HOLLYWOOD PARK NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 15, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
A scheduling note — Hollywood Park is in its final week of racing and will
close on December 19. Racing will begin again on December 26, when Santa Anita
Park opens it doors for its prestigious winter meet. The change in venue will be
surely be greeted with open arms, as turf racing will resume once again in
Southern California.
TROTAMONDO (Chi) (Hussonet), who had been fed a steady diet of wet main
tracks throughout his career in Chile, had no trouble handling the transition to
a dry surface as he captured the Native Diver H. (G3) at Hollywood Park on
Saturday. Rallying from dead last, the four-year-old Chilean-bred runner began
to improve his position around the far turn, and was within shouting distance of
the leaders at the furlong marker in the stretch. Under energetic handling from
jockey Garrett Gomez, the Laura de Seroux-trained runner sustained his closing
bid to the wire, outfinishing Bully Hayes (Sultry Song), who also rallied from
off the pace, by a half-length.
Spellbinder (Tale of the Cat) disputed the pace from the outset before giving
ground grudgingly in the stretch to finish third. Preachinatthebar (Silver
Charm), who incidentally defeated the winner in their most recent encounter at
Hollywood Park, improved his position upon entering the stretch, but lacked the
necessary punch when called upon and checked in fourth.
On Sunday, STAR PARADE (Arg) (Parade Marshal) dueled the favored Dream of
Summer (Siberian Summer) into defeat, and then drew clear in the stretch to win
the Bayakoa H. (G2) by four widening lengths. With Martin Pedroza, Hollywood
Park’s leading rider, at the controls, Star Parade had a perfect trip down the
backstretch. When asked for her best in the stretch by Pedroza, the
Argentinean-bred mare responded willingly. Dream of Summer was unable to match
strides with the winner late, thus settling for second-place money. Island
Fashion (Petionville) was a distant third as she passed tiring rivals and was
never a serious threat.
Jeff Mullins owns a two-win lead over Doug O’Neill with just one week left in
the meet. Bob Baffert, Mike Mitchell and John Sadler round out the top five.
Pedroza continues to lead all jockeys and is followed by Pat Valenzuela and
Corey Nakatani. Tyler Baze and Alex Solis are dead-locked for fourth place.
The main track appeared to play uniformly all week, with no running style
holding a distinct advantage on any particular day. There did not seem to be any
discernible path bias all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (12/8)
3RD – DANTHEBLUEGRASSMAN (Pioneering) finished a sharp second on the drop
while returning to a dirt sprint. Continued on well chasing a superior speed
rival in a race that was quick throughout. Was re-claimed by trainer Bob
Baffert, who lost him earlier in the year at a higher claiming level.
4TH – R STRIKER (Smart Strike) posted a game win dropping to a more realistic
level. Exhibited surprise speed to vie for the lead from the start and battled
gamely to the wire. Certainly fits well at the $20K claiming level and will make
his next start for new connections.
Friday (12/9)
4TH – RIVERA (Royal Anthem) showed an encouraging effort in his debut for a
sire/trainer that does not do well with first timers. Even effort chasing a
brisk pace in a swiftly run sprint contest. Would benefit from a drop to
basement level maiden claimers and more distance.
7TH – SALOP (Arg) (El Sembrador) continues to race over his head since
being claimed by his current connections. He ran a creditable third-place here while
showing new found speed, a sign of improving form. Was forced to chase a
superior pace rival and held gamely to salvage the show. Would definitely
benefit from some much needed class relief and a turn back to a sprint.
Saturday (12/10)
3RD – CEE’S THE POINT (Cee’s Tizzy) ran a useful fourth following a prolonged
layoff. Made an effort to improve his position in the stretch, but failed to
sustain his rally late behind a decisive winner in a much needed effort. Has
room for further progress.
5TH – SCARLETT MEMORIES (Diligence) has run well in both starts off the claim
for Mullins. Clearly second best in recent effort while disputing a
fast pace. Appears to be better suited to a midlevel claiming runners.
Sunday (12/11)
6TH – MONKEY FACE (Bertrando) had a good “education race” in her career
debut. Raced in tight quarters around the far turn and then finished with
interest when clear in the stretch to get the show. She is a full sister to her
dam’s two winners, neither of whom won their debut and were at their best over a
route of ground.
7TH – FLY FORREST FLY (Cape Canaveral) was hard used vying for the lead, his
first sprint contest since last June. Dueled to midstretch before tiring.
Clearly is at his best when able to secure a daylight lead.
8TH – Dream of Summer was a good second after setting a pestered pace,
remaining well-clear of the third-place finisher while giving six pounds to the
winner. Gives the impression that she prefers a target to run at now and holds a
decided advantage over state-bred runners.