western Hemisphere offered a sharp effort returning to the main track.
Exhibited a surprisingly good turn of early foot to the stalk the early pace and
continued on well in the stretch while clearly second best. May be primed for a
career best effort in her third start off an extended layoff and appears best
sprinting.
5TH – ROYAL EVE (Royal Academy) closed well for third in a swiftly run sprint
in her unveiling. May ultimately be switched to grass as she is bred on both
sides of her pedigree for a route of ground, and the dam’s lone winner was
victorious on turf.
8TH – AREYOUTALKINTOME (Smokester) held gamely while stretching to out 7 1/2
furlongs, vying for the lead from the outset before winding up a good third. He
would benefit from a cutback in distance and will probably appreciate a change
in venue, being just one-for-10 at Hollywood.